Peugeot moves upmarket with exciting new 508 range
Building on the elegant styling and quality of the existing models, the new 508 saloon, SW and RXH diesel hybrid models will benefit from new equipment, a new exterior and interior styling look and the latest economical Euro 6 engines.
Due to appear at this year’s Moscow, Chengdu and Paris Motor Shows, sales in Europe will start in September, reaching Ireland later this year.
Originally presented at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the 508 actually started its sales career in 2011. Available initially as a saloon or estate, a third innovative version arrived to expand the range a year later in the form of the Peugeot 508 RXH with HYbrid4 technology. Built in France and in China for the local market, a total of almost 370,000 units have already been sold.
Peugeot says its designers have built on the styling of the previous 508, to produce a vehicle with “even more technological prowess, character and style.”
The new 508 models will have a new grille — said to be emblematic of the marque’s future models. More vertical and self-assured, the front grille is framed by a distinctive light signature to include 100% LED daytime running lamps, direction indicators and front fog lamps. The rear end is more structured with a more distinctive rear bumper, to enhance its protective function. The opalescent red 3-claw rear light signature delivers a strong identity.
The interior has changed as well. The dashboard now includes a 7” touch screen, grouping together most of the vehicles’ functionalities and as a result, the central panel now has fewer buttons. The centre console includes a new closed storage box, whilst a head-up instrument panel allows for great driver control and safety.
Fitted with new equipment such as a reversing camera and blind spot sensors, options include keyless entry and starting, automatic electric parking brake, automatic headlamp dipping, quad-zone automatic air conditioning and JBL Hi-Fi.
With double wishbone, decoupled hub front suspension (on the more powerful Diesel versions) or pseudo MacPherson on other versions, and multi-link rear suspension, the new car will offer what is described as an excellent compromise between ride comfort and road holding.
The saloon and SW ranges will benefit from economical and efficient Euro 6 engines, including the 2.0 litre BlueHDi 150 bhp 6-speed manual (also seen across the Citroen range) which has CO2 emissions of just 105 g/km, a best in class for this level of power.
A new 2.0 litre BlueHDi 180 EAT6 saloon version has been type approved with CO2 emissions of 111 g/km. For petrol, the new Peugeot 508 introduces a new Euro 6 engine: the 1.6 litre THP 165 bhp, with a six-speed manual gearbox or fitted with the new EAT6 six-speed automatic gearbox.
Peugeot says its 2014 goal will be a rapid return to profitable growth.
