Peugeot 508 spied

14th June 2010

It’s high five for Peugeot. These pictures show the firm’s new Mondeo-sized 508 which is set to replace both the 407 and unloved 607 when it goes on sale in the UK next year.

It’ll sized closer to the 407, but will be enlarged to offer much more space for rear-seat passengers – countering one of the major criticisms of the old model. The car is built to embrace the Chinese market, where buyers prefer to be chauffeured rather than drive themselves.

Style will be high on the list. The car is inspired by the 5 by Peugeot concept car which was unveiled at Geneva this year, and will be elegant yet understated – although touches of flare inspired by the SR1 concept will also feature.

Under the bonnet, the firm is likely to weight the range towards diesel, with 110bhp, 150bhp, 170bhp and 240bhp outputs likely. The latter is the V6 turbo which will be specced with more chrome, big wheels and a plush interior to cater for the market now vacated by the 607. A 2.0-litre petrol and larger petrol for the Chinese market will be available.

The car is likely to be launched in production guise at the Paris Motor Show, before going on sale later in 2011. A car featuring Peugeot’s Hybrid4 powertrain – a 163bhp 2.0 litre HDi FAP engine linked to a 37bhp electric motor – will join the range a year after launch.