Peugeot 3008 III

The Peugeot 3008 is now in its third generation, and it comes with a brand-new all-electric version: the e-3008. What's it all about the all-new model?

2024 Peugeot 3008

Starting at 34,700 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new third-generation Peugeot 3008 pens a new chapter in Peugeot's "new normal" era with its new design language fit for future Peugeots, a new Peugeot i-Cockpit, and the addition of its new electrified variant.

2024 Peugeot 3008

The all-new Peugeot 3008 has a futuristic coupe-like design inspired by its smaller sibling, the 408. It’s a radical change from its predecessor. The new face of the 3008 is proof of Peugeot’s latest design language. Its front face was inspired by the Inception Concept. The 3008 is the first model to feature this new look.

2024 Peugeot 3008 interior

Aside from its polarizing exterior design, the all-new 3008 features the all-new Peugeot i-Cockpit featuring a 21-inch curved touchscreen display standard on the GT variant or a pair of 10-inch displays for lesser variants like the Allure, customizable touch-sensitive buttons, spacious center console, and the gear lever positioned inboard of the steering wheel just like today's Hyundais. It even comes with Peugeot-first front seats with adaptive side bolsters which can inflate or deflate to adapt the occupant's body.

But what’s the scoop on the boot space? It can accommodate up to 520 liters with the rear seats in place, but when folded down, it can fit up to 1,480 liters, which is two liters less than the previous model. This could be because of its new coupe-like form. What do you think?

2024 Peugeot 3008

The all-new third-generation Peugeot 3008 is offered with a choice of a 1.2L hybrid with 136PS of power and mated to a 6-speed e-DSC, and of course, the electric powertrain with a 73kWh Lithium battery pack. The e-3008's electric powertrain has 210PS of power output and 345Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 8.8 seconds and flat-out in 170kph. The driving range is 524km in one full charge and it will take half an hour to reach 80% while charging at a public charging station. You get the point.

Because it now runs on Stellantis' STLA platform, the all-new 3008 behaves better than the previous model thanks to its low center of gravity. It may be front-wheel-drive only as expected but it feels just okay for a French car.

Peugeot’s new Drive Assist Plus, an optional feature for the 3008, makes it easy to navigate tight spots and other potential hazards. It includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. It can even automatically change lanes and correct lane departures. You can also add on speed limit notifications and hill descent control.

The Peugeot 3008 is back with a bang for its third generation. It now comes with an electric version, and the design is more futuristic than ever, inspired by its smaller sibling, the 408. It may be slightly less spacious than the previous model, but the Inception-styled front, new i-Cockpit, the additional electric variant, and a host of new packaging are a sign of things to come from Peugeot under the thumb of Stellantis.

Available Colors: Gris Titane, Bleu Ingaro, Noir Perla Nera, Bleu Obsession, Gris Artense, and Blanc Okénite.

Photo: Peugeot

Peugeot 408 (F)

The first-ever Peugeot 408 is basically a poor man's BMW X4 because, like the X4, it's a coupe crossover that is deemed redundant for speedo boys everywhere, unless you're French and you don't care about the newest Peugeot on the block.

2023 Peugeot 408

Starting at 35,730 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Peugeot 408 is basically the expensive equivalent of the Citroen C5 X despite the fact the 408 runs on the same nooks and crannies as the C5 X. Like it or not, this cheaper alternative to the BMW X4 is something worth checking.

Beginning with the design, the 408 is the second Peugeot to feature the company's new design language debuted on the third-generation 308, the hatchback that give birth to the new age of Peugeot. Although the front face has the impression of the sabertooth tiger trying to attack you from above, the coupe-like sidelines and the generic rear view showcase the business end of the 408.

2023 Peugeot 408 interior

Inside, the 408 features a similar Peugeot i-Cockpit layout as the other models, meaning you can still expect the steering wheel positioned below the dashboard, the 10-inch touch screen that controls almost the entire car, a volume knob and switches, and other futuristic stuff you can find on the 408's dashboard. On the passenger's side, its five-seater layout makes it ideal for whatever life throws at you, and with up to 1545 liters of boot space, it's sadly less spacious than its French counterparts such as the Citroen C5 X and the Renault Arkana.

2023 Peugeot 408

Because it runs on the same nooks and crannies as the C5 X, the Peugeot 408 features a choice of PureTech petrol and Hybrid powertrains mated exclusively with an 8-speed AT. The latter is basically a PHEV where the 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is connected to an electric motor and a Li-ion battery, generating up to 225PS of power and 360Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 7.9 seconds and has a 233kph top speed. Fuel economy is around 1.2L/100km and has up to 63km of electric driving range; the equivalent of five 12km eggs and a 2km egg you're trying to hatch in your Go game while on the move.

