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Peugeot 508

Can Lion’s new family car maul the Mondeo? We get behind wheel to reveal all...

Peugeot 508 front

By Luke Madden

January 2011

Two is better than one for the 
latest Peugeot! The 508 family 
car replaces the 407 and 607 
in the range, and is set to take the fight to the Ford Mondeo. 

Engineers have concentrated on replicating the nimble handling of the 407 and the space of the 607 in one package. And it looks as if they’ve been successful. 

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Peugeot 508

 

Thanks to better packaging, Peugeot bosses claim interior space is on a par with the larger model, while the 508 is 35kg lighter than the 407 – despite being 10cm longer – to retain 
the agility of the latter. 

But how does the newcomer fare on the road? We took the wheel of a top-spec GT model, which comes fitted with a dual wishbone set-up on the front axle, rather than the MacPherson strut system on lesser models. 

On a challenging route full of hairpins, off-camber bends and rough tarmac, the 508 was never 
unsettled. It’s still comfortable, though. Even on the bumpiest 
of roads, the suspension does 
a good job of insulating the cabin. And while progress may 
not be as smooth as in a VW Passat, or as involving as in a Mondeo, the Peugeot arguably offers the best blend of the two. 

What’s more, it’s one of the most interestingly designed cars in this class. Styling inspiration has been taken from the stunning SR1 concept, and the 508 wears Peugeot’s new family face, with a sculpted bonnet and gaping grille. 

Inside, things are equally impressive. The layout is modern and stylish, and has an upmarket feel. All the buttons and switches are solid, and there are plenty of soft-touch materials throughout. 
In addition, legroom in the 
back has increased by 5cm, to ensure there’s more than enough space for occupants standing 
six foot tall to stretch out in. 

The 508 comes with a range 
of big-car features to match, including a colour head-up 
display, four-zone automatic 
air-con and heated massage seats for the driver and front 
passenger. An acoustic screen and targeted sound deadening guarantee excellent refinement, while the 2.2-litre diesel engine – available only in GT trim – was smooth and quiet. It’s mated as standard to a quick-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox, and 
is a strong performer, too, with 0-62mph in only 8.2 seconds.  

Buyers are also given the option of naturally aspirated 
and turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol units, plus 1.6 and 2.0-litre HDi diesels. Most efficient is the 
1.6 e-HDi; this claims 64.2mpg economy and CO2 emissions of 109g/km. There are efficiency improvements across the board, though, with our 2.2-litre diesel offering the same performance 
as the 407’s oil-burning V6, 
but putting out 73g/km 
less CO2, at 150g/km. 

A diesel-electric HYbrid4 model will arrive by the end 
of the year, with 200bhp and a tax-free CO2 output of 99g/km. Prices start at £18,150 – that’s £725 less than the Passat – but rise to £28,750 for GT models. 
In this guise, the 508 is more expensive than top-spec versions of the Ford and VW, although it has an amazing spec – sat-nav and full leather trim are included, both of which are expensive extras on the competition.

For an alternative review of the latest Peugeot 508 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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15 Comments

Déjà vu ?

Take the back end of a previous BMW 5 series, the front and sides of the Jag XF and inside of any Audi and voila ! - The 508. Looks quite nice though in an anonymous, euro design way.

By stephenmogg on 19 January, 2011, 12:10pm

Well done Peugeot

Im loving the look of this 508; major improvement over the 407 which I could not stand

By hotredman on 19 January, 2011, 2:52pm

Looks like the official Parisian Taxi!

Appears to be a very good car, I would definately choose it over a Ford or Toyota. My problem with this car, is that, it's just soo boring! Also, the styling lacks distinction, could be anything.

By JTravolta77 on 19 January, 2011, 3:18pm

Another bland looking car

It's French it will fall to bits in no time, why on earth would anyone buy one?

By matstanza on 19 January, 2011, 10:08pm

Nice car shame about the boot!

