PEUGEOT'S popular 508 line-up was extended to include a highly-efficient six-speed automatic RXH model and the car is certainly a very impressive all-rounder.

It benefits from stand-out Peugeot design cues, including the company's new upright grille with the Peugeot Lion at its centre and distinctive light clusters that make the car instantly recognisable at night from the front or rear thanks to the feline claw-shaped LEDs.

It's not all for show because these lights are perfect for illuminating bends when cornering - they are economical, fast and very effective.

This car also came with 18-inch alloys, roof rails, privacy glass and a massive panoramic sunroof that seems to defy gravity and stretch the entire length of the cabin allowing light to flood in.

The interior is beautifully modern and clutter-free with a whole host of technology to be explored. Techno treats are plentiful and included automatic dual-zone air conditioning, a DAB digital radio, CD player, Bluetooth connectivity, a seven-inch multi-function colour touchscreen, sat nav, heated electric seats with memory settings on the driver's side and a colour head-up display system.

The car is very spacious with ample room for five adults to stretch out in style.

Luggage restrictions need not apply either as the massive boot has a capacity of 512 litres which can be increased to 1,598 litres with the rear seats dropped flat. There is also room beneath the boot floor, but the absence of a spare wheel is disappointing.

Elsewhere there are numerous other storage compartments, such as a deep central bin, good-sized door pockets, handy trays, a glovebox and cup holders that pop out from the front of the dashboard.

Powered by a 2.0-litre HDi 180bhp diesel engine, the 508 RXH was an absolute pleasure to drive in both busy traffic and out on the open road. The acceleration was smooth with a constant supply of power on tap at all times.

The six-speed automatic transmission was responsive and the steering wheel-mounted paddles mean the driver can take a little extra control if so desired.

Comfort levels proved high and there was next-to-no engine, road surface or wind noise to speak of. Added to that, the vehicle's effective suspension system ironed out any road creases too.

In fact my only gripe after clocking up almost 500 miles was some irritating glare on the windscreen caused by the speaker on top of the dashboard and the head-up-display mountings.

That aside, the car was sprightly and boasted impressive performance stats with a 0-62mph sprint time of 9.7 seconds, top speed of 136mph, combined fuel economy of 61.4mpg and carbon emissions of 119g/km. And all for the competitive price of £30,895 (£31,765 with options).

Safety specifications on the car are also comprehensive with anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, blind spot detection, numerous airbags and lots more besides.