Numbers game uplifted

THE 508 replaces two models for Peugeot: the 407 and long-in-the-tooth 607.

There’s a sedan and touring wagon as well as the upmarket GT (also a sedan).

The confronting ‘frog mouth’ grille has been discarded in favour of a more conservative look this time around.

The idea is that the car will appeal to a wider range of people and have a longer shelf life.

Just to confuse matters, there is in fact a new 408 model, but it’s actually a stretched version of the 308 sedan. And it’s coming here, too.

Nice package. Looks the goods. Plenty of prestige.

Diesel economy and plenty of kit from the French car that seems to be getting back on track.

To an already extensive equipment list, the GT adds head-up display, 18-inch alloys, directional bi-xenon lights, automatic high beam and memory settings for the driver’s seat.

Note, however, the trim is a combination of cloth and leather rather than full leather.

The 2.2-litre 150kW/450Nm engine produces the same power but slightly more torque than the twin-turbo 2.7 litre V6 diesel that it replaces.

The coloured head-up display is projected on to a small screen on top of the dash rather than on the windscreen itself.

There’s four-zone climate airconditioning with rear controls, automatic high beam, hands-free entry and keyless start, automatic electric parking brake, driver’s electrically-operated lumbar and a JBL audio system.

The parking sensor system also includes a feature that determines whether a parking space is large enough to accommodate the car.

It also comes with Bluetooth and full iPod connectivity.

The 508 shares the same platform and power trains as the gorgeous Citroen C5 with which it shares a production line in Rennes, France.

It’s 116mm longer than a 407 and 110mm shorter than the 607 sedan, but actually has a longer wheelbase than both.

It’s also about 77kg lighter than a 407, and the longer wheelbase translates to 53mm more leg room.
Peugeot claims benchmark acoustics for this car and we’re inclined to agree.

This has to have one of the quietest interiors that we’ve driven outside of a top-end Lexus.

Contributing to the result are an acoustic front windscreen to filter noise from outside, hydro-elastic suspension mounts to reduce noise and vibration coming from the road and an active damper on the front axle to reduce engine vibration.

It comes with a five-star safety rating and all the gear, including six airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes.

The bi-xenon lights swivel when cornering and a camera monitors the surrounds, switching on high beam as soon as possible at night.

Forget the letters GT.

They’re a bit of a furphy and Peugeot may have been a bit ambitious.

When most people think GT they associate the term with fast, expensive sports cars. This, the 508 is not.

It does, however, offer an easy, relaxed driving experience true to the strict definition of the term, being a high-performance luxury automobile designed for long-distance driving.

The dash from 0-100km/h takes 8.2 seconds, and with a 72-litre fuel tank it’s good for a low 5.7 litres/100km.

Apart from the extra power of the larger engine, you can actually feel the difference in the suspension’s set-ups.

The GT feels more supple, more communicative with better steering response and better turn in to corners.

It’s also less likely to be unsettled by poor roads.

VERDICT
Like the car.

Just not sure whether it’s worth the extra $10,000 asking price over the 2.0-litre sedan.

I hear tell Peugeot has already sold out of sedans and the supply of wagons is also starting to dry up, but you could be lucky and pick up a GT.

Show news and views
for your area

Profile

Site Search

Share your thoughts in 60 seconds!

Wednesday 23 May 2012

Thursday

Friday

Most Popular Articles

Latest Competitions

Featured Video Clips

2012 RAAF Pearce Air Show promo

Circus performer Brenna Day

Site Sections

Site Information

Community News Group Links

Show news and views for your area