Long journeys can be draining. Hundreds of tedious, repetitive, motorway miles. These trips can be unavoidable, especially when commuting and so the last thing you want is the droning of an engine or gushing of the wind giving you a head ache. Today there is a good selection of new cars that are great at getting on with munching motorway miles. The 2016 Peugeot 508 presents itself as a candidate for the job of workhorse whilst bringing with it other benefits too.

Usually the entry level model of any car is not only a bit thin on the ground when it comes to toys, but also tend to look a bit lacklustre in the visual department. But in the case of the 2016 Peugeot 508 this isn’t the case as this Active model with its pleasing proportions and dustings of chrome still present a grown-up aesthetic. Its wide front grill certainly initiates thoughts of a premium car whilst the standard 17 interlay wheels look pretty good too. Stylish daytime running lights are set low at the front of the 508 whilst a a distinctive lighting cluster finishes the rear.

The interior is also far from being a budget campsite as high levels of standard equipment makes you feel at home. 7 inch touchscreen display, DAB radio, satellite navigation, BlueTooth, dual zone climate control, and cruse control all come at no cost. Supportive fabric seats proved comfortable on long journeys. Rear occupants will find plenty of head and leg room, even the middle passenger thanks to a flat floor. There is a good amount of glass meaning the cabin is light and feels spacious. 473 litres of boot space makes this 508 practical too.

Previously we have tested the more powerful BlueHDi 150 variant of the Peugeot 508 and thought it was a solid performer, but how does this smaller 1.6 litre BlueHDi do in comparison? Rather well is the answer. It may have 30HP less, with 120HP, but it still feels more than strong enough for everyday use. A nice level of torque means that this 2016 Peugeot 508 has the get up and go to make strong overtaking manoeuvres on the motorway. At no point did it feel underpowered. It will happily cruise the M25 all day long with a ride sympathetic to British road conditions. The cabin is well insulated keeping road and wind noise at bay. Its engine is smooth and once up to speed is very quiet indeed. This is one of those cars that is very happy to knuckle down and get those long tedious journeys done. It munches motorway miles without passengers exclaiming the inevitable “are we nearly there yet” every few miles. Our test car was equipped with a 6 speed automatic transmission that was very happy to go about its business without complaint. Heading off of the motorway the 508 continues to tick boxes with little in the way of body roll through fast bends. It is far from a Lotus Exige when it comes to dynamic handling, but it does have some agility to it and plenty of composure. The steering has a well judged weight to it that provides enough resistance, yet not too much to be a chore around town. Speaking of the urban sprawl, the 508 has good all round visibility making it a rather easy thing to park. In stop start traffic during rush hour we all know what a godsend an automatic can be and so this might be an option worth ticking.

Another reason you might select the 120 over the larger 150 engine is economy. The 2.0 litre car claims a good 67 MPG combined, however, this 1.6 will do 72 MPG. CO2 is also low for this type of car at 102g/km CO2.

With a starting price of £23,125 loaded with standard equipment, the 2016 Peugeot 508 makes a strong argument in terms of value for money.  Whilst the Ford Mondeo retains its top spot when it comes to handling, it is under more pressure from competitors than ever before. This is yet another sign of Peugeot’s strong recovery.

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There are a lot of choices involved in buying a new car. As well as what car to buy, you have to consider specification and getting this wrong could lead to a costly error. Something as simple a the wrong colour may result in a car you can’t stand to look at. More crucial choices, such as engine and transmission, need to be considered carefully. The Peugeot 2008 is a car that I like. I think it is the ideal platform for the French brand to capitalise on the growing compact SUV boom, however, our test cars specification lets it down somewhat.

My issue with this specific Peugeot 2008 is not in the visuals department. Our top specification example looked good in white and its chromed details certainly enhanced. Proportionally this little SUV looks right with short overhangs and a taller dimension than the 208 it is based upon. A front scuff plate and wide front grill gives the car a purposeful front profile. Stylistic designs for both the front and rear light clusters complete a premium looking machine.

The interior of the Peugeot 2008 is also a highlight. Occupants are surrounded by curvaceous surfaces and neatly stitched leather. Piano black plastics further reinforces a sophisticated tone. With a full length panoramic glass roof and blue ambient lighting, the cabin never feels dark or claustrophobic. A touchscreen infotainment display offers everything from DAB radio to navigation. Much like other Peugeot siblings, the 2008 receives the small steering wheel with the analogue dials positioned above. It is a visually pleasing arrangement, especially at night with its glowing blue surround, some have complained that the wheel can obscure the dials. Personally, I seem to be the correct hight as I didn’t have a problem. Dual zone climate control soothe the air whilst you relax in some supportive seats. The second row presents a rather spacious proposition with good levels of head and leg room. 360 litres of boot space is pretty good for this class and a nice flat floor makes for easy loading.

