Peugeot 508

Text: Jack Rix / Photos: Auto Plus

August 2010

Sophisticated styling, cutting-edge technology and a top-quality interior – it’s the Peugeot that’s hunting down its rivals one by one! The all-new 508, which is set to replace the 407 and 607 in one fell swoop, marks a new era for the French manufacturer, and Auto Express was the first to meet it in the flesh.

On first impressions, the 508 adopts a more sombre look than Peugeot saloons of the past, but don’t mistake the toned-down shape as a missed opportunity. This car spells out an entirely
new design language. Styling chief Gilles Vidal describes the controversial nose as “quiet and elegant”. He adds: “The current 407 is a hyper-sporty design – with a huge grille signifying huge performance. But the 508 is far more refined and responsible.”

Narrow headlights flank the shrunken radiator grille, while daytime running lamps and chrome strips add glitz. Blacked-out B-pillars build the impression of a coupé-like profile and a restrained back end finishes off the grown-up look.

Inside, Peugeot’s intentions are clear. Cabin build quality is much improved, with solid, tactile surfaces wherever you turn. The simple dash architecture works beautifully, although Vidal was keen to point out that from now on, Peugeot interiors will become increasingly driver oriented.

An interpretation of BMW’s iDrive control has been created by moving the entertainmentswitches, which sit on the dash on other models, to between the two front seats. The jet fighter-style head-up display is carried over from the 3008 and 5008, while rear seat passengers get individual reading lights andpersonal air-con controls.

In order to slot perfectly between the two cars it’s replacing, the 508 is 10cm longer than the 407. That means legroom has increased by 6cm in the back – not limousine levels of space, but there’s leg and headroom to spare for six-footers. Behind them, the boot is expected to provide around 500 litres of space. A 3-Series saloon has 360 litres, although unlike in the BMW, the 508’s rear seats can be folded.

Peugeot hasn’t forgotten driving dynamics, either. While the Citroen C5 chassis on whichthe 508 is based isn’t the most spirited platform around, a lightweight aluminium bonnet and plastic bootlid have kept weight to a minimum. Efficiency is top of the agenda for the engine range, too. No technical details will be released until the car’s October Paris Motor Show debut, but a 110bhp 1.6 e-HDi diesel is likely, with stop/start tech to cut CO2 emissions to less than 120g/km. A selection of 2.0-litre HDis will also be offered, promising up to 163bhp. As for petrol units, Peugeot will provide a 1.6-litre turbo delivering up to 200bhp – that’s the same output as in the flagship RCZ.

From 2012, the 508 will be available with Peugeot’s HYbrid4 powertrain. This links a 163bhp 2.0 HDi engine to the front wheels and a 37bhp electric motor to the rears. The result is a total
output of 200bhp, plus CO2 emissions below 100g/km. The 508 is due to arrive in dealers in the spring, when buyers can choose between the four-door saloon or a more spacious SW estate.

Prices are expected to start from around £19,000, rising to £24,000 for the top-spec GT model seen here. 

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