Peugeot 508 GT 2.2 HDi FAP 4dr Car Review - March 2012

In performance terms, the 508 GT 2.2 HDi is the pick of the range. The 2.2-litre diesel engine is superb, delivering 204bhp and an impressive 332lb-ft of torque low down in the rev range. This makes the 508 feel very 'meaty', especially at low revs, and 0-62mph arrives in 8.2 seconds. At top speed, you'll be covering ground at the rate of 139mph.

The GT is also the best 508 in the range in terms of handling thanks to a different front suspension setup. The steering is sharp and precise and, although the ride is a little firm, the cabin is quiet and comfortable thanks to excellent sound insulation.

Well done Peugeot! After years of making truly terrible looking cars, they've finally got their act together. The 508 is a car which people might actually want to buy and is likely to appeal to middle-management types looking for a bit of French flair.

The interior is superb - quality plastics well screwed together - and you get a very good amount of standard kit, as you would expect at this price. Alloys, climate control, electric mirrors, electric windows, cruise control, parking sensors, leather seats, CD player, MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth and Sat-nav all feature on the standard equipment list.

The 508 impressed the Euro NCAP judges, gaining the maximum five star rating thanks to its impressive array or airbags and stability control fitted as standard.

Reliability may be an issue as the old 407 was a very unreliable car indeed, suffering from a number of mechanical faults, amongst others. The 508 feels better made than the old car but the proof of the pudding will be in the eating and there are no statistics available yet.

There is a decent amount of interior space although there is a slight lack of rear legroom. The boot is a good size with 473-litres on offer.

The 508 GT 2.2 HDi FAP is very expensive at £29,050 and, at this price, many potential buyers are going to be tempted away by the German opposition. The 508 will also suffer from very steep depreciation.

The running costs are fairly low. You should scrape 50mpg and CO2 emissions of 150g/km mean that the Pug falls under VED band F, which is pretty reasonable. Group 33 insurance is pricey for a Peugeot, however.