Adding style to substance
THERE was a time when the Peugeot 508 was a sensible, hardly head-turning four-door saloon.
But just look at it now.
This stunning new fastback with its sleek lines, dramatic curves and powerful bold grille can now outshine many of the premier German brands that pride themselves on style.
Like its predecessors it offers generous space for five people and a capacious boot for family holidays, but now it’s got the kerb appeal to compete with the best in the business.
The interior is pretty smart too, with its carbon-effect finish on the dashboard and doors panels, a 10-inch HD touchscreen with aluminium piano key toggle switches which can now be customised for up to eight separate drivers, and a tiny sports steering wheel that you look over rather than through to view the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.
And the beauty of this new French stunner is not just skin deep as you discover as soon as you take the driver’s seat.
A push button starter sits in the centre console alongside the tiny sliding gear selector giving access to the eightspeed auto box. And there’s a driving mode switch with a choice of Electric, Hybrid and Sports settings, not to mention an extra control setting to let you adjust the amount of regenerative braking, and a telephone charging pad.
Add to all that paddles behind the steering wheel for manual gear changes when you feel the need to override the auto box and it soon becomes apparent how much input the driver can have.
The sporting image is emphasised by half leather, half Alcantara heated rally-style front seats with good side bolsters to hold you firmly in place but, surprisingly for a car priced at more than £46,000, the adjustment – other than for height – is manual rather than electric.
Driving off is always in electric mode, but while initial acceleration is brisk it’s not as whiplash-quick as a host of full electric cars.
With a pure electric range of just 42 miles I found it better to switch to Hybrid and let the system do its own thing to stretch out that electric power. When the battery starts to get low you can programme the car to maintain its electric range at six miles, 12 miles or charge to full power using the engine. And it’s surprising just how quickly it works on the 508, unlike on a lot of its rivals.
Despite its low stance there’s generally good visibility for manoeuvring, although the narrow rear window makes you appreciate the new HD reversing camera with, on the GT at least, a 360-degree view.
Another commendable addition are the Matrix headlights – for superb night vision – and the 3D rear lights with scrolling indicators. Both feature Peugeot’s three-claw signature.
On the road the 508 sits nicely squat even at high speed. Corner it fast and you’ll be impressed by just how much grip and stability it’s got, with very little body roll. And if you set the drive mode to Sport – when the dials change to a yellow hue – it really does move this big car up a gear, all the time retaining its refinement to ensure smooth and relaxed motoring.
The new 508 is one of those cars whose comfort and performance matches its striking appearance and so is well worth a test drive.