Peugeot 508

2011 Peugeot 508

Although the controversial Peugeot 407 and the aging Peugeot 607 met their demise, it seems that this new Peugeot premium-class, the 508, is much more similar to Toyota Mark X because the Mark X combined the Mark II, Cresta, and Chaser (don't forget the Verossa) into one premium sedan. The Toyota Mark X is too premium enough against the Peugeot 508. The real rivals of the Peugeot 508 are the Volkswagen Passat B7 and the Kia K5/Optima.

STYLING: The Peugeot 508 is essentially a production version of the "5 by Peugeot" concept car as seen on the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. It comes in two available body styles; the 508 sedan for premium preference and the 508 SW for spacious premium. It is somewhat disappointing that Peugeot did not offered a coupe version of the 508 yet. Still, I still prefer the styling of the Kia K5 over the new Peugeot 508, but on the lighter side, it looks more attractive than the Volkswagen Passat B7.

2011 Peugeot 508 interior

INTERIOR: The Peugeot 508's interior design is somewhat more of a carbon copy of its French arch-rival, the Renault Latitude (known in South Korea as the third-generation Renault Samsung SM5). However, the Peugeot 508's interior is the best-looking interior in all of Peugeot's lineup because of its premium amenities offered such as colored HUD (Heads Up Display), four-zone air conditioning, hands-free access and start-up, JBL audio system, multi-function steering wheel, navigation system, and a whole lot of conveniences offered on the 508. 

PERFORMANCE: Being a full-fledged European eco-car, the 508 comes with the new 1.6L e-HDi FAP engine. This micro-hybrid system has a power output of 112PS, consumes for about 4.2 liters of diesel and it has the lowest CO2 emissions of 109-110 g/km. This is considered to be Peugeot's finest because of its micro-hybrid technology. The 1.6L e-HDi variant on the 508 comes with the new automated 6-speed manual transmission. Other engines available as of launch are the 1.6L HDi FAP engine with the power output of 112PS and comes with the 5-speed MT, and the 1.6L VTi petrol engine packed with 120PS of power output, 6-speed AT, and consumes 6.2 to 6.3 liters of premium gasoline. A turbocharged 1.6L engine and a 2.0L HDi engine may follow this 1st quarter of 2011. 

 

SAFETY: For peace of mind, the Peugeot 508 comes with the finest safety features such as the xenon headlamps, Electronic Stability Program, six airbags, ISOFIX, power steering, and Peugeot Connect SOS. 

My thoughts about the 508: 

Based on the design from the Peugeot 5 Concept, the Peugeot 508 defines premium to the next level and trust me. The 508's design is even more attractive than the Volkswagen Passat B7 but less attractive than the Kia K5/Optima. Other rivals of the Peugeot 508 include the Hyundai YF Sonata, Toyota Camry, Chrysler 200, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Teana, Honda Accord Inspire and Accord Euro, Renault Latitude, Citroen C5, and Subaru Legacy. With the new e-HDi engine equipped on the 508, this lion is grown to be more "clean and economical" on European roads. Although most Europeans deserved more from a medium-sized sedan, this Peugeot is the most majestic of all the Peugeots ever made. Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen