Peugeot will have a new replacement here in April for the 407, and it is set to be big seller here. The new Peugeot 508 certainly has a stylish front to attract the attention of both fleet and private family car buyers. It is dynamic and well-equipped with prices starting from €24,850 ex-works.
The 508 will be available from launch in both saloon and SW (sports wagon or estate ) guise, three trims will be offered: Access, Active and Allure. Standard equipment across the range will include ESP, ASR, hill assist, driver/passenger /side/curtain airbags, alarm and deadlocks, air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, a full size spare wheel, and front fog lamps.
The level two 508 1.6 HDi (112bhp ) Active starts at €27,300 and boasts in addition a rear parking aid, automatic wipers and headlights, Bluetooth, cruise control and speed limiter, leather steering wheel, electrochrome rear view mirror, electric child locks, electric lumbar adjustment, bi-zone climate control, electric folding door mirrors, and 17” alloys with anti-theft wheel nuts.
Interior dimensions of the 508 are on a par with those of the 607 and are much improved in relation to the 407 to give rear passengers more leg room (5.3 cm more space between the knees of the rear passenger and the front seat ).
The 508’s expansive boot has a capacity of 108 and 112dm3 more than the 407 saloon and SW. With the seat backs folded in one easy movement, space increases to 1381dm3 for the saloon and 1598dm3 for the SW.
The 508 will be available in Ireland with a choice of four efficient diesel engines boasting frugal consumption and low CO2 emissions. The super-efficient 1.6 e-HDi 112bhp stop-start engine is matched to an electronically controlled ecomatique gearbox and qualifies for band A €104 annual road tax. Expect this to account for about 60 per cent of 508 sales in Ireland.
The e-HDi stop-start system reduces fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent during urban driving. The 1.6 HDi 112bhp manual and the 2.0 HDi 140bhp six-speed engines both qualify for €156 annual road tax. This power unit will be the other big seller in Ireland. And finally, there is the 2.0 HDi 163bhp six-speed full automatic offering qualifies for €302 road tax.
Speaking at the press launch, Des Cannon, sales and marketing director at Peugeot Ireland said: “Quality has been a key priority for Automobiles Peugeot during the 508 design brief, as was the total cost of ownership, a decisive factor when buying a vehicle in this segment for corporate fleets. Two million kilometres of road tests under real life conditions were undertaken prior to launch to clearly demonstrate the new Peugeot 508’s durability and quality.”
From 2012, one year after launch, Hybrid4 technology will be introduced to the 508 range. With a HDi diesel engine at the front and an electric motor at the rear, this technology offers potential power of 200bhp and four-wheel drive, breaking new ground in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. With emissions of 99g/km as the target, the 508 will, more than ever, combine driving pleasure and environmental responsibility.
Peugeot has moved up to fourth in the European car market and the introduction of the new 508 in to the competitive family car market (D segment ) will not be easy. However, Peugeot has got the styling and the interior to a high level of appeal, while on the road it drives very well with the 1.6 and 2.0 litre HDi engines offering a performance and economy level for all D segment car buyers. So Passat, Avensis, and Mondeo had better watch out because there is a new kid on the block.