In a typical French driving landscape, despite being a coupe utility vehicle, the Peugeot 408 is front-wheel-drive only but who cares about it. It drives like a Peugeot in every way and although not intended to take things roughly, it's about as civilized as going for a nice stroll at the BGC on weekends.

Speaking of civilized, the 408 features a wide array of driving aids such as adaptive cruise control with stop and go, automatic emergency braking, active lane departure warning and prevention, driver attention alert, road sign recognition, a night vision system, long-range blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, a 360-degree camera, and automatic high beam. Coupled with Drive Assist 2.0 which adds Level 2 autonomy, the 408 is a shocker for speedo boys behind the wheel.

Although less spacious and more expensive than its French friends, the first-ever Peugeot 408 delivered quite an impression not bad for a coupe crossover that is cheaper to own than the BMW X4. Speaking of which, if anyone's asking what's a Peugeot 408, this is the one, not the other one that doesn't speak French. Thank you.

Photo: Peugeot

Peugeot 308 III SW

The third-generation Peugeot 308 truly is the start of the new era of Peugeot, apart from being the first to proudly wear the new Peugeot logo. Although not suitable for speedo boys because Stellantis says no to a hot version of this new model, it has the credentials normal drivers need to get through the new normal in style and dynamics. With the arrival of the SW variant, you can get the same treatment as expected in the hatchback equivalent but with the bigger boot for your everyday needs.

Priced at 26,450 Euros plus additional costs, the SW variant of the all-new, third-generation Peugeot 308 delivers the same stuff from its hatchback equivalent but with the added boot space for your bare necessities.

Like the hatchback, the new 308 SW has an aggressor feel than the previous model's generic approach while the interior carries the newly-improved i-Cockpit with the first-ever Peugeot i-Connect that comes with the rather annoying voice control, not to mention the comfortable passenger seats that feel beyond the mainstream. But with the SW, you'll get 608 liters of boot space with the rear seats present and up to 1634 liters with the rear seats folded down, giving you plenty of opportunities to take advantage of its added space for business and leisure.

The SW carries the same powertrain choices as its hatchback equivalent ranging from a 1.2L PureTech, 1.5 Blue HDi, and a 1.6 HYBRID variant, all mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The most powerful version is the 1.6 HYBRID variant, which is basically a plug-in hybrid with the turbocharged 1.6L petrol engine connected to an 81kW electric motor. It produces a system power output of 225PS of power, has a 0-100kph of 7.5 seconds, a top speed of 235kph. The HYBRID 180 variant is the most efficient because of its 1.1L/100km combined fuel economy based on WLTP standards. Time to ditch your Corolla Touring for this one, ladies and gentlemen.

Dynamics-wise, it is part comfortable, part sporty at the same time thanks to its reworked suspension setup and the Driving Style Selector. As for safety, you can still expect a wide array of driving tech such as Semi-automatic lane change, anticipated speed recommendation, curve speed adaptation, long-range blind-spot monitoring, RCTA, Peugeot Open & Go, E-call+ emergency call, and more, standard or with the Drive Assist pack.

Not the best wagon ever made but it's a must-buy for those who are bored with crossovers.

Photo: Peugeot

Peugeot 308 III

The Peugeot 308 has been known for rewriting the French carmaker's customs with the second-generation model rewrote Peugeot's naming strategy to freeze the -08 instead of advancing to the next number as models evolved. The advent of the third-generation 308 marks a bold new era for Peugeot, now that it's part of the newly-christened Stellantis family of car brands from PSA and FCA. It's the first to don Peugeot's new logo first seen on the e-Legend concept. Let's get to know the first Peugeot of its new era.

With prices starting at 24,800 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new Peugeot 308 is once again rewriting the Peugeot custom with its evocative styling, new interior, improved performance, and a plethora of driving tech that will attract neophyte drivers and get acquainted with it until the end.

Starting with the design, the new model has an aggressor feel than the previous model's generic approach. Speedo boys could say that the new model's aggressive exterior design is a recipe for a hot hatch but hold it right there boys because even though the new model has the striking looks of a cobra, Stellantis says no for the new model to become a hot hatch, unlike the previous model, because of the new normal. Boo.

Although the new exterior design is the main reason to fall in love with the all-new 308, the new interior is a worthy challenge. The i-Cockpit has been given a major overhaul on the new model with the introduction of the first-ever Peugeot i-Connect. While the new interior gives drivers the feeling of a sci-fi fighter, the minimalist approach and the gear select buttons in place of a lever can easily scare speedo boys straight or as some would say, "Marty, we got to go back!". What's also worse is the voice control that works like Alexa so expect trouble for those sitting on its sweet spot.

In terms of comfort, the new 308 is as comfortable as most mainstream cars should and it's surprisingly more spacious than the previous model it replaces because of its increased wheelbase. Also, the boot space is slightly more as well. With such room, the new 308 is capable of almost all walks of life.

