Red hot 508 is real head-turner

The good-looking member of Peugeot’s roster also offers a lovely ride, writes Julie Marshall

The Peugeot 508 really is a lovely looking car with long, low lines, a narrow profile, a sharp crease that flows from under the mirrors to the rear light cluster, and frameless doors.

The striking daytime running lights frame the grille and the rear has triple ‘claw-effect lights that are really impressive when following at night.

A refreshing alternative to the plethora of German saloons on the nation’s roads, the 508 looks particularly fetching in Ultimate Red and caused a few heads to turn on our travels.

More importantly, some may feel, it also delivers a lovely ride. The 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol automatic in our GT test car - the only trim for which this engine is available - is powerful, quiet and refined. The eight-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth changes and the sleek ergonomic design of the selection lever makes it feel and look impressive

Prices start at £25,039 for the entry Active model with a 1.5-litre diesel engine and manual gears. Standard kit includes push-button start, Bluetooth connectivity, speed limit recognition and recommendation (not always accurate in our car), speed limiter and cruise control

The GT tested here is £36,014 but was enhanced with a few extras to include night vision at £1,300. The 508 is the first car in its class to offer this system. It uses an infra-red camera that is better at spotting pedestrians or animals on the road ahead and warns the driver via the icockpit.

A panoramic glass roof added £870, Visio park 3(£600) which parks the car for you, either perpendicular or parallel, with the push of a button. It takes some nerve to use it for the first few times, but is really impressive once you’ve conquered your fears.

Inside there is plenty of familiar territory with the icockpit, first launched in 2012, taking centre stage. The 12.3in digital screen is positioned higher than in most cars - and more in line with the driver’s field of vision.

The compact, multi-function, squared off steering wheel looks neat and, as well as the sensitive 10in touchscreen, there are a row of silver toggle ‘piano’ keys to select the most used functions: carboneffect trim on the dashboard and door panel trim are nice touches.

Head and elbow room in the front is OK but rear passengers are a little cramped due to the sloping roofline but they do get two USB ports, which is one more than most manufacturers provide and two more than some.

Front seat occupants get a couple of USBs too but they are not easy to access - there’s also a wireless charging pad, useful if your phone supports it, mine doesn’t.

The seats fold flat for extra carrying capacity and there is a temporary spare wheel under the boot floor. Storage is plentiful and scattered throughout the cabin - including large pockets on all four doors.

The GT has a smart electric tailgate which can be opened by swinging your foot underneath the bumper. It takes a bit of practice to locate the right spot and you will probably feel a bit self-conscious the first time you try it in public, well I did, anyway.