ONE of my favourite Peugeot 206 models is the later 1.4 petrol with no less than 90bhp.

This is one of those cars which can be all things to all men, with 40-plus mpg economy and good performance.

The 206 comes in a bewildering range of trims and special editions so it's hard to know whether you're getting value for money. So check the car you're interested in to make sure.

Other petrol engines go up from a 1.1 litre with 60bhp, through another 1.4 with 75 and a 1.6 with 110.

The diesels are a 1.4 with 70 or 90bhp, a 1.6 with 110, which is well worth finding an earlier 1.9 with 70 and a 2 litre HDi with 90.

But the 90bhp 1.4 16 valve offers the best for most people because it's cheap to own and run, and reasonable to buy. Five door models will be around £100 more than the three door versions.

Insurance is a reasonable group 5 or 6, and most garages can fix them. But don't buy without service history - most should have it.

The 1.4 206 was in production until 2010 and in its latter years ran alongside the Peugeot 207 which arrived in 2006.

The five door is more practical if you have kids, but the driving position is not perfect for all because tall drivers can only just reach the gearlever.

All have good handling and roadholding making them good fun to drive and late petrol 1.4s are now costing about £3,000.