Peugeot’s all new 508 design inside & especially outside, has been catching eyes and turning heads ever since its launch. Vying for attention from fans of Audi and Mazda Design houses, the 508 has every right to be strutting the city streets.
Special mention : Stunning looks, inside and out. Comfortable motorway cruiser.
Needs work : Add a notch or two to the dynamics
Specs: As tested
| Max Power 129 BHP | Diesel / Auto 8 Speed |
| 0-100 km/h in 10.0 seconds | Road Tax €190 |
| Starting price 508 €32,400 GT Line Model as specced €40,480 | Boot litres 487 / 1537 |
Peugeot have turned up the dial on the 508 fastback. Overseen by Design Director Gilles Vidal and Pierre-Paul Mattei, they have succeeded in enhancing the shape of the saloon while adding space. Most of the space is in the boot, which sits at 487 litres seats up or 1537 with the seats down.
The 508 starts at €32k for a 1.5 diesel 6 speed manual and goes up to €49k for 2.0 diesel 8 speed auto. A 1.6 litre Allure petrol is also available from €38,030 .
The 508 has a resonating French personality. It starts off with strong design lines on the outside and on the inside it’s got these comfy Camembert seats made to handle plenty of motorway miles with ease.
The interior design is as strong as the ever, with the divisive small steering wheel, the paddles are fixed to the column & have the perfect-to-the-touch finish. Peugeot’s i-Cockpit infotainment works well, you get used to where everything is after a while. Peugeot have saved some external ‘piano keys’ for immediate access to essential air con, Nav and media buttons, so it’s not all touch screen.
The diesel engine’s are made to cruise along motorway’s for a pleasant drive. Don’t expect this louche Frenchman to hurry, he’s suited to a quiet and composed driving style. The auto box is good on it’s own and doesn’t require much intervention from the paddles. Which is a shame as they’re small but nice to the touch.
The GT is generously kitted out with wireless phone charging (awkward to access but hidden from thieving eyes under the dashboard). It also takes precise placing to get it to charge constantly. There’s also top of the line LED lights and 18” alloys.
Most SUV buyers stick with SUV’s due to space and driver seat height but would the 508 be a turnaround vehicle?