So if it’s not the interior or exterior that makes this particular Peugeot 2008 not the best of choices, what is it? In a nutshell, it is the combination of the engine and gearbox optioned. This 110hp 1.2 litre petrol engine is a little gem. I really do like its relatively peppy performance, and in this car, 58.9 MPG combined. However, it is an engine that has the majority of its power higher in the rev range. The initial torque is useful for making a move out of busy junctions, but to get a bit of a move on it needs to be left to rev a bit longer than this automatic does when left to its own devices. I also don’t think the shifts are the smoothest amongst rivals. Now I really want to stress that in my opinion this is simply a case of the wrong gearbox for this engine, because the 2008 has proven itself in other specifications. Asides from that, there is still a lot to like. This Peugeot 2008 sports high levels of grip and admirable body control which translates into a competent set of driving manners. Its aforementioned smaller steering wheel helps with quick steering responses boosting agility. Around town its good visibility makes it easy to park, but the reversing camera on this model means there is no excuse. Light steering makes for easy manoeuvring through tight street as does its compact size. At motorway speeds there is a bit of road noise but nothing too bad, and overall this little engine is quite happy sitting at the speed limit with the cruise control set. A little trick our test car had up its sleeve is something called “Grip Control” which gives the car some response to terrain. Obviously being front wheel drive this 2008 isn’t going to be climbing mountains, but the system gives you various settings for different surfaces. By controlling what power is sent to each of the from wheels it can find an utilise grip when there is little. A load of old rubbish? Well, Peugeot just won the Dakar rally with a similar format.

The Peugeot 2008 is a good car and I’d certainly recommend it to the shortlist of anyone looking for a compact SUV, however, I would also recommend either a manual gearbox with this engine or take a look at the strong diesel offering. You can have a 2008 from £13,615 or our test car, with just about every option ticked, came to £19,495.

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The hot hatchback is an amazing breed born out of enthusiasts not wanting to compromise. Often in life you have to pick one thing over another, such as eating every cake in sight or being able to fit inside your house. The hot hatch very much has its cake and eats every crumb offering practicality as well as go faster thrills. Peugeot are no stranger to these fan favourites and their latest effort promises to pack quite a punch. The 266 BHP 2016 Peugeot 308 GTI hits the road.

Whilst the 2016 Peugeot 308 GTI isn’t the most overt car in its class, its more grownup styling will appeal to those who find some of its competitors appearance a tad churlish. LEDs detail the headlights and compliments the neat chrome trim that has been used to highlight prominent elements of design. The standard 308 is a handsome hatchback and so this sports derivative shares those proportions that are pleasing to the eye. Take a step closer to the GTI and you will start to spot the things that mark it out from lesser models. A generous smattering of GTI badging, the Peugeot lettering is picked out in red, and this being the more powerful 270 means that it gets a set of seductive 19 inch alloy wheels. Head around the back and you will find a set of menacingly large dual exhausts. Our test car finished in Ultimate Red looked sophisticated in profile, but suitably aggressive in the details.

The cabin of this 2016 Peugeot 308 GTI is a highlight as it puts most of its competition to shame. Here the French design flare has sculpted the dashboard and trimmed vents in chrome. A petite in circumference, but chunky in proportion, steering wheel is black with red contrasting stitches. It proudly wears a polished GTI logo at its base. The touchscreen infotainment system houses many of the cars functions meaning that the console is clutter free. This unit offers satellite navigation, DAB radio, phone connectivity, and access to climate control. Two leather and alcantara seats grip the front occupants with swollen bolsters. They are both supportive and comfortable, especially with a massaging function. A huge glass panoramic roof is optional but it does let in a lot of natural light. Leg room for rear passengers is restricted, a predictable gripe carried over from the base car, but a 470 litre boot is perfect for those tedious shopping trips.

