2012 Peugeot 508 Saloon FULL ROAD TEST (Josh Ross)

Peugeot 508 GT 2.2 HDI 4 dr

Background and First Impressions

Available in either saloon or estate guises and with petrol, diesel or hybrid power, Peugeot’s 508 replaces both the 407 and 607 models. The nomenclature also breaks with the 4 series badging that Peugeot employed for its mid-sized cars. This line began with the 1934 401 and included the 405 and 406 – two class leaders that helped underwrite and maintain Peugeot’s reputation as the choice for enthusiasts. Instantly recognisable for its imposing, bold flanks and nose the 508 was launched in 2011 and is a befitting replacement for the 407.

The strongest design element is the two creases that run from either side of the grille to the A pillars. Beneath these another indentation travels from the headlight to the rear lamp cluster – this complex arrangement gives a ‘layer’ effect to the metalwork. It’s a joy to behold and gives the car a striking appearance; pronounced further in the Pearl White metallic paint of the model that I had on test.

Featuring Peugeot’s recently introduced design language the 508 drew positive, intrigued glances from many motorists and pedestrians. Features like the floating grille, swept back headlights, subtly rippled bonnet and newly stylised brand emblem are present across the range, while the strongest visual links are with Peugeot’s 208 and recently revised 308 and 107 models.

Inside Story

As a car enthusiast with a healthy appetite for motoring related content I had read much about the excellent build quality of the 508. Yet surprise still set in as I opened the solid, firmly hinged door and entered the vast, finely constructed cabin. Gripped tightly by a scalloped, well bolstered seat I was hit by the expensive smell of nappa leather. With many manufacturers dispensing with soft touch plastic for the lower dash half – aft of the glovebox – it was impressive to find firm, squidgy mouldings used here.  This immediately heightens the sense of luxury, an impression that continues when you thumb the expensively crafted switchgear and depress the cup holderto reveal a firm, sturdy mounting. All the buttons and dials move with a precision that you’d be impressed with in a car costing £10,000 more than this £29,000 range topping example.  And remember that you get the same dash design and fine quality if you opt for the entry level, 1.6 VTI Access EGC 4 dr priced at £18,450.

The cabin feels both intimate – with its wide transmission tunnel and ideally positioned centre armrest – and spacious while the boot provides a generous and easily accessible 473 litres of space.  Piano black trim is tastefully applied across the centre console and transmission tunnel but the matt finish plastic strip that runs above and around the air vents isn’t suited to a car with this premium positioning.

As you’d expect from a range topping executive model the equipment count is high and includes: Dual Zone climate control; JBL audio system with bluetooth and MP3 connectivity; front heated, electric Nappa leather seats (with massage function); keyless entry and start; Xenon directional headlights with LED daytime running lights and distinctive 19″ alloy wheels.

On the Move

For decades Peugeot’s hatchbacks and saloons were a byword for joyful motoring; their chassis honed to combine the best attributes of ride and handling. Suspension systems featured meticulously honed damping that provided remarkably composed rebound over broken, deteriorating topography while providing an abundance of grip through all manner of turns. Peugeot’s high standing among owners and scribes was best characterised by the words of a WhatCar? journalist who referenced these qualities in his mid term report on the Ford Puma. According to the writer it shared a dynamic signature with other brilliant contemporary driver’s cars. Like the Jaguar XK8, Peugeot 306 GTI-6 and Porsche 911 Puma had finely resolved damping and steering which stimulated the driver’s senses within the first 100 yards of a drive.

In essence, 508 GT achieves this same feat. Harsh, uneven surfaces are nonchalantly brushed off by the finely composed suspension and only occasionally was the cornering line disturbed under heavy acceleration through bends littered with patchy surfacing. Despite erring on the firm side, I was often amazed at how effectively the chassis balanced the disparate needs of sportiness and comfort. And the driving experience is helped by direct steering which makes the car easy to guide through tight spaces and place through bends. That said the steering was not as feelsome as I had hoped and it didn’t weight up sufficiently as speeds increased.  The 19″ wheels and low profile tyres have little negative impact on the ride and serve up a plentiful supply of grip through slow and faster corners.

The hushed and characterful engine is equally impressive though initially the 2.2 diesel didn’t feel as punchy as the 0-60 time of 8.2 seconds suggests. But, like many modern diesels power delivery is exceptionally linear – the feeling of acceleration is masked by seamless gear shifts, the generous 332 ft lbs of torque delivering effortless thrust from around 2,000 rpm.

At motorway speeds and on flowing A and B roads the 508 GT is at its most impressive.  Here the car has the opportunity and space to down shift, using that mid range thrust to manoeuvre past traffic and better exploit gaps – at urban speeds you experience slight hesitation before the turbo activates and the next gear is engaged.

Words and Photos by Josh Ross (@joshsrosenberg)

Technical Data

Price as tested: £29,050
Engine: 2.2 16v 204bhp - 0-62mph: 8.2 secs - Maximum Speed: 139mph -
Economy: 35.3 mpg (urban) –64.6 mpg (extra-urban), 49.6 mpg (combined) - Emissions: 150g/km (Band G) - VED (12 months): £165
Dimensions: Length: 4792mm - Width: 1920mm - Height: 1456mm - Wheelbase: 2817mm

*data from Peugeot UK

Verdict

Peugeot’s 508 is a finely engineered executive express that requires little effort to drive but rewards the enthusiast with dynamic attributes on which the brand built its reputation. This range topping model is swift, decently equipped, emits low CO2 and is economical too – during my time with the car it achieved 40 mpg in urban driving rising slightly on a motorway run.

Thumbs up: build quality; refinement; damping; equipment; fuel economy; low CO2; interior & boot space.

Thumbs down: slight drive train hesitation at slow speeds. No manual gearbox option.