This car has put a smile back on the face of Peugeot

As the company looks for a bigger slice of the family saloon market, Shane O'Donoghue tries out the new 508
 

The 508's cabin is impressive and builds on the step-up in perceived quality that Peugeot introduced in its 3008 and 5008 family cars. The new model's interior retains the soft-touch plastics and well-weighted switches, but adds to it a dash of style.
 

New instruments work particularly well, with a computer screen nestled between them; and the climate controls are much better than previous offerings from Peugeot.
 

The curving "hood" over the dials swoops across the entire width of the car, giving it a solid feel.

It was fitted with the head-up display, which works well enough by putting speed and other readouts more in the driver's line of sight.
 

This Allure specification includes an electric parking brake as standard. At the best of times I dislike using these, although someone must appreciate them, as they're becoming much more common.
 

Indeed, five adults can get comfortably into the 508. It's taken for granted that the front two will have plenty of space, but there's a noticeable surfeit of shoulder room, too.
 

The boot volume is comparable to the best in class, although access to it is hampered a fraction by the width of the rear lights. There's also a decently sized "secret" compartment underneath for valuables.
 

The Peugeot 508 turns out to be really good to drive. In town, it smooths over speed bumps and sharp potholes with ease, which leads you to expect that it'll change direction with about as much finesse as the Irish banking system.
 

Somewhat surprisingly, the Peugeot corners with little body roll, which makes it more comfortable for the passengers, but also much more fun for the driver.
 

It's remarkably composed and stable, too, which should be a boon if you ever have to stop or turn in an emergency.
 

All in all, it definitely warrants comparison with the class leaders on the driving front. Of course, most car buyers care little for such shenanigans. All you need to know is that it's comfortable, easy to drive and actually really refined, too -- meaning that the outside world is kept at bay most of the time.
 

All that's left to talk about is pricing. Peugeot will focus on 1.6- and 2.0-litre HDi diesels in 112- and 140bhp guises respectively.
 

The range comprises of Access, Active and Allure specifications, starting at €24,850 for the 1.6-litre Access. The top-spec saloon (pictured) costs €32,550. The 508 SW (estate to you and me) is available in Active trim only, at €28,800 or €30,600, depending on which engine you want.

That pricing really puts Peugeot's new saloon into contention. It backs it up with a comprehensive list of safety equipment as standard across the line-up. It's well worth the step up to the middle Active model, though, as that boasts a lot more standard features than the entry-level 508.
 

Most models are in Band B, though the Ecomatique version does slip into Band A for just €104 in annual road tax.
 

Unfortunately, you pay a premium for that, which may not quite offset the reduced tax and fuel consumption over the life of the car. It's worth getting the calculator out.
 

At least now it has the right face for the job.

Resource : http://www.windsor.ie/