The new 308 is powered by a choice of a 1.2L PureTech, 1.5 Blue HDi, and a 1.6 HYBRID variant, all mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The most powerful version is the 1.6 HYBRID variant, which is basically a plug-in hybrid with the turbocharged 1.6L petrol engine connected to an 81kW electric motor. It produces a system power output of 225PS of power, has a 0-100kph of 7.5 seconds, a top speed of 235kph. The HYBRID 180 variant is the most efficient because of its 1.1L/100km combined fuel economy based on WLTP standards. You can kiss your Corolla Sport hybrid goodbye.

In terms of dynamics, the new 308 is part comfortable, part sporty at the same time thanks to its reworked suspension setup and the Driving Style Selector. Whichever style you're driving, rest assured that the new 308 is better to drive than the previous model. Not perfect but it will do.

As the car that represents the new era of Peugeot, the new 308 comes with a wide array of driving tech such as Semi-automatic lane change, anticipated speed recommendation, curve speed adaptation, long-range blind-spot monitoring, RCTA, Peugeot Open & Go, E-call+ emergency call, and more, standard or with the Drive Assist pack.

The new 308 truly is the start of the new era of Peugeot, apart from being the first to proudly wear the new Peugeot logo. Although not suitable for speedo boys because Stellantis says no to a hot version of this new model, it has the credentials normal drivers need to get through the new normal in style and dynamics. Not perfect but it's the best 308 made for the new normal.

Photo: Peugeot

Peugeot 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered

The formation of the new Peugeot SPORT marque gave birth to the ultimate 508 ever created, the 508 PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED. With its sport-tuned dynamics, PHEV powertrain, and aggressive styling, this is what the 508 has been missing the whole time.

2021 Peugeot 508 PSE

2021 Peugeot 508 SW PSE

With prices starting at 67,100 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever 508 PSE is more costly to own than the Volkswagen Arteon R, but on the upside, it's cheaper to own than the BMW M3, making this the bargain high-performance saloon of the year, but it's not really a bargain high-performance car because, as I said, it's more expensive than the hot Arteon I've mentioned a few seconds ago.

Anyway, the styling. At first glance, it looks just like the normal, second-generation, Peugeot 508, in sedan and SW variants, but the PSE variant gave both of these body styles some juice. It features a dark front grille, yellow-green accented signature front bumper, yellow-green brake calipers similar to the Subaru WRX STi, new rear bumpers, and dark-colored 20-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires to match its personality. With its dark-themed styling, the 508 PSE is what happens when a businessman's car has gone after hours.

The interior works and feels just like the normal 508 and the i-Cockpit still works as every new Peugeot should. It's still as spacious as the normal 508, of course, and with the SW variant, it can carry loads of stuff whether for business or for pleasure.

The highlight of the 508 PSE is its performance and this is the kind of performance Asian medium-sized cars should learn from them. Powered by a 1.6L turbocharged engine connected to two electric motors and mated to an e-EAT8 gearbox, it generates a total power output of 360PS of power and 520Nm of torque, sprinting from 0-100kph in 5.2 seconds and an electronically-governed top speed of 255kph. Not as fast as the Arteon R but with that kind of performance numbers, the 508 PSE is a French high-performance super saloon that wants to equate with Germany's finest. As for fuel efficiency, it's a surprising 2L/100km on the WLTP scale. That's 50kmpl if you do the math.

Driving on electric power only, it has a range of 42km, and like most PHEVs, the 508 PSE's batteries can be charged but, depending on which charging point you're on, it will take almost half a day to recharge its batteries that supplement the two electric motors.

Because it has two electric motors on both sides, the 508 PSE is a four-wheel-drive vehicle, making it suitable for a chilling trip to Val Thorens on a holiday without making a ruckus. Aside from that, the 508 PSE, thanks to Peugeot's motorsports know-how, features sport-tuned dynamics underneath, making it capable of toying around the corners of Paul Ricard like it's its first try, although the digital engine sound mapping idea is cheesy, by the way.

You can play with it all day while trying to embarrass every Asian-made midsized executive car in its size, wishing that one day, they'll be as cool as this lion, but this is the real world, and although the sporty dynamics can upset a Regular Joe driving on normal day-to-day traffic, the 508 PSE features a wide range of ADAS just like the normal 508, and such safety features are worth noticeable.

The dismal charging times and the safety features not friendly to speedo boys behind the wheel are the downsides of the 508 PSE, but with the performance and styling that made a big impression, the 508 PSE is the high-performance Peugeot saloon they have been waiting for and looks like the Germans are on heightened alert.

Photo: Peugeot

Forza Horizon 4: Best of Series 33

So, is anyone completed the rest of the Series 33 challenges on Forza Horizon 4? Me? I was focused on getting the two new cars that appeared on the Series 33 update which involves a French rally car and an unknown electric hypercar prototype emerged from the shadows.

