I drove several of the manufacturer's models last year – everything from the 208 GTI to the 2008 and the 308 – and enjoyed them all for different reasons, so it will come as no surprise that I thought this up-market offering was outstanding.

When it comes to cars some models grow on you and with others it's love at first sight, and for me it was definitely the latter with the top-of-the range GT HDi 200 model I drove.There's a lot of excitement in the motor industry at the moment about the new Ford Mondeo and the Volkswagen Passat – arguably the 508's biggest rivals – and if they are as good or better then the 508 then they will be spectacular.For a start off it's a fantastic looking car – understated yet elegant as an executive vehicle should be. This is nowhere more noticeable than with the new, more upright grille which now features the Peugeot lion at its centre. The bonnet has also been redesigned to make it more horizontal and there is also new lighting – 100 per cent LED.The rear end is now more structured, with a redesigned bumper which is distinct from the boot while enhancing its protetctive function. You also get 19-inch alloy wheelsBut it's the interior of the 508 where you really get a luxurious feel. The dashboard now includes an easy-to-use seven-inch touch screen as standard, which groups together the majority of the vehicle's functions.Shortcut buttons for the main menus – navigation, air conditioning, radio, connectivity etc... are accessible below the touch screen in the dashboard central panel and give it a clean feel.The luxurious feel continues with the addition of numerous systems for comfort and safety including Peugeot Open&Go Keyless Entry and Start, automatic headlamp dipping and heated front seats.There's also a clever blind spot detection system which notifies the driver of the presence of an object such as a person, vehicle or motorcycle in the blind spot using four sensors located in the front and rear bumpers.An LED also comes on in one of the door mirrors to alert the driver.The model I drove also featured a heads-up display of driving and navigation information in colour, viewed in a retractable smoked screen.The 508 GT is fitted with a 2.2-litre diesel engine with a six-speed automatic gearbox which produced remarkably low noise levels and just 140g/km of CO2 emissions.It drove superbly, and changing gears was smooth and not juddery as you sometimes get with an automatic. The steering was soft and it handled very well. I took it on a family day out to Manchester and the often monotonous drive over Woodhead flew by, which I put largely down to the comfortable leather seats that you just sunk into.But the Peugeot became a different beast altogether when I took it on the motorways – the power and acceleration were astonishing yet smooth and I loved every minute of it, while the other passengers in the car commented on what a comfortable journey it was.The interior and the boot were both very spacious, ideal for family days out or on longer journeys and holidays.The Peugeot 508 GT comes with a top speed of 145mph, can go from 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds and has a five-star NCAP safety rating. It also did a respectable 49.6mpg combined.After a week of driving the Peugeot 508 GT I can honestly say that I was sad to have to hand it back.Prices for the Peugeot 508 Saloon start from just over £22,000. The GT model I drove with it pearlescent paint and sunroof came in at just over £30,000.