2017 Peugeot 508 GT review - Long-term owner

Multimedia and safety technology: 8/10

Safety features include electronic stability control, hill holder, electronic brake force distribution, entry/exit puddle lamps, a blind-spot sensor, park distance (front/rear), parking assistance (graphical display), a reversing camera, central locking - remote/keyless, engine immobiliser, tyre-pressure monitoring and alarm. Multimedia features include AM/FM radio with nine speakers, CD/DVD player, steering wheel controls, auxiliary input USB socket, MP3 decoder, Bluetooth controls, a 7-inch multi-function colour touchscreen, and speed-dependent volume stereo.

Practicality: 8/10

Ooh la la! This flagship Peugeot sashays onto the scene with a spacious, comfortable interior. Plush, grey, Nappa leather seats with a massage function for the lucky driver that whisper joie de vivre. Rear window and passenger blinds provide protection from the sun or gazing eyes. Touch controls on the steering wheel and a colour touchscreen - magnifique! The boot is spacious and contains a full-size spare tyre.

Driving: 9/10

You can experience the essence of France with this full-size Peugeot 508 four-door sedan, a car so luxurious and French it almost whispers sweet nothings in a Parisian accent. Forget sensible and boring Japanese or German cars. This flagship Peugeot sashays onto the scene with a certain je ne sais quoi. Cruise down the boulevard (or your local high street), turning knowing heads with every sophisticated curve. Inside, it’s a veritable chateau of comfort and style. The driving experience? Mon ami, it is magnifique. It handles with the grace of a French ballet dancer, offering a smooth and refined ride like a leisurely drive through the Loire Valley, while the muscular French turbo-diesel can propel you forward with diesel efficiency and exhilaration.

Running costs: 7/10

Fuel consumption is exceptional. On a country cruise, expect around 4.5L/100km. With a full tank, a range of over 1200 kms can be achieved. Around town, driving sedately, expect around 6L/00 km. Servicing by a Peugeot dealer is expensive. Parts are not cheap. Non-dealer servicing costs are reasonable but they may lack the software tools for any emissions issues.

Reliability: 7/10

In day-to-day running, the car is normally very reliable. I've done two long-distance interstate trips and it performed well. However, some early emissions software/hardware issues caused some stress and inconvenience. It's currently on its third Adblue tank because the first two failed (either hardware or software). Like all diesels it does need a regular decent run on a highway or freeway. Just pottering around to the shops every day will not do it good.