Style and practicality

THE new goody-laden Peugeot 508 First-edition has just taken to the roads, with prices in excess of £40,000.

There is a choice of 1.6litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines mated to a sophisticated eight-speed automatic transmission.

The limited-edition version of the 508 range exclusively features chequered front grille trim in gloss black and 19-inch Augusta wheels, plus a multipoint massage driver’s seat with Alcantara and part Nappa Mistral full-grain leather seat trim.

It is also equipped with a wide range of advanced technologies including fully automated parking assistance, a 360-dgree colour camera system and night vision.

Additionally, there is active suspension, a pedestrianfriendly active bonnet, adaptive cruise control, engine stop and go, active blind spot detection, automatic emergency braking, advanced driver attention alert, and active lane keeping assistance. You also get keyless entry and start, automatic tailgate opening activated by a waggle of the foot beneath, and automatic parking.

Destined to replace one of Europe’s most under-rated saloons, the all-new 508 skilfully combines coupe-style attractiveness with hatchback practicality.

The inspirational design of the 508 incorporates elegant frameless doors, eye-catching large-diameter alloy wheels and attractive body sculptures with the practicality of the large rear tailgate giving access to a 485-litre cargo area.

At the rear there are full LED so-called claw-effect tail lights, whilst at the front is a highgloss chessboard grille flanked by horizontal and vertical lighting arrangements to give it a distinctive appearance.

Inside there is full-grain leather, a 10-inch touch-control screen angled towards the driver and a 12.3-inch head-up digital instrument panel.

The mainstream range will be offered initially with a choice of half a dozen 1.6-litre and two-litre petrol and diesel engines with power outputs ranging from 130bhp to 225bhp, plus a further choice of manual or automatic transmissions.