Overall rating: 3.5/5

The Peugeot 508 might not have always ranked at the top of most shopping lists for buyers in the family saloon segment, but an improved car with higher levels of standard equipment makes it a stronger contender.

In the metal 3/5

This newly updated Peugeot 508 is the first saloon since the 406 from way back in 1996 that really does have a sense of both style and presence. Granted, it doesn't carry the premium look of the new Volkswagen Passat nor the aggressive styling of the new Ford Mondeo, but it does look much smarter than before, especially in the higher-grade Allure specification seen here.

Most of the visual changes are centred on the front of the car, comprising of new headlight units and a more distinctive grille. At the rear, there's a reshaped bumper, as well as new lights featuring Peugeot's trademark three-claw signature, which goes some way towards tidying up the design. The entry-level 'Access' cars ride on 16-inch alloy wheels, which increase to 17-inch with the mid-range 'Active' model, while the range-topping 'Allure' model wears smart-looking 18-inch rims.

Inside, the centre console has been revamped to present a less cluttered look. The overall style hasn't changed a great deal; it's more evolution than revolution. All models now get the seven-inch touchscreen as standard along with air conditioning and DAB radio.

Driving it 4/5

The latest diesel engines from Peugeot have not only tightened their belts on the emissions front, the drivability of them has also improved. At the top of this range is the 163hp 2.0-litre HDi diesel coupled with the latest six-speed automatic transmission. Unlike some of the robotised automatic gearboxes of the past, this transmission is noticeably smooth, working well in stop-start traffic as well as when kicking down for motorway overtaking. It might not yet have the finesse of Volkswagen's dual-clutch DSG option, but the gap between the two has been greatly reduced.

One downside to this automatic transmission is that it is only currently available with the most powerful engine (163hp), resulting in emissions that place it into tax Band C. Peugeot is planning to introduce a new automatic for its 1.6-litre diesel that should be available in time for the 152-registration period later this year. That smaller 1.6-litre diesel, in manual form, is a touch noisier in the cabin partly due to it having to work a little harder owing to its 115hp power output.

Even on the bigger 18-inch alloy wheels of our 508 'Allure' test car the ride is quite supple and well damped, making light work of imperfections in the tarmac. One slight criticism would be with the wind noise at higher motorway cruising speeds; however, this is easily drowned out by the car's good stereo system. Driving dynamics aside, the 508 is a comfortable car in which to cover ground. Our test route included close to 400 kilometres of driving and the 508 completely it comfortably thanks to the supportive front seats, which in this particular model were also electrically adjustable.

What you get for your money 4/5

Specifications and equipment levels are where Peugeot plays its trump card with the 508. Standard equipment on all models is good and includes Bluetooth with audio streaming, USB input, electric child locks, air conditioning and DAB radio, as well as cruise control that also features a speed limiter.

Handing over an additional €1,000 moves you up to the 'Active' specification, which adds satellite navigation, parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels and a multifunction steering wheel amongst other features. The third level, called 'Allure', comes with a further €2,100 price step but once more Peugeot has loaded this with equipment. For that additional money, buyers get keyless access, a reversing camera, electric handbrake, LED fog lamps and a full leather interior.

Against its main rivals the 508 does offer more equipment, in some cases offering noticeably more while still coming in almost €3,000 less when like-for-like retail prices are compared.

Summary

This new Peugeot 508 has certainly improved its game and although it might not top the segment overall for quality or style, finish or driving dynamics, it remains far from the bottom. More importantly from a consumer perspective, it delivers really good levels of specification in a true value for money package, which for many buyers will prove far more important.