Sensational
Peugeot 508 GT has presence.
SUVs are now the norm and sedans are becoming niche – more an indulgence than the default choice. That might explain Peugeot New Zealand’s choice to launch the all-new 508 in flagship GT form only.
The 508 is already a strikinglooking thing, and the GT tempts with a comprehensive list of standard equipment.
It’s a low-slung statement in a world of high-riding vehicles.
Make me an instant expert: what do I need to know?
The 508 has arrived in ‘‘fastback’’ form first, with the stationwagon to follow later in the year.
Fastback meaning liftback really, because it has a tailgate; so it’s not a sedan at all. It does have frameless doors, which goes some way towards justifying the claim of coupe-like styling.
The GT is powered by the
1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine familiar from other Peugeot models, but turned right up to 11; or rather up to 169kW/300Nm, which are healthy outputs for such a small-capacity engine.
The transmission is an eightspeed automatic, driving the front wheels. It comes as standard with LED lights, interior mood lighting, Peugeot’s new-gen ‘‘iCockpit’’ with twin 12.3/10in screens, an Amplify function that tailors the cabin environment, seat massaging and vehicle dynamics to either Relax or Boost, high-end Focal sound system,
19-inch wheels and adaptive suspension.
The car you see here is one of the first shipment of ‘‘launch edition’’ models, which adds Nappa leather upholstery (black or red) to the standard package for
$2000.
It’s normally a $3k option.
Where did you drive it?
We had the 508 on home turf for a few days rather than as part of a media drive event. Still more of a preview though, as it was for a shorter time than we’d normally enjoy in a full review; nonetheless, a good chance to get to grips with the new model in familiar driving situations and on familiar roads.
The engine is typically punchy low down, although you’d never mistake it for anything other than a four when it’s working.
The eight-speed transmission is a bit push-and-pull in very low speed driving, especially if you catch it out with rapid changes in throttle movement. But once you’re under way it’s a smooth ally for the 300Nm engine and it’s not short of ratios to keep things rolling.
The changes in suspension mode (Comfort, Normal, Sport) were a lot more noticeable on Kiwi roads than our 508 GT SW drive in Portugal last year, but the chassis is still very much subtle shades of a similar theme. In truth you probably won’t bother with Sport much, as it’s still far from truly . . . sporty. Better to enjoy the 508’s comfortable corner-to-corner flow in the softer settings.
Maybe enjoy a seat massage while you’re at it (five modes, including ‘‘cat paw’’!).
Indeed, much of the attention to detail is deeply impressive.
The wipers have jets integrated into the arms Mercedes-style, the superb front seats with everywhich-way adjustment are endorsed by AGR (Action for Healthy Backs) and the automated-drive system doesn’t just keep you in the lane, it keeps you in the same position between the lines that you’ve selected.
The self-parking system is completely automatic: all you do is hold a button and the car accelerates, steers and brakes for you.
It can do parallel or side-by-side – the latter in one sweep, which is pretty impressive. We’ll reserve final judgment on this feature, though: we’ve seen it work brilliantly but also had a couple of crooked results, one placing a precious alloy wheel within millimetres of the kerb. OK when it’s not your car, but . . .
Optional technology includes Night Vision – costly at $3500 but also a first for the class, claims Peugeot.
Clearly, there’s plenty of geewhizz stuff that takes Peugeot to new technological highs, but there are also some curious errors and omissions. The main control for the driver-assist software is a satellite unit stuck down low on the steering column, where you can’t see it – just like the remote controls French cars had in the 1990s.
We’re not sure the people who designed the dashboard ever met the people who designed the door trims; they’re both really nice, they just don’t seem to match up.
And perhaps calling it a fastback is partly an apology for the lack of rear headroom; there’s opportunity cost back there for such sleek looks.
On the plus side, the boot is class-appropriate at 487 litres but the load-length is excellent with the rear seats folded down.
What stands out the most?
It’s really a high-spec version of a very mainstream model, but the
508 GT looks and feels pretty special.
The styling is sensational, the interior design distinctive and tactile, the level of equipment impressive.
It lines up against the likes of the Holden Commodore Calais,
Mazda6 Takami or Skoda Superb, but we would even understand if buyers of entry-level Audi A4, BMW 3-series or Mercedes-Benz C-class models gave the French car a sideways glance (and potentially saved a lot of money). The 508 GT certainly has a lot of presence.
Why would I buy it?
The 508 punches way above its price range in terms of style and equipment; some of the attention to detail is outstanding.
Why wouldn’t I buy it?
It is tailored more towards comfort than sportiness, so you might opt for that SUV after all. The odd ergonomic eccentricity might also put you off.