SOMETIMES I think it is raining SUVs so many do we have landing every month on forecourts.

And that is why it is such a delight when a car liked the Peugeot 508 comes along, a big lean and sleek saloon with all the style and panache of the French.

Even just looking at it in the car park you have to admire the elegant lines, the way it sweeps from the front to its beautiful coupe rear, sitting on diamond cut alloys just ready to leap to your every command.

The chequered front grille has a chrome edge trim and at the rear are twin chrome exhaust pipes. Not a detail has been missed to make this car completely desirable including the rear Peugeot ‘claw' effect lights.

In the GT Line trim it adds extra badging, stainless steel door sills and Nera black door mirror shells for a definite boost in its cred.

Inside the love affair continues with Nappa full grain leather seats on the model I am driving and leather inserts on the door handles. The driver and front passenger seat can even come with a massage function - well why not?

A carbon fibre look sweeps across the dash with the space age instrument cluster sitting just behind the small and flat bottomed leather steering wheel.

In the centre is the colour touchscreen with the fast keys just below so that you don't have to wind your way through a host of screens to actually get to the one you want to adjust.

The Peugeot 508 which can trace its heritage from one of the company's most respected models has not let down the line in this 2018 incarnation.

It is every inch the French luxury model exuding grace and refinement both inside and out.

The boot is absolutely enormous too so that you not only get the joy of this car but you can stow your luggage and all your rubbish out of sight and out of mind. No bits of baggage or coats on your lap.

The technology includes premium hi-fi speakers and a smartphone charging plate, driver alert monitor, active suspension and an active bonnet as well as a colour reversing camera and sensors.

The drive lives up to the rest of the car - smooth, refined and powerful. There are five different modes to choose from to suit your mood - Eco, Normal, Comfort, Sport and Manual - for the 508 in this guise is an eight speed automatic.

Its gusty and willing offering performance as well as comfort - and pleasure - let us not forget that.

There is very little not to like about this car as it sweeps around blends and carries you into towns.

It has a top speed of 155mph and completes the 0-62mph dash in just 7.3 seconds although it is less of a dash and more of a massive leap forward in the 508.