Last week I drove a Peugeot 508. I covered in excess of 600 miles in it and, during that time, how many other Peugeot 508s do you think I saw?

No, it was in fact one. If you did, in fact, guess one, my apologies and well done.

There were, certainly, more – I couldn’t claim to have noted every vehicle that I passed – but it does, in a rather unscientific way, demonstrate what a rare sight the 508 is on Britain’s roads.

If my week in the GT HDi 180 has shown me anything, it’s that the 508’s scarcity can’t be blamed on Peugeot having turned out a bit of a stinker because the big saloon, is, actually rather good.

It’s competing in a segment that is dominated by the premium brands and the Lion doesn’t quite carry the same kudos as, say, the three-pointed star but give it a chance and this is a car that might just surprise you. Pleasantly.

The restyled 508 now wears the new Peugeot front end with a more upright grille and it’s all the better for it. It marks a clear move upmarket, lending the car a more robust, imposing presence. The bonnet has been squared off, too, and given a flatter profile while the redesigned headlamp assembly sports three modules of four LEDs which, according to the company, accentuate the car’s feline look.

I’m not entirely convinced by that claim but they do look good and, more importantly, they light the way effectively.

The rear lights are also new. They’re more horizontal than before with 36 LEDs arranged in three claws. Yes, there’s that cat again.

Marketing spiel aside the new 508 is a handsome, contemporary and stylish automobile that, if you’re not too hung up on the badge that it’s wearing, has the looks to mix it with the big boys.

Climb inside and it’s clear that Peugeot have made the same effort to improve the quality on the inside as they have with the outside.

The GT welcomes you with full grain Nappa leather seats which are electrically adjustable and, thankfully given how leather has the capacity to suck the heat out of your behind, heated.

The cabin has a restrained, grown-up ambience with high-grade materials in evidence throughout and excellent ergonomics.

The seven-inch touchscreen, which is standard across the range, has helped rid the cabin of a few buttons by providing access to most of the vehicle’s functions. It’s a reasonably intuitive and responsive set-up although, while it does tidy up the vista, trying to use on-screen controls on the move is never as easy as using physical controls.

Which is why I’m pleased that there are shortcut buttons – real buttons – for navigation, air conditioning, radio and connectivity below the touchscreen.

Equipment levels are generous on the GT. You get a head-up display, the leather seats, 19in alloy wheels, cruise control, Bluetooth with handsfree calling and audio streaming and DAB radio.

Rear seat passengers are well catered for. There shouldn’t really be any complaints about head and legroom, although as is often the case, if you’re carrying a fifth person in the back they might feel the squeeze.

The instrument pinnacle is vibrant and easy to read and is supplemented by a colour head up display that shows driving and navigation information.

The 180bhp diesel unit fitted to my test car is a gem. Quiet, refined and flexible it is perfectly suited to long motorway cruises. The ride is just the right side of firm – in my opinion at least – and for the most part does an excellent job of keeping the occupants isolated from all the unsavoury things going on under the car, although the suspension did crash a bit over the very worst imperfections.

The six-speed automatic gearbox proved an intelligent ally, changing cogs seamlessly. It was quick to change down when a little bit of urgency was required. You can change gear with the paddles on the back of the steering wheel but, while I’ve no complaints about their function, I didn’t feel there was anything to gain from slipping it into manual mode.

The 508 is a rarity on our roads. Perfect, then, if you’re looking for a bit of exclusivity. However, that alone is never going to be enough to persuade someone to part with, in the case of the GT, more than £30,000.

It also needs to be comfortable, efficient, good-looking and fun. If you’re able to tear your eyes away from the 508’s Teutonic rivals, you might just realise that it ticks all those boxes.

Peugeot 508 GT HDi 180

Price: £30,345

As tested: £31,000

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Max power: 180bhp

Max torque: 273lbft @2,000rpm

Max speed: 143mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 8.5sec

Urban: 56.5mpg

Extra urban: 74.3mpg

Combined: 67.3mpg

Emissions (CO2): 110g/km

For more information visit www.peugeot.co.uk