SOME motoring pundits more often than not test the most powerful and sporting car in a range first and then move on to the lesser metal.

So they often complain about things that I simply don't find a problem when I drive the same car.

Take the great looking Peugeot 508. Some said that the ride was suspect compared to others in the large family class.

Rubbish, they're talking through their hats.

I've just covered many, many miles in a 2.0-litre Blue HDi 508 and it was as comfortable as sitting in my armchair in front of the fire over every nasty surface I could find - and at all speeds.

I could not fault it over more than 200 miles - during which incidentally, the fuel gauge hardly moved.

But it gets better. Because not only is the ride superb, the handling and road-holding are far better than most drivers would believe and right up there with other excellent driving cars like the Mazda 6 at the top of the class.

The 2.0-litre engine in this guise delivers about 150bhp and, as you would expect, drives the front wheels through a manual six-speed gearbox.

The setup is brilliant and although the engine is a tad noisier than some others it will easily pull away from low speeds in top gear.

There's huge urge in the low and mid-range for overtaking and very good acceleration in sixthgear when needed on the motorway.

Inside, there's plenty of room for four or five and the boot is vast - big enough for two cases and two sets of golf clubs.

All the models in the 508 range come complete with sat nav - an expensive extra in many others although it is getting cheaper these days, plus an alarm, an excellent stop-start system, bluetooth, keyless entry and starting, part leather upholstery and traction and stability control.

There's a head-up display on the inside of the windscreen for speed and cruise control setting, automatic dipping headlamps, parking sensors, climate control and even electric child locks on the rear doors.