There’s something irresistible about a fastback isn’t there?

Just look at this thing. It’s almost like a concept car that went to a motor show but never got made. But Peugeot being Peugeot they did make it and I for one am very glad that the 508 is a real thing.

It certainly turned a few heads and got some second glances during my week with it.

It’s beautiful, a big car that manages to look slick and sporty too.

It’s the usual choice of Peugeot specs – Active, Allure, GT Line and GT.

Even base Active gets emergency braking, lane keep assist, dual climate control, rear parking sensors, sat nav, digital radio, smartphone integration, alloys, auto lights and the like.

Allure adds the i-Cockpit, which includes the 10in touch screen system, keyless entry and start, ambient lighting inside, electric and heated front seats and exterior tweaks such as chrome exhaust and diamond cut two-tone alloys.

Neither looks quite so sexy as the GT Line and GT, though, thanks to one key external feature ¬ that grille.

The GT Line adds the chequered grille, which does make quite a difference when it comes to looks.

It also gets sporty visual touches inside and out and bigger – 18in – alloys too.

Top end is GT, which gets an electric tailgate, adaptive cruise control, more visuals and a FOCAL premium speaker system among its bells and buttons, as well as 19in alloys.

We got to drive the GT and our one had the powerful 225hp petrol engine.

Even in eco mode it was no slouch, but engage sport mode and it really wakes up and becomes a properly rapid car.

That’s reflected in the figures, with 62mph up in a not at all shabby 7.3 seconds.

A super-smooth eight-speed automatic box gets you there without any trouble – a six-speed manual is also available.

It’s composed and assured and it’ll always go exactly where you want it to thanks to sharp handling and lots of grip.

But on the cruise back in eco mode it’s smooth and quiet and we managed 40mpg on the motorway, which compares favourably to its on-paper figures of 36-40.

The less powerful petrol is the 1.6, which still has 180hp and is nearly as rapid, making 62mph in 7.9 seconds. MPG is a little better, too, between 38 and 42.

Economy comes from Peugeot’s excellent diesels, in the form of a 1.5 unit with 130hp or a 2.0 lump with 160 or 180hp.

If experience with other models is anything to go by, all are smooth and powerful and satisfying to drive.

MPG on the oil-burners is between 45 and 60 and CO2 gets as low as 99g/km.

If you like the look of the outside you’ll love the inside.

It’s a masterpiece of design with angular fittings, very cool flat switchgear and premium materials everywhere.

You could happily spend a very long time in here.

There’s decent rear legroom and plenty of boot, too.

The 508 is an excellent break from the norm for the discerning motorist and I for one am very glad they made it.

Prices run from £25,039 to £37,439, with the GT we tested towards the upper end.