Road Tested By Hugh Maguire.
The Peugeot 508 has won wide acclaim since its launch. However cars (as opposed to SUV’s) have had a hard time competing with the seemingly unshakeable appeal of the SUV. The 508 looks like a saloon but is actually a very stylish fastback with a coupe like profile. Quality has taken a big leap forward and now Peugeot feel they have a car to rival some of the leading teutonic German brands. Peugeot make great engines, offer good specifications and trim options and generally offer a good driving experience.
There are three trim levels available, Allure, GT-Line and Peugeot Sport Engineered. This week I aim behind the wheel of the Peugeot 508 Allure diesel powered version with the 8-speed auto gearbox. Engines available are petrol, diesel, and plug-in-hybrid
So Has It got street cred?
The style of the new 508 really is very attractive. Sleek, low slung and with very distinctive light clusters it simply looks great! The front of the new car has an imposing mix of LED lights and big Peugeot grille, with the new Peugeot shield while the rear boasts darkened full width light design with twin exhaust tailpipes. Two tone 17” “Merrion” diamond cut alloy wheels complete a very distinctive design.
What’s it like inside?
The interior of the new 508 tested is clad in a mix of cloth and leatheretteupholstery and with judicious use of piano black trim it gives the interior a classy upmarket feel.
Boasting Peugeot’s now familiar iCockpit with high quality materials throughout the interior feels very good indeed. I do however think its a pity they ditched the digital analogue style dials for two circular digital instruments that display no numbers on the circumference just a large digital readout of speed and revs. Looks rather cheap really when the previous display was so good. Its also very comprehensively equipped, too numerous to detail here but highlights include, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, Peugeot Smart Beam Assist, Matrix LED headlamps, Blind Spot detection, Advanced automatic emergency braking, Peugeot Open and Go keyless, colour reversing camera, voice recognition, and selectable drive modes, Normal, Eco and Sport.
What is under the bonnet?
An extensive range of petrol, diesel and PHEV power plants are available. My test car was powered by Peugeot’s HDi diesel which in this car is mated to an 8-speed auto gearbox.
I found performance to be reasonably good despite the fact that the auto transmission was sometimes a bit slow in selecting the gear I wanted during more rapid downshifts via the paddle shifters even in sport mode. Its vey frugal too burning just 5.2 litres of diesel per 100km giving a range close to 950 km.
It costs €210.00 to tax.
What’s it like to drive?
I must say Peugeot engineers always manage to produce cars that handle very well and this new 508 is no different. Through the twisty stuff it proves an able handler, surefooted whether on wet or dry roads.
Its a refined motorway cruiser with little road or engine noise. Accomadation is good both front and rear though that low roofline line may compromise headroom for taller passengers in the rear. The boot though shallow is very deep.
So what’s the verdict?
This is a classy good looking car that is rewarding to drive yet eminently practical, well equipped and frugal on the fuel. It was refreshing to drive a car that feels taut and responsive on the road rather than a big SUV.
So the new Peugeot 508 is a car I really liked and can strongly recommend. Priced from €46,495 its one to shortlist.