Peugeot for the people - the 508

Peugeot launched the 508 a couple of years ago at the Paris Motor Show. It replaces two cars-the 407 and the bigger 607-hence the number that defines the model.

The 508 shares a platform and most engine options with the second-generation Citroen C5 under the umbrella of the PSA Group (Citroen and Peugeot) Europe's second-largest automaker next to the Volkswagen Group. And here's an anomaly.

The Peugeot 508 is built in China in partnership with Dongfeng Motor. Fortunately, Peugeot stuck with their own logical nomenclature 508 and didn't succumb to a silly combination name like Dongfivefen or FenHuit. These things are not unknown but not by the French, they're far too nationalistic.

Having said that though, Peugeot sees China as the largest market for the car and expects to sell nearly twice what they will in France. If they do, it will be the first time the company will sell more Peugeots in a country other than France for a model that's available in Europe.

In New Zealand there are three model 508s to choose from-the 2.0 sedan, 2.0 litre wagon and the 2.2 litre sedan. All have the four-cylinder common rail turbo diesel engines that Peugeot is rightly famous for and all engines in the model line-up are coupled to six-speed Tiptronic transmission.

There is absolutely no question that the Peugeot 508 is put together extremely well. In fact if only other manufacturers could copy the style and comfort of Peugeot seats, for example, they'd being doing well in that department alone. This elegant French design extends to the overall aesthetic style of all Peugeot models across the range but is perhaps most amply and ably demonstrated in the 508.

Speaking of seats, the top-of-the-range model 508 has full leather and, for your convenience, an inbuilt massager as well. Chatouillez votre fantaisie!

In terms of overall creature comfort and convenience the 508 is outstanding. There are far too many standard specifications included in the price to list here, just be assured the list is extensive. And there are only two words to

describe the handling and driveability-tres magnifique.

With justification there have always been Peugeot people, loyal fans of the marque who simply wouldn't consider anything else to grace the driveway. Now with the new 508 there will be a few more Peugeot people elsewhere who will continue that tradition and there couldn't be a better car to entice an entire population into buying French.