A new car in a tough sector – traditional rep-mobile territory, this war-zone is no fun for any manufacturer. Yet Peugeot is delivering a stylish player in the 508 that has gravitas and is new from the ground up.

The 508 has a broad variant range, with an entry-level petrol 1.6-litre power unit producing 120PS, climbing to the range-topping (and, in price, a big jump above the rest) 2.2 204PS HDi GT.

It has been suggested that the 112PS HDi with a six-speed semi automatic gearbox will be a fleet favourite. Whilst it can return almost 4.4 litres per 100km and 115g/km, this is no driver’s car. Sadly, the robotised gearbox delivers sluggish and jerky changes in traffic. On the upside, this gearbox works well with the stop/start system.

Ride quality is good and this is where the car differs from its Citroen sister: the suspension. Other than the GT, all variants get MacPherson struts in the front, with multi-link independent at the rear. The GT enjoys front upper and lower wishbones; much more sophisticated, but not necessarily better. No four-wheel drive – yet. But there is the promise of a 200PS hybrid with electric drive to the rear wheels.

However, the 508 performs well as a long-haul company motor, with a comfortable and well-specced cabin. The seating is that effective mix of supportive plus French comfort.

In terms of European model mix, the UK is the only territory to offer the fleet-focused SR models, the specification of which includes Peugeot Connect SOS, leather-covered steering wheel, navigation with Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone air conditioning and 16-inch alloys. For all other countries, the range starts with the entry-level “Access”, but then jumps to the “Active”, “Allure” and the “GT”.

The station wagon variant range offers even more French chic in its external styling, although, as is the way nowadays, that styling compromises the load abilities of the car.

A fine European car that should take a deserved position high in this competitive sector.

'Strengths'

Fresh and not hampered by an excess of Peugeot quirkiness. Recent introductions in the class, the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat, are revisions. This 508 is all new and it shows.

'Weaknesses'

Can’t quite fathom the price gap (with the exception of France, which gets the top-end range filler of the “Feline”) between the range-topping 204PS GT and the next in the list – the 163PS auto Allure – 5,000-6,000 euros is some leap, whatever the difference in spec.

'Opportunities'

Peugeot has always had an uneasy relationship with fleet, although the signs are, particularly in the UK, that it is coming into the real world. This is the moment when Peugeot could drive its fleet (that’s “corporate” for premium brands…) profile skyward, with a little understanding.

'Threats'

The main threat is something that Peugeot can do little to influence – this sector is just so hard to play in. At this level, it is probably more about what the manufacturer is prepared to offer to the operator, rather than, in a world of uniformally “good” cars, the car itself.