Under the bonnet sits a developed version of the same 1.6 litre turbocharged engine from the RCZ R. Just like the curvaceous coupe that we like very much, this car has been developed by Peugeot Sport meaning that some of the best engineers in the world have tinkered with this chassis. This hatch comes in two guises, an entry level 250 model or this full fat 270. Output for the 308 GTI 270 is 266 BHP and 330 Nm of torque. That is enough for a 0-62 MPH time of 6 seconds flat and a top speed of 155 MPH. Clearly this car is no slouch! Another key feature of the 270 car is its 380mm front disc brakes. Large red four piston callipers lurk behind those black spokes, a real incentive to upgrade to the top dog in the GTI range. However, the biggest reason to “go big or go home” is the Torsen limited slip differential which helps the front wheels get power to the ground. When driving the 308 GTI at a pace you can feel the car shuffle power around, and this in tandem with bags of grip means that you can really exploit this cars performance. Its manual transmission will no doubt please purists. Push the sport button and the steering weighting and throttle response increases. A neat touch is a digital torque gauge nestled amongst the now red dials. Not that you need it because the mid-range punch from the turbo once it is on song lets you know exactly what is happening. The small steering wheel adds to an agile feeling that the GTI has. Steering is precise but a lack of feel does distance the driver from the experience somewhat. Being 11mm lower on its new suspension allows for little body roll and a total feeling of composure at all speeds. I am not a fan of the artificial noise that is piped into the cabin on principle, from the outside this car sounds great, but it does add to the ambience. Hit those large brakes and the cars progress is arrested at an alarming rate. They are very powerful and, for me at least, the standout feature of the 270. Once you have finished B-road bashing the French car settles down and becomes a great family asset. Refinement levels a good with a relatively compliant ride. Peugeot even claim 47.1 MPG combined.

Whilst there are more engaging fast hatchbacks out there, very few of them present themselves as such a complete package like the 2016 Peugeot 308 GTI does. It is as happy dropping the children to school as it is hooning on some dynamic bits of tarmac. Approachable, understated, and good fun. You can have a 308 GTI 270 from £28,155.

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After entering a cold war state for about a decade or so, the hot hatchback battle has truly reignited. Once again we are seeing manufacturers pouring their heart and soul into spicy variants of family runarounds. Why is that exciting? Because mere mortals such as you and I will likely never own a Lamborghini or waft along the Monaco harbour in a Pagani. However, in the real world where we reside you can have just as big of a smile on your face in said hot hatch. Best of all, it won’t cost you the Earth and you can even take the children to school in it. This resurgence ASBO endusers is at its most prolific in the B-segment at the moment and competition is tough. We drove the 208 GTI last year and liked it very much, but now Peugeot Sport has got involved to enhance this French connection. Enter the 2015 Peugeot 208 GTI.

From the very moment our test car arrived it had peoples attention. The optional two-tone ‘Coupe Franche” paintwork isn’t for the shy, but its matte black and red finish certainly highlights that this is no ordinary 208 GTI. Peugeot’s designs of late have all been rather attractive, 208 included, with lashings of French style. Remove the loud colours and the GTI also fits this bill, although its body enhancements are not as overt as some competitors. A neat rear spoiler, dual exhaust exits, and some of the smartest black alloy wheels on the market are polite nods to this cars performance. The recently face-lifted 208 tweaks also make an appearance here, but this car is lower and wider than standard. Peugeot Sport badging will undoubtably please enthusiasts.

Inside the cabin is simply one of the best in its class. As much as I love the Ford Fiesta ST, its interior doesn’t feel anywhere near as special as what you find within the 2015 Peugeot 208 GTI. Half leather bolstered sports seats grip you, a tiny steering wheel is at your fingertips, and red details contrast the black backdrop. Sculpted surfaces surround a touchscreen infotainment display giving the whole environment a premium nature. It is chic and feels upmarket. The rear bench offers seating for three, but adults might find leg room a bit restrictive. Rear visibility is good, which makes a nice change as the current trend is for designers to fashion new cars with a porthole for the rear window. A good 285 litre boot means that family life is not sacrificed for that GTI badge.

Those Peugeot Sport logos are not just there for marketing purposes. The performance arm created the 208 GTI 30th Anniversary Edition that went down so well that all of its mechanical changes have been carried over for the 2015 Peugeot 208 GTI. That means this 208’s iteanrry included stiffer suspension, Brembo Brakes, reworked ESP, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, and a Torsen limited slip differential. Power comes from a turbocharge 1.6 litre petrol engine producing 205BHP (up from 197BHP) meaning it will do 0-62MPH in a brisk 6.5 seconds. Driving at such a pace on challenging roads reveals this new 208 GTI to be exceedingly competent. On top of the vast quantity of grip available, the new Torsen differential does a great job of managing the power. It just grips and goes! Push it really hard and you will find some understeer, but this Peugeot is very approachable in the way it dishes out its performance. Thanks to a short wheelbase and quick steering it feels nimble as the GTI darts from apex to apex whilst cocking a rear wheel. The steering itself could do with a bit more feedback and a touch more weight just off centre, but its go kart-like change of direction is pleasing. Chuck it into a corner and body roll is minimised, the car feels composed. Whilst I would like to hear a bit more engine noise when stirring the 6 speed manual transmission, its refinement is another strongpoint. When you are just going about your day the Peugeot 208 GTI is compliant with urban life. It is relaxing and comfortable to drive at normal speeds and its sound insulation isn’t bad. The low speed ride is firmer than the previous 208 GTI, but its benefits on a twisting country road outweigh the slight bump you get when tackling a pothole.

