This is the Peugeot 508 RXH – a range-topping version of the 508 SW estate, combining Audi Allroad-style jacked-up suspension, rugged bodywork and the same 200bhp diesel-electric HYbrid4 powertrain recently fitted to the 3008.
Higher and wider than a 508 SW, the newcomer is a car that Peugeot says raises the brand's profile and "reinforces its technological and environmental leadership". It's not just the raised ride height, scuff plates and plastic sills that mark it our either - two sets of three LED running lights flank the central floating grille.
Under the skin, power comes from the 2.0-litre HDi HYbrid4 drivetrain which will soon go on sale in the 3008 HYbrid4. It uses a diesel engine to drive the front tyres and an electric motor to turn the rears - resulting in four-wheel drive and a total power output of 200bhp with 450Nm of torque. There's also an all-electric zero-emissions mode which contributes towards the combined fuel economy of 67.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 109g/km.
In keeping with the car's positioning at the top of the 508 range, equipment levels are generous. Electric front seats, a head-up display, 18-inch alloys and a panoramic glass roof make up just a handful of the standard kit.
There's no word on price yet, but the 508 RXH will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with UK sales kicking off in Spring 2012.
Video: watch our video review of the new Peugeot 508
For an alternative review of the latest Peugeot 508 SW visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
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Looks like the dominance of the Skoda Octavia 4x4 is coming to an end. This will give it a run for its money.
... But this looks like a decent motor from Peugeot! Agree with Lucasworld, the Skoda 4x4 needs competition - not that the Skoda is bad, in fact the opposite but I feel competition is always good.
And I'm not a Peugeot knocker (unlike Clarkson et al), having owned a 205, 307 and 206GT (all without the renowned faults).
Good to see that the gaping mouth is being restrained in design. All in all a good looking rough road estate - just different enough looking from a Volvo too.
Nice to see that car manufacturers are now admitting that hybrid technology can simply be called diesel electric. We used to ride around East Sussex in diesel electrics in the 1960s. They were diesel electric multiple unit trains which we nicknamed "Thumpers" because the English Electric 6RKT 600bhp engines used to throb like that and could be heard for miles on a still night. Is diesel electric traction back to the future then?
Yes ajjm65, I agree with you.
I've owned a Peugeot 403, a 404, a 204 and a 104 and they were all of an excellent build quality, reliable, and refined.
The 104 was the very sort of car that a new Mini should have been.
As for Top Gear's mister Clarkson and his Peugeot bashing just don't bother.
This man's yardstick only measures miles per hour, seconds from 0 to100 and of course price tags.