Peugeot 508 07/02/2011
 
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A few years ago you could be forgiven for wondering where the classical elegance of Peugeot's Pininfarina-styled models had disappeared to.

The well-proportioned 406 was replaced by the nose-heavy 407, almost a Gerald Scarfe caricature of what a Peugeot should look like.

But more recently these styling excesses have been toned down, with models like the 5008 and RCZ signifying a more subtle look.

The latest new model is the 508, which is due in showrooms in April 2011 in both saloon and SW estate body styles.
 
Volvo S60 26/08/2010
 
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Is the latest S60, an all-new design, worthy of stealing customers from its perceived German rivals? It is a major step forward from the previous version.

For a start the new S60 is much better on the eye. It has a rakish, coupe-like body with a sharp nose.

And despite the sleeker visuals there is proper family car space inside, particularly in the back, and a really big boot.

Slip behind the wheel and your surroundings maintain the image. The dash is functional yet stylish, and I still very much like the ‘floating’ centre console, a flat plate which you can put your arm behind. 
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Upper-medium ‘volume’ cars are under siege. Many buyers are downsizing to the lower-medium sector (Golf, Focus and Toyota’s own Auris, etc.) and the rest are attracted by once exclusive ‘premium badges’ such as BMW and Mercedes.

Determined to hang on to a chunk of what remains a big sector, volume makers have responded with a big 'quality offensive' and loading up the kit. Known in a previous life as ‘Carina’, the first Avensis came in 1997 and this is the third.
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