The 2015 Peugeot 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport is right up there with the very best in its class. These mechanical changes brought about by Peugeot Sport have made this car even better. Whilst the Fiesta ST is still king of the hill in terms of handling, its margin is now even more reduced by this GTI. A strong case could be made for this Peugeot Sport 208 to be the car you should go and buy as its all-round competence in each area of motoring life is very compelling. It is more costly than the outgoing 208 GTI at £21,995 but you do get some very worthwhile upgrades.

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Diesel cars have been getting some bad press of late with the scientific and environmental community suggesting that their emissions are more damaging than you may think. There are currently talks ongoing about what to do, especially in densely populated cities like London. With the potential for higher taxes on diesel cars and consumers now more aware than ever about their impact on the planet, could the UK’s love affair with diesel be coming to an end? This updated 2015 Peugeot 208 is powered by a small capacity petrol engine, an option that might begin to take more of the traditional diesel dominant marketshare.

Do not adjust your monitors ladies and gentlemen, it is not your display, this car is a rather unusual colour. Our 208 was finished in a new “Textured Paint” option from Peugeot. In a nutshell, this abrasive paint that feels like soft sandpaper gives the surface a matte finish. Unlike normal matte paintwork it isn’t as high maintenance. It certainly is unique and will have people stroking your new car, but this week it has garnered a Marmite reaction. You either love it or hate it. For 2015 there has been a few tweaks to the 208 externally including a wider front grill, alterations to both the front and rear bumper, as well as new LED light signatures. This model has always been a brilliantly modern and stylish design, these additions enhance the 2015 Peugeot 208.

This specific 208 is endowed with the Allure trim level and plenty of options. Leather heated seats greet you offering good levels of support for the front two occupants. Dual zone climate control sits just below Peugeot’s 7 inch touchscreen infotainment display. Said unit is easy to use and allows for access to BlueTooth, DAB radio and Satellite Navigation. A shapely dashboard with textured surfaces adds to this cars upmarket interior. It feels expensive with much of the style from the exterior making its way into the interior. Rear passengers in this three door model will be fine if they are children, but adults will find it to be a bit cramped. Also the middle seat does have reduced leg room due to the transmission tunnel. Luckily Peugeot offer a five door variant if you need more space. This car was optioned with a glass panoramic roof which instantly brightens up the interior. A usable 285 litre boot will do nicely for the weekly supermarket shop.

This little three cylinder petrol engine is very quiet and once idling it is hardly audible. Road and wind noise is less than you might expect also, even with these more premium alloy wheels. Around town the car is responsive and its light steering makes for easy manoeuvring. Good rear visibility, unlike some in this compact class, as well as parking sensors and a reversing camera means that getting into the tightest of spots is made easier. The 2015 Peugeot 208 has a small steering wheel that sits below the instrumentation. Its size adds to the cars nimble feeling as you dart through the urban sprawl. However, on more flowing roads the steering lacks feel and whilst accurate, it isn’t the most involving in the class. Letting the car rev out revealed a cheeky thrum from its engine, something I rather liked. There is plenty of grip from this hatchback and it never feels out of its depth on more challenging roads, but notable body roll from its soft suspension means that it is not the car of choice if you are looking for focused handling. That said, that softer suspension setup does a good job of managing the many road imperfections in the UK. Instead of thumping into potholes the 208 soaks up the primary impacts rather well. Something that may surprise you about the 2015 Peugeot 208 is that despite its little engine and 5 speed manual gearbox, it actually copes rather well with motorway life. The cabin is a peaceful place to sit for a commute and its long final gear is more than happy to carry it through motorway cruising speeds. Obviously with 82BHP it isn’t going to set the world on fire, and if you are doing regular motorway distances the diesel offering is the stronger performer, but for what it is we were pleasantly surprised. Peugeot claim that this 1.2 litre car will do 62.8MPG and emit just 104g/km CO2 making it cheap to run.

The 2015 Peugeot 208 is stylish and sophisticated. Our test car came to a princely £16,360 but it was loaded with toys and £645 worth of fancy paint. More realistic specifications are inline with rivals. These changes have added a bit of extra shine to a hatchback we have always liked. Competition in this segment is stronger than ever, but the 208 still has its appeal.

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Car manufacturers have gone through a very rough time over the past few years, all high profile victims of the financial crisis. The good news is that things are now recovering, however, this process did have its casualties. Peugeot had to sacrifice its successful Le Mans and WRC motorsport programmes, both iconic elements of the French brand. The highly talented men and women who found themselves without a cause had to find a new place within the company. Thankfully their talents have not been wasted, far from it. Peugeot Sport’s road division was born and their first crack of the whip is this Peugeot RCZ R. Do not go mistaking this car for the standard RCZ, oh no. This machine is a very different animal.

