Having passed a year with the car I thought I'd scribble my comments for what they are worth.

Firstly I bought it because I've always liked something different, I think its gorgeous, and trail to Aberdeen most weekends: a round trip of circa 350mls. Its perfect for this: refined, quiet, very comfortable but not quite as frugal as my Golf 140 TDi : in real terms 46/47 mpg and I've always got good mpg from my cars due to my driving style i.e. relaxed with the odd burst of tomfoolery.

Its a big car though and even though I class myself an experienced driver with many years in big cars, I find it not an easy car to guage the front end of and have even mounted the kerb on one occasion. Unheard of! Its the first car I've had with rear parking sensors and I could not imagine life without them on this car.

Its the first French car I have had and I surprised myself by buying it as I didn't used to look past all things German/Swedish.

Looking at rusty examples of prestige? cars and experience with the Golf, the interior of which was not in the same league as the W reg Passat I had and for which the phrase "Fur coat and nae drawers" wasn't far from mind, changed that.

In the past year change in work circumstances mean I have only done 6K in the car but I absolutely love it! Its decent quality, loaded with kit and great value. Nothing at all has gone wrong and stupid though it sounds I have built an affection for the car which enables me to forgive its shortcomings. The "ambient lighting" which doesn't light the ignition switch!!!: The bonnet release cable which must prescribe its own version of the Paris periphique as I found when trying to free it last winter! The unruly mass of dashboard buttons and duplication of controls.

What's it like to drive - well relaxing, soothing, grips well but handling not so hot. More than enough power for overtaking. Nobody hassles you in it. Mine has half leather and the interior quality is good : the seats are wonderful.

Favourite Pros- see above plus bend lighting, auto handbrake and a diesel engine in a different world in terms of refinement.

Down side

Its complex and I hope I can forgive it the first big bill to come my way. Mind you they couldn't fix the 2005 VW Golf engine management light before deciding it needed a new loom at the cost of a few hundred pounds. I'll need to remember that when the FAP goes.

Also I know the depreciation will hurt but I don't regret for a minute buying this car and intend to have it many years.