Skip advert
Advertisement
Road tests

New Peugeot 508 2022 review

The stylish Peugeot 508 family car has been given a subtle update, but is it now better than ever?

Overall Auto Express rating

3.5

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£10,983 off RRP*
Find your Peugeot 508
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

Verdict

The tweaks to the Peugeot 508 are subtle and haven’t changed the core of the car, which is not without its flaws (some infotainment issues and a tight rear cabin), but still delivers on many fronts in hybrid form. It’s a comfortable, efficient, refined and practical machine that can cut it with the best the VW Group brands have to offer. The question is, given that SUVs are still the most popular models with buyers, is it more the market than the car that will limit the 508’s potential?

Advertisement - Article continues below

Peugeot is going through a period of reinvention, with all-new models such as the forthcoming 408 and heavily revised cars, including the 308 hatch, underpinning its push to go more premium. But what about existing models such as the 508?

Well, the brand has upgraded the range with some subtle styling alterations and spec tweaks to boost its appeal. The range now starts with Active Premium trim, with more kit, while the old Allure spec has been axed in favour of Allure Premium. Above this there’s GT, and this GT Premium model.

It also features subtle styling updates, including black door mirror caps and a dark chrome grille insert with a black surround, while all 508s now have LED headlights.

This high-spec GT Premium trim gets lots of standard kit. The Driver Assist pack groups adaptive cruise control and lane-assistance tech, plus there’s full keyless go, a 360-degree camera, sat-nav and live services, the latest smartphone connectivity, a Focal stereo, 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, heated seats and a 12.3-inch digital dash.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The i-Cockpit layout remains and there aren’t any changes to the cabin, which means the ergonomics might not suit everyone but you can still get comfortable behind the steering wheel.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The 508 delivers comfort on the move, too. The EMP2 platform provides a flowing ride the majority of the time. The Peugeot floats over undulating country roads yet the body control is sound; it feels calm and composed – until you hit a serious pothole or bump, which tends to thud through the car’s structure at speed.

Handling is a match for the ride in that the 508 feels nicely set up, with a grippy and agile personality that backs up its sleek, sporty looks in fastback form. It’s good fun, helped by the boost our plug-in model’s electric motor delivers.

The Hybrid 225 powertrain combines a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with an electric motor delivering a total of 222bhp and 266Nm of torque.

The Peugeot feels punchy enough on electric power. Ask for more performance, and the petrol engine kicks in. However, around town or at lower speeds the e-motor takes care of propulsion effectively and delivers strong refinement. This slips in hybrid mode, but the four-cylinder unit is still pretty quiet unless working hard.

However, this approach is at odds with the 508 Hybrid. You’re better off making the most of the electric range (up to 34 miles, officially) by allowing the battery to deploy its 11.8kWh of energy as it sees fit.

With a 487-litre boot, the 508 Hybrid just shades its closest rival – the Skoda Superb PHEV – offering two litres more. However, there’s not quite as much space for passengers in the Peugeot.

Material quality feels good, as does the 508’s build, while the tech backs this up with enough features. We’d like physical climate controls, as well as snappier responses from the infotainment system, though, especially given the GT Premium plug-in’s hefty £41,580 price tag.

Model:Peugeot 508 Hybrid 225 GT Premium
Price:£41,580
Powertrain:1.6-litre 4cyl turbo petrol + e-motor
Power/torque:222bhp/266Nm
Transmission:Eight-speed automatic, front-wheel drive 
0-62mph:8.3 seconds
Top speed:155mph
Economy:235mpg
CO2:33g/km
On sale:Now
Skip advert
Advertisement

Sean’s been writing about cars since 2010, having worked for outlets as diverse as PistonHeads, MSN Cars, Which? Cars, Race Tech – a specialist motorsport publication – and most recently Auto Express and sister titles Carbuyer and DrivingElectric

Our latest car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £28,085Avg. savings £1,458 off RRP*Compare Offers
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £27,565Avg. savings £2,749 off RRP*Compare Offers
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £31,535Avg. savings £3,985 off RRP*Compare Offers
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £36,645Avg. savings £2,892 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: new MG4 long-range EV for a ridiculously low price
MG4 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: new MG4 long-range EV for a ridiculously low price

The MG4 is one of our favourite EVs on account of its sheer value for money. It’s our Deal of the Day for 11 December
News
11 Dec 2024
ZEV Mandate to spoil Christmas for 1,000s of petrol and diesel car buyers
Nissan Cube

ZEV Mandate to spoil Christmas for 1,000s of petrol and diesel car buyers

Got an ICE car on order? Don’t bet on collecting it before the New Year…
News
10 Dec 2024
Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage SUV is stunning value at just £260 a month
Kia Sportage - main image

Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage SUV is stunning value at just £260 a month

The Kia Sportage is a top-selling car and it’s easy to see why. It’s our Deal of the Day for 10 December
News
10 Dec 2024