With a wide curvaceous stance, our red and black RCZ R test car looked the part. From its voluptuous arches to those distinctive rear hips, this low slung coupe oozes French style. Sitting lower and on bespoke 19 inch alloy wheels, each featuring a bold “R” in the spokes, gives the car a slightly more aggressive demeanour. Red badging, dual exhausts, and a fixed rear wing further add to that cause. Matte black trim creates quite a sinister contrast to the rest of the body. As your eye follows the coupe profile you notice this car’s signature “double bubble” roofline. This RCZ is unique in its appearance and distinguished enough from the standard model.

The cabin is a tale of two halves. Its wonderfully body hugging seats look as impressive as they are functional. Holding you firmly in place, these leather and alcantara posts are supportive and comfortable. Red stitching neatly lines the interior contrasting the blacks and greys. Chromed vents and dials surround an analogue clock in the console, a nice touch. However, the centre console and infotainment system is outdated. Though offering satellite navigation, the old fashioned screen that hoists itself vertical belongs in a car from years ago. Controls fitted to the console are also too far away and require you to lean forward out of your seat in order to reach them. Things aren’t so great for the two rear passengers either as this “2+2” would struggle to fit children behind the front seats. The interior does begin to redeem itself with excellent visibility all around and a generous boot.

A performance car, as the name suggests, doesn’t sell on its practicality. It is all about how it performs out on the road and packing the most powerful turbocharged 1.6 litre engine in the world, the 2015 Peugeot RCZ R goes into battle well equipped. Turn the key and it awakens with an abrupt crescendo of revs before settling down into a burble at idle. The noise isn’t intrusive but it sounds purposeful. Driving about town and running errands you will find this car to be as easy to drive as a regular RCZ. Its stiffer suspension means that it does ride harder but it is far from bone jangling. Considering that there is 267BHP under the bonnet, it is very manageable day-to-day and surprisingly easy to park. “Come on get on with it” I hear you cry… Ok. Berrying your right foot into the carpet does provoke some torque steer as those ponies initially scrabble for grip through the front wheels. That said, even a light grip of the wheel will keep the car straight and true as this event is not a violent twisting of the wheel. Charging up through the rev range sees the turbo come on song at around 3,000rpm which is where things get exciting. Once the turbo comes into play this car’s acceleration is relentless. It just doesn’t stop! 0-62MPH takes just 5.9 seconds and it will go onto a top speed of 155MPH. A wonderfully orchestral four cylinder tune fills the air as that grin on your face widens. Snatch another gear from its 6 speed manual transmission and the fun continues. Onward to the approaching corner the RCZ R goes just before you apply its brilliantly powerful brakes. Now, the trick with this 2015 Peugeot RCZ R is to keep the turbo spooled up to maintain maximum performance. Heal and toe before turning into the apex will ensure a good exit. High levels of grip thanks to its tyres and wide track produces fantastic corner speeds whilst its limited slip differential keeps understeer at bay. It is a wonderfully enjoyable car to take on a series of challenging B-roads and just like its interior clock, everything feels analogue. You are connected to this car and unlike many sports cars these days it feels like you are doing the work. It flatters you. With all of that power I am sure you are expecting MPG to suffer? We achieve 36MPG combined which is good news for your wallet.

Not so good news for your wallet is its £32,250 price tag. Now I am sure many of you are thinking that the Audi TT would now be the more sensible option, and you would be right. However, the TT isn’t the car I would choose. The Peugeot has got soul and something that just makes it feel special every time you get in it. Glance in the wing mirror and those hips remind you why passersby are looking. It is the best Peugeot for a decade and a car that will no doubt become a classic in the future. Especially as it goes out of production this year, and that is a great shame.

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Many people aspire to own a purposeful machine that they can place in their driveway and be proud of. In the UK these days a hot hatchback can do an excessively purposeful job of dispatching of sports cars, but what happens when you are running the family household on a budget? All of a sudden dedicating the extra money on fuel isn’t so appealing. The answer in the case of Peugeot is the 308 GT Line. Think BMW M Sport and you are pretty much there. Retaining the more sporting looks of the 308 GT, this GT Line actually has a 1.2 litre turbocharged engine that aims to keep prices at the pumps down.

The Peugeot 308 is a good looking car in standard guise being well proportioned. It isn’t overly flashy in terms of design, but its premium detailing and subtle styling lines form a handsome hatchback. In GT Line specification you will find dual exhausts at the rear, a darkened rear diffuser, contrasting mirrors and a set of concept car inspired alloy wheels. In Pearl White with rear privacy glass, this 2015 Peugeot 308 GT Line is really smart blending grownup aesthetics with a pinch of sporting attitude.