Looks like Peugeot might have a winner on their hands if looks and interior quality are anything to go by. But come on, can they be serious giving a car this size with families (probably) in mind a boot that you can only squeeze micro cases in through the opening. Whats wrong with these people, why limit things to that extent, they should have made it a hatchback opening.

By asmithdesign on 20 January, 2011, 7:29am

Better Effort

A bit bland - but after the current range of hideous monstrosities, this is a vast improvement. Peugeot's USP always used to be sober, but capable cars. Maybe they are returning to it.

By pajbse on 20 January, 2011, 7:59am

With some serious breakdown cover this might not be too bad a proposition. Looks nice and you'll be able to admire it from all angles as it sits up high on the ramp at your local dealer for a fair proportion of its life.

By IronChicken on 20 January, 2011, 9:13am

Nice looks, but still not ............

I just don’t get why AE have tested the high spec model?? What about the simpletons/company car owners out there, whom go for the mid range levels? What spec do you get then? I bet half what you would get anywhere else! Sorry you haven’t sold this to me!

By taaudi on 20 January, 2011, 10:35am

Re: Nice looks, but still not .........

Hi taaudi,

Look out for a review of a more affordable £22,000, 1.6THP model coming next week.

Thanks,
Luke Madden,
Auto Express

By Luke_Madden on 20 January, 2011, 11:03am

I think this is a great looking car. A bit conservative, but classy looking. Nice to see a car that looks good from the rear. Far too many cars have ugly rear ends. Still, these pics are a top spec model with twin exhausts. Bet others wont look so nice.
Still to compete in this sector (family cars), they need to be high quality, which the French have never seemed to achieve.
I'd rather have the great looking new 2011/2012 Kia Megentis with a 7 year warranty.

By mpwox11 on 20 January, 2011, 11:09am

nice looking car

its a better looking car than the Mondeo,Signia,Passat etc,it will be comfy and the 204bhp 2.2 diesel is certainly up there.I am pleased to see Peugeot have put the car on a Diet as their cars were getting a bit lardy.The only thing it needs to do now is prove to be reliable,where as the 407 was not.Then the 508 might be on to a winner.

By nickbsmooth on 20 January, 2011, 4:46pm

First Impressions mean everything...

Spend a little time studying the photos guys and the 508 is quite classy albeit in an understated manner. If this had been wearing a Lexus or BMW badge I wouldn't have been surprised. That observation could be a mixed blessing however...

By sgtgrash on 20 January, 2011, 5:17pm

Very good car but...

The front grill has obviously been inspired by Audi! Otherwise, certainly a very good car but isn't it too late for the French OEM to compete with its German opponents in that segment?

By philpod on 21 January, 2011, 6:37pm

Wow! Better than some of the other current models!

Peugeot really have done a great job on this one. Probably the best looking Pug in the current range as the rest look to fussy. Really like the look of this car.

Not to sure it will catch on

By dan123 on 2 February, 2011, 12:48pm

Cant we just respect Peugeot for what they have made?

Critics of this car are just picking tiny faults that really are not important. What is important is that this car is fantastic to drive and great on fuel economy in the diesel models and what is more it looks great too!
We are looking to get a GT model in shortly at our dealership Budgen Motors, so hopefully it starts selling well!

By budgenpeugeot on 31 March, 2011, 10:20am

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FIRST OPINION

    It looks as though Peugeot has cracked it with the 508. While there are more comfortable and exciting drivers’ cars in this class, the newcomer strikes a decent balance between the two and is a talented all-rounder. It would be interesting to try a more sensibly priced version, without the uprated suspension of our GT, to see whether the new model’s abilities run right the way through the range. 
 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £28,750
    Engine: 2.2-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
    Power: 204bhp
    Torque: 450Nm
    0-62mph: 8.2 seconds
    Top speed: 145mph
    Economy: 49.6mpg
    CO2: 150g/km
    Equipment: Full leather upholstery, cruise control, satellite-navigation, Bluetooth, electric windows
    On sale: April
     
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