A few years ago you could be forgiven for wondering where the classical elegance of Peugeot's Pininfarina-styled models had disappeared to.
The well-proportioned 406 was replaced by the nose-heavy 407, almost a Gerald Scarfe caricature of what a Peugeot should look like.
But more recently these styling excesses have been toned down, with models like the 5008 and RCZ signifying a more subtle look.
The latest new model is the 508, which is due in showrooms in April 2011 in both saloon and SW estate body styles.
The well-proportioned 406 was replaced by the nose-heavy 407, almost a Gerald Scarfe caricature of what a Peugeot should look like.
But more recently these styling excesses have been toned down, with models like the 5008 and RCZ signifying a more subtle look.
The latest new model is the 508, which is due in showrooms in April 2011 in both saloon and SW estate body styles.
Peugeot sees an opportunity for the 508, as it’s new from the ground up, while the other recent new model introductions in the class, such as the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat, are not.
New to the range is a revised 1.6-litre HDi engine which is available with e-HDi technology.
It’s an advanced stop-start system combined with an electronic sequential transmission. It means the engine is off for longer than many stop-start systems as, when warm, it will cut out below 5mph just before the car comes to rest and stay off while the driver keeps the car stopped with the brake pedal.
There are other new engines – a normally aspirated 120bhp 1.6-litre (used with the ECG sequential manual transmission), and a 156bhp turbocharged version, both manual versions with CO2 emissions below 150g/km, along with a revised version of the 2.0-litre diesel. The 2.0 HDi produces 140bhp in manual form, while customers choosing the six-speed automatic transmission version are given 163bhp.
There are five equipment grades, including a fleet-targeted SR model. Entry level Access models come with daytime running lights, air conditioning, CD/radio and USB socket, and steel wheels with plastic trims. SR models add Peugeot Connect SOS, leather covered steering wheel, navigation with Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone air conditioning and 16-inch alloys.
Active is the next step up from Access and adds a glass roof on SW models, dual-zone air conditioning, 17-inch alloys, auto-dimming rear view mirror and auto headlamps and wipers. Allure adds larger alloys, automatic parking brake with hill-start assist, keyless entry and start button, heated and electrically adjustable front seats plus part leather trim.
The GT model is only available with a new 2.2-litre 204bhp diesel engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. Remarkably, this engine in the saloon produces CO2 emissions of 149g/km (SW: 154g/km) and includes LED daytime running lights, a colour head-up display, leather trim and xenon headlamps.
Peugeot has also decided to fit more expensive and sophisticated suspension to the front of the GT models, but it was difficult to notice much difference between that model and the rest of the range.
Performance is effortless on both the 2.2 HDi GT as well and the 1.6 THP petrol and refinement and comfort and comfort are exceptional.
The 1.6 e-HDi is also one of the best applications of an electronic-shift manual, with far smoother gearchanges than encountered when these systems first began appearing around a dozen years ago. Using this type of gearbox also results in better consistency in fuel consumption and performance compared to a conventional manual.
Although it only produces 112bhp, performance feels pretty comfortable on the open road. The 2.0 HDi is much more responsive, however, and its CO2 emissions of 125g/km (for the saloon) at only 1g/km higher than for the 1.6 HDi without the e-HDi technology makes it even more attractive from a cost perspective.
And in the tradition of these large Peugeot saloons and estates, going back to the 405, it’s actually quite fun to drive on twisty roads, too. I tough call to choose between this and the Mondeo, but easily has the edge on the Passat and the Insignia.
After the polarising 407, Peugeot has created a far more accomplished all-rounder with the 508, that brings some of the old elegance that Peugeot seemed to have lost in recent years. Nicer materials, low fuel consumption and a solid feel add to its desirablility, making it the best large Peugeot in a very long time.
By Simon Harris
It’s an advanced stop-start system combined with an electronic sequential transmission. It means the engine is off for longer than many stop-start systems as, when warm, it will cut out below 5mph just before the car comes to rest and stay off while the driver keeps the car stopped with the brake pedal.
There are other new engines – a normally aspirated 120bhp 1.6-litre (used with the ECG sequential manual transmission), and a 156bhp turbocharged version, both manual versions with CO2 emissions below 150g/km, along with a revised version of the 2.0-litre diesel. The 2.0 HDi produces 140bhp in manual form, while customers choosing the six-speed automatic transmission version are given 163bhp.
There are five equipment grades, including a fleet-targeted SR model. Entry level Access models come with daytime running lights, air conditioning, CD/radio and USB socket, and steel wheels with plastic trims. SR models add Peugeot Connect SOS, leather covered steering wheel, navigation with Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone air conditioning and 16-inch alloys.
Active is the next step up from Access and adds a glass roof on SW models, dual-zone air conditioning, 17-inch alloys, auto-dimming rear view mirror and auto headlamps and wipers. Allure adds larger alloys, automatic parking brake with hill-start assist, keyless entry and start button, heated and electrically adjustable front seats plus part leather trim.
The GT model is only available with a new 2.2-litre 204bhp diesel engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. Remarkably, this engine in the saloon produces CO2 emissions of 149g/km (SW: 154g/km) and includes LED daytime running lights, a colour head-up display, leather trim and xenon headlamps.
Peugeot has also decided to fit more expensive and sophisticated suspension to the front of the GT models, but it was difficult to notice much difference between that model and the rest of the range.
Performance is effortless on both the 2.2 HDi GT as well and the 1.6 THP petrol and refinement and comfort and comfort are exceptional.
The 1.6 e-HDi is also one of the best applications of an electronic-shift manual, with far smoother gearchanges than encountered when these systems first began appearing around a dozen years ago. Using this type of gearbox also results in better consistency in fuel consumption and performance compared to a conventional manual.
Although it only produces 112bhp, performance feels pretty comfortable on the open road. The 2.0 HDi is much more responsive, however, and its CO2 emissions of 125g/km (for the saloon) at only 1g/km higher than for the 1.6 HDi without the e-HDi technology makes it even more attractive from a cost perspective.
And in the tradition of these large Peugeot saloons and estates, going back to the 405, it’s actually quite fun to drive on twisty roads, too. I tough call to choose between this and the Mondeo, but easily has the edge on the Passat and the Insignia.
After the polarising 407, Peugeot has created a far more accomplished all-rounder with the 508, that brings some of the old elegance that Peugeot seemed to have lost in recent years. Nicer materials, low fuel consumption and a solid feel add to its desirablility, making it the best large Peugeot in a very long time.
By Simon Harris
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