GT Line upgrades are immediately noticeable within the cabin. The driver is placed in a nicely bolstered black leather seat which is detailed with red contrasting stitching. It is supportive and gives the car a further sporting perception. These seats are also heated as well as massaging for those stressful days. This interior in general is clutter free and its sculpted cascading surfaces do make it feel upmarket. Aluminium details vents and surrounds the gearstick whilst Peugeot’s touchscreen unit gives you access to just about every function in the car. DAB radio, BlueTooth, air conditioning and even a web browser can all be utilised from the central panel. A small steering wheel sits below a stylised instrument cluster that has had just as much time spend on its design as the rest of the dashboard. Moving rearward occupants have reasonable head room, but are a bit restricted when it comes to leg room for adults. The boot is a really usable shape and with the rear seats flat makes for easy loading. Some competitors do offer a larger volume of space, but the 308 has more than enough for trips to the supermarket.

Now, this Peugeot 308 GT Line is not to be confused with the 202BHP 308 GT, GT Line acts as a trim level offering visual resemblance to its more powerful brother. As a result there is a choice of engines on offer including this 129BHP 1.2 litre petrol engine. This is a great little engine that revs freely and is well suited to both motorway and around town. Visibility is good with nicely sized door mirrors, though the reversing camera is recommended as the rear window isn’t as large as some competitors. A six speed manual gearbox offers a good selection of ratios and works well with this four cylinder. There is loads of grip to be taken advantage of when the going gets twisty and this cars small steering wheel boosts a sense of agility. There isn’t too much in the way of body roll either. Something else that the GT Line is equipped with is a sport button… Push this and the dials go red and horsepower usage is displayed signifying a change in the cars demeanour. The throttle becomes more sensitive to inputs and the steering gains a pleasing amount of weight for more precision when hitting apexes. In this mode the 308 is an enjoyable drive on country roads, however, it also activates a feature I greatly dislike. A synthesised exhaust noise is piped into the cabin which is far burlier than this car is capable of emitting on its own. It sounds terribly fake and this on top of my general disdain for such systems made me not really want to use sport mode. 90% of customers will not care where the noise comes from, but for me as an enthusiast I’d much rather the car be honest about its vocal abilities. Whilst we are talking negatives, I’m afraid the ride does suffer due to those low profile tyres and road noise is increased over the standard car. It is far from uncomfortable, but the standard model simply does a better job in this department.

The Peugeot 308 GT Line is not a bad car, far from it. However, it appeals to a specific customer. If you want every gadget and gizmo under the sun then the GT Line makes sense. Priced from £21,445 it is even competitive with other top specification rivals. This 1.2 litre petrol engine is another strong plus point for the car, but our advice would be to take a look at the Allure trim level. It is cheaper, still has plenty of kit and if you really must have the Sport button it can be optioned. The 308 is undoubtably a good car, but the GT Line is not the best 308.

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Porsche have been building the Cayenne SUV since 2002 with it winning many spaces on various driveways. Whilst the first generation was, let us say, visually challenging the car has always been impressive in motion. However, the Cayenne divides opinion amongst purists with some claiming that its isn’t a product Porsche should be building as SUVs aren’t traditionally sporting. The truth is that the Porsche Cayenne makes a lot of money for the German brand and without it would be much harder to bankroll development of things like the 911 GT3 RS. That isn’t the only reason for the Cayenne, but even to its critics that has to make sense… Squaring up to the naysayers is the 2015 Porsche Cayenne GTS. A machine that proves on every level that an SUV has a place in the Porsche portfolio.

Whilst this generation Cayenne is easier on the eye than previous incarnations, our test cars Peridot metallic paint might not be to everyones liking. That said, it does add to the slightly menacing aesthetic of this 2015 Porsche Cayenne GTS. Contrasting black gaping intakes, roof rails and 20 inch RS Spyder Design alloy wheel suggests there is nothing “mum on the school run” about this SUV. Around the back you will find quad exhaust pipes that look like they have come directly from a World War 2 dreadnought. A wide purposeful stance promotes athleticism, not usually a trait found within the full-size SUV class.

The interior is bathed in alcantara and leather of the highest quality with a large infotainment display surrounded by two banks of aluminium vents. Sculpted sports seats and a three pronged steering wheel hints that this is no ordinary SUV. Whilst it is clearly a performance machine, the GTS doesn’t sacrifice qualities that makes this a family car. The cabin feels roomy with plenty of head and leg space for passengers in the rear. A highly usable boot means that even the dog can come along for this 163MPH ride! It is a genuinely pleasant environment and one in which the whole family can relax. My only complaint of the interior is that the centre console has too many buttons for my liking. They are all logically located, but from a far it does begin to look like something found in the engineers position of a 747.

