Peugeot 508 Review

What’s so special about the new Peugeot 508?

The new Peugeot 508 has just arrived in Ireland and goes on sale priced from €32,400. Available initially as a ‘fastback’ (looks like a saloon but is actually a hatchback), an SW estate version will arrive in Ireland this summer. Caroline drove from Dublin to Cork in the new Peugeot 508 at the recent Irish press launch.

Styling

The Peugeot 508 makes a serious style statement in the D-segment, breaking the mould of the traditional, four door saloon silhouette with a sports coupé inspired look. Frameless windows are a neat touch often reserved for more expensive, premium cars. The 508 embodies Peugeot’s move upmarket and the look changes a little depending on trim level. The high spec GT Line models for example have a special chequered chrome radiator grille, striking LED headlights and 18” alloys.

Interior

The interior of the new Peugeot 508 is not like anything we’ve seen in this segment before. Angled around the driver, there is a cool looking digital instrument panel above a compact steering wheel. To the driver’s left are some beautiful ‘piano keys’ to operate shortcuts on the 8” infotainment screen. Material quality is good around the cabin with flashier trim elements as you move through the grades.

Practicality

The new Peugeot 508 is actually a hatchback and the boot opens to reveal 487 litres of space with a good wide opening. The car will seat five and feels reasonably spacious inside for this class of vehicle.

Driving it

Two petrol engines and four diesel engines will be available, depending on trim, including a 1.6 THP petrol 180bhp automatic 8-speed S&S; a 1.6 THP petrol 225bhp automatic 8-speed S&S (GT only); a 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 130bhp 6-speed manual S&S, 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 130bhp automatic 8-Speed S&S; a 2.0 BlueHDi diesel 160bhp automatic 8-Speed S&S; and a top of the range 2.0 BlueHDi diesel 180bhp automatic 8-Speed S&S.

On the road

The new Peugeot 508 is built on the same EMP2 platform that underpins the popular 3008 and 5008 SUVs. On the road the new 508 is smooth and agile to drive, while the 1.5-litre 130hp diesel offered plenty of pulling power to cover our test route. We will bring you more detailed driving impressions after a full road test in the coming months.

Equipment

Peugeot Ireland is selling the new 508 in a choice of four trims: Active, Allure, GT Line and GT.

Standard equipment includes 8” touchscreen, digital instrument panel, 16” alloys, spare wheel, lane keeping assist, cruise control, active safety brake, AGR (ergonomic) seats, automatic wipers and lights, front and rear parking aid with camera and electric folding mirrors.

The Allure gains a 10” touchscreen with satellite navigation, blind spot monitoring, high beam assist, road sign recognition, advanced driver attention alert, 17” alloys, keyless access and start, lumbar support and dark tinted rear glass.

What’s available in the 508 range?

The GT Line adds 18” alloys, wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, full LED headlights and 3D LED rear lights, electric lumbar support, GT Line exterior and interior styling and iCockpit Amplify (choice of two interior ambiences: Boost or Relax) with Driver Sports Pack.

The range-topping GT 2.0 BlueHDi 180bhp automatic version comes equipped with 18” alloys, Focal sound system, Nappa leather seats with full electric driver’s massage seat, active suspension control, an electric tailgate and GT exterior and interior styling.

Pricing

Active models are available from €32,400, Allure from €34,930, GT Line from €38,170 and GT from €49,120.

Rivals

The Peugeot 508 will go up against the Volkswagen Passat, Opel Insignia Grand Sport, Mazda6, Ford Mondeo, among other D-segment saloons.

Verdict

The Peugeot 508 makes a serious style statement in the D-segment. While SUVs have put these cars under pressure for some years now, Peugeot is fighting back with an upmarket and designer feel to their flagship ‘fastback’. The interior of the car is truly innovative. It’s petrol and diesel power for now, with a plug-in hybrid scheduled for the autumn. We look forward to getting under the 508’s skin a little more later in the year.

Caroline Kidd