Paris 2010 news:

Just in case you were worried that the Paris show was all about concepts, whether the bonkers fast (Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, Jaguar C-X75) or the merely bonkers, here are two boringly sensible cars, soon to be seen blocking an outside lane near you.

One's the Peugeot 508 (pictured below), the other the seventh-generation Passat (though it's really version 6.5). They are the same. They come in saloons and estates. Diesels and petrols. Gearshifts and paddleshifts. They have many airbags, and start-stop eco-systems and keyless entry and LED lights.

Both come fitted as standard with a regional business development manager on the driver's seat.