Under the green bonnet of this 2015 Porsche Cayenne GTS is an engine that is greener than the previous incarnation. A 3.6 litre twin-turbocharged V6 replaces the old V8, but don’t go thinking that the party is over as a result. Producing 434BHP and a colossal 600Nm of torque, this Cayenne with the optional spot Chrono pack fitted will get from 0-62MPH in just 5.1 seconds. That is enough to shame some serious sports cars! Start the engine and an aggressive V6 bark marks the beginning of your journey.  Our car was fitted with the optional air suspension which sits the Cayenne 20mm closer to the ground whilst offering rather good ride quality in comfort. Considering this models size, body control is sublime with hardly a hint of roll in the corners. The steering possesses pinpoint precision and in tandem with torque vectoring makes for a very agile package. In motion this Porsche actually feels like a much smaller car thanks to just how light on its feet it is. Don’t be shy to kiss those apexes because the engineering beneath you is more than capable. Gripping the alcantara steering wheel a little tighter and applying more pressure with my right foot brings to light the wonderfully linear power delivery and almost nonexistent turbo-lag. The surging torque of this 3.6 litre unit is one of the cars defining characteristics. Whilst the base note of the V8 is missed, this engine is a marvel when it comes to transforming figures on paper into real life performance. The 8 speed Tiptronic S gearbox knows exactly what to do when in automatic, but also provides rapid shifts when you take control. That said, Porsche’s own PDK is my preferred gearbox from the company as its responsiveness is lightning quick. This car can sit at autobahn speeds all day long and not break a sweat. There is some wind noise at higher speeds but overall the cabin remains tranquil even when the driving becomes spirited. Whilst the ceramic composite brakes are a costly £5,924 option, their ability to stop the car is simply staggering. They have plenty of feel and so can be easily modulated, but when the anchors are needed you can rest safe in the knowledge that 2,110KG of Porsche will come to a halt pretty sharpish.

Whilst this mile munching speed machine delivers a powerful counterargument to the anti-Cayenne brigade, it retains those values that an SUV should always have. Our test car was loaded with options taking the base price of £72,523 up to a dizzying £94,196. As fast 4x4s continue to grow in popularity there is little doubt that Porsche sits at the top of the pile. The 2015 Porsche Cayenne GTS is for the family man who likes to make sure he gets to work on time!

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Whilst todays convertibles are plenty strong enough to deal with the event of a rollover, the Targa’s unique design is captivating and is the modern-day incarnation of the original. Featuring a unusual roof mechanism, which at the push of a button raises the glass wraparound window and stows the fabric panel in 19 seconds, the 2015 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS looks great covered or topless. Sporting proportions that could only belong to a 911, this car being the GTS possesses external changes including restyled sports grills, bumpers, 20 inch centre locking alloy wheels, and the obligatory GTS badging. Our test car finished in Carmine Red looked the business with its contrasting black details and prominent silver hoop. In our eyes it is one of the best looking 911’s in the showroom and certainly differentiates itself from key competitors.

Slip into this 911’s cockpit and you will find yourself sat in body hugging sports seats. The interior is bathed in leather and alcantara creating a highly premium feel. Its Sport Chrono pack adds an eye-catching stopwatch to the dashboard which heads a centre stack that houses infotainment, climate control and logically placed buttons for heated seats. The console extends and divides the two occupants creating a snug environment. Controls for various performance settings fall to hand easily on this unit. The driving position is fantastic as you sit low with the steering wheel at your chest. Being driver focused is what the 911 has always been about.

Turn the key and the 2015 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS rear mounted 3.8 litre engine fires into life. At idle it has a purposeful engine note as the flat-six awaits commands from the driver. Pottering along the open top experience was very pleasant in the sunshine. The wind doesn’t consume the cabin like it does in traditional convertibles, thanks to the rear glasshouse remaining in place, whilst the noises and smells of the car at work are more vibrant than within the confides of a coupe. For a car of this calibre visibility is good and at low speeds this Porsche is comfortable enough to be your daily driver. The gearbox is very happy to be left in automatic and its shifts are smooth. Pick up the pace and the 50+ years of engineering that has gone into this car reveals itself. Body control is exceptional and Porsche has produced, in my eyes, the best electro mechanical steering yet. It is well weighted and precise integrating itself within this communicative package. You can feel what the car is doing beneath you and as the twists and turns become more interesting things become exciting when you work through the sports setting. Putting your foot down with the exhaust at its loudest and throttle response at its most aggressive will put the biggest grin on your face. The Targa howls as 430HP and 440Nm of torque fires you off into the distance. With a 0-62MPH time of just 4.3 seconds and a top speed quoted at 187MPH, this topless model is far from “all show and no go.” All wheel drive ensures the power is distributed in all of the right places giving the driver a real sense of security. Torque vectoring pulls the car even closer to the apex of corners boosting the agility of a car that is already light on its feet. Take control of cog swapping and Porsche’s PDK double clutch transmission responds immediately and without hesitation. The exhaust pops and crackles on downshifts encouraging you to push this orchestra harder, at which point the car will simply thank you and ask for more. Braking performance was impressive, even on standard discs, and allowed for good modulation through the pedal. Settle back down and this 911 becomes a that daily commuter with a good sized boot once more.

