Peugeot hopes to attract fleets back to the D-segment with the new 508, re-designing it as a four-door coupe with a view to improving residual values and keeping running costs low.

Two thirds of European 508 volume goes to fleets.

Two thirds of 508 customers across Europe are business users, and repositioning the 508 recognises the stagnant sales in its sector over the last decade as customers move to SUVs and premium brands.

The new car is lighter and more compact than its predecessor, with a lower roofline, frameless windows and rear hatchback. It features Peugeot’s unique i-Cockpit layout, positioning the (optionally digital) instruments on top of the dashboard, and a suite of driver assistance features including night vision and adaptive cruise control with active lane-keeping.

Most cars will get a 10-inch capacitive touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and TomTom live traffic data.

There are six engine options from launch; two gasoline options at 180hp and 225hp, and BlueHDI diesels at 130hp, 160hp and 190hp. In line with segment trends, the entry-level 1.5-litre diesel is the only version available with a manual transmission, though it can also be equipped with the same eight-speed automatic fitted to the rest of the range.

Peugeot said CO2 emissions range from 98g/km for the most efficient diesel, while the BlueHDI 180 comes in at 123g/km. A plug-in hybrid will follow in autumn 2019.