The 2015 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is a car with very few flaws. Whilst it is more costly than its convertible counterpart, our test car came to £116,457 with options, it is a niche product that many will find attractive. Combined this 911 will officially do 30.7MPG furthering the argument of the 911 potentially being the supercar that offers everything you need in the “real world.”

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When it comes to making a decision about what new car to buy there are many factors to consider. Is it fit for purpose? Do I like how it looks? Is it comfortable? What sort of deal can I get in the showroom? Something else which plays a key part in the decision making process is the cost of running said car. In terms of tax your CO2 emissions mean a great deal which is often bad news for company car drivers who want a strong diesel engine for long commutes. However, the recently refreshed 2015 Peugeot 508 2.0 BlueHDi 150 Allure might surprise you and the tax man.

Emitting just 109g/km of CO2, this 2.0 litre diesel saloon is in the 17% tax bracket for company cars for 2015 which considering its size and engine capacity is pretty good. For the rest of us its Euro 6 emission standards engine result in road tax which is free for the first year and £20 a year from then on. A claimed 67.3MPG combined also maximises the time between trips to the pump.

For this model year the 508 has been given a facelift to remain in line with the new Peugeot family architecture. Sitting upon its nose is a very upmarket chromed grill that encompasses the Lion at its centre. LED lights now sit either side as a precursor to a more horizontal bonnet. In profile the car is similar to last years represents one of Peugeots more pleasing silhouettes. The rear bumper has been given more character and the tail lights now sport a bolder design. This 2015 Peugeot 508 2.0 BlueHDi 150 Allure finished in its Flint paintwork, presents itself as being visually self-assured within this highly competitive marketplace.

The interior offers plenty of space and has a nice airy feel to it which sets the tone nicely for a potential family space. This cars centre console now houses a 7 inch touchscreen infotainment system found across the Peugeot range, however, the cabin was clearly designed with the old system in mind as to use the touch functionality involves leaning forward to reach it. You are much better off using the 508s array of steering wheel mounted buttons. I really like the dashboard on the 508 as not only is it clear to read, but it is also stylish in the way its red needles fade in and out of use. On this Allure model we had luxuries such as dual zone climate control, heated seats, half leather, cruise control, DAB radio and Bluetooth. The rear bench provides ample head room and very good leg room for passengers. Plenty of light is let in through large windows and so the rear quarters never feel claustrophobic. Better still is that the middle passenger needn’t be the one to draw the short straw as a low transmission tunnel means there is actually space for their feet. The boot is of a good size and for a saloon body style has a nice big opening enabling easy loading. Having the boot release button hidden within the “0” of 508 will keep friends guessing for hours whilst creating a clean design.

Driving this 2015 Peugeot 508 2.0 BlueHDi 150 Allure reveals it to be a refined machine that allows little in the way of noise or vibration entering the cabin. Visibility is positive and further boosted by this cars reversing camera. Around town the 508 does a very good job of not feeling like a big car. Its light steering makes manoeuvring easy and its suspension, with its relative lack of body roll and high levels of grip, promotes agility. However, its long gearing and better throttle response at higher revs suggests its talents lay elsewhere. It is on the motorway where the Peugeot 508 is at its best in this specification. The 2.0 litre diesel engine quietly hums as you make yourself quite comfortable for the journey ahead. It really is one of those cars that you could happily settle down with to rack up those motorway miles. If a regular commute for you involves notable time on the M25 then the 508 is a noteworthy contender as its hushed progressive drive creates exactly the sort of environment you want after a hard day at work. At higher revs acceleration is good and the 370Nm of torque available at 2,000rpm means there is plenty of “get up and go” in higher gears.

This very 2015 Peugeot 508 2.0 BlueHDi 150 Allure came to £26,315 with its optional paint which considering its equipment, is competitive amongst rivals. Whilst the 508 provides lots to like, it is those very same competitors that give it a hard time. This marketplace is one of the fastest evolving at the moment. The all-new Mondeo and 2015 Mazda 6 do cast a bit of a shadow over this car as good as it is. That said, its impressive CO2 advantages and price is tempting for those seeking such a car.

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