So, with Series 33 of Forza Horizon 4 well and truly over, it's time to have a quick review on the two new cars that I've obtained throughout the rest of the update.

This is the Super 2000-spec Peugeot 207 that I just won from the Summer Playlist. Having spawned from the 207 RCup Concept from the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, the Super 2000-spec 207 rally car is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder NA engine that produces 280HP of power and mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox.

Lastly, the mysterious machine that I have obtained from the Winter Playlist is named the RAESR Tachyon Speed. Most of us are not familiar with this machine so let's have a quick intro about this mysterious EV prototype. A street-legal prototype EV hypercar designed and manufactured in Southern California, the RAESR Tachyon Speed features outrageously low and wide dimensions as well as a 6-motor proprietary electric powertrain that produces over 1200hp of power and delivers a range of over 150 miles per full charge. It gets through the quarter-mile in less than ten seconds, a top speed of over 240mph, and a lateral acceleration of over 2Gs.

There's a well-known tidbit that its detachable steering wheel can be used to operate the car's features, which is very unheard of but surprising for a hypercar like this.

With their quick introductions done, it's time to go through different parts of the world and put these two Series 34 machines to the test. Let's roll the tape!

These cars truly are special in so many ways...

So, what do you think of these machines, huh? Did these machines make you satisfied or thinking that they do deserve more?

Enjoy your new rides!

Peugeot 2008 II

The Peugeot 2008 crossover has reached its second generation and like its 208 relative, it now spawns an electric variant. Time to dish out the newest version of one of Peugeot's popular crossovers that caught every Europeans' attention since the first one came out many years ago.

The all-new Peugeot 2008, priced at 22,100 Euros plus additional costs, has evolved from a sleek-looking compact crossover that draws resemblance to the 208 to a sleeker crossover that is utterly mistaken to its big brother, the 3008. Being a French crossover, the new 2008 champions itself with its new design, high-tech interior others would call it minimalist, new powertrain, and new safety tech.

Let's take a deep dive into the design first and from every angle, the new model does look like the 3008, meaning that the new model's falling prey to the Russian doll effect some would definitely taking note for. On the inside, the new model, like today's Peugeots, falls prey to the minimalist route that caused speedo boys running scared because you can't find any buttons to control the aircon and the volume. Only the touch screen, ladies and gentlemen.

While the minimalist dashboard scares away speedo boys, the accommodation is rather great by crossover standards. It seats up to five people and has decent cargo space big enough to fit just about everything.

The new Peugeot 2008 offers a choice of petrol and diesel engines as well as the first ever electric powertrain that can go up to 320km in one full charge according to WLTP standards. While the 1.2 PureTech petrol engine and 1.5 BlueHDi diesel engine weren't too shabby on the roads, the diesel-powered one is the one to avoid because this is Europe today and diesels are going to be outlawed by law with petrol to follow shortly.

Common sense the powertrains can be, the new 2008 is front-wheel drive only by default but the Advanced Grip Control, the one championed by its rival compatriot, the Citroen C3 Aircross, makes it more capable on either tarmac, gravel, and snow. With its car-like handling, tall ground clearance, and this, the new 2008 feels like it's capable of doing today's chores without breaking a sweat, well almost.

Because the new 2008 is all about common sense for the commoners, it features Peugeot Drive Assist Plus, a wide array of semi-autonomous driving aids that let itself do the talking on the road as well as other safety features such as Active Safety Brake, Distance Alert, and many others. Noticeable as such but it's worth attention-grabbing.

The new 2008 is the modern crossover that is not worth the wait for some but worth the shot by many looking for something that has space, tech, ecology, performance, and versatility. Like it or not, the new 2008 is common sense on the road and looks like Peugeot's are on the SUV offense right now.

Photo: Groupe PSA

Forza Horizon 4: The Peugeot 205

The Peugeor 205 is known to be one of the most iconic hatchbacks to emerge in the 80's because of its competitiveness against the VW Golf, its French quirkiness, impressive dynamics, and its rally pedigree. So, what's it all about the 205?



Launched in 1983, the Peugeot 205 is the replacement to the 104 and the seemingly related Talbot Samba. It was made in response to Peugeot's takeover of Simca and the former Rootes Group from Chrysler's European division in 1978. Although narrowly defeated by the Fiat Uno in the European Car of the Year award, it still delivers high quality and strong demand compared to its rival. It features three different styles such as the three-door, five-door, and the convertible in various grades.



Here in Forza Horizon 4, we have two different 205s to choose from such as the 205 Turbo 16, which is a road-going version of their Group B rally car with only 200 units produced to meet homologation regulations, and the 205 Rallye, a stripped-off version made by Peugeot-Talbot sport. The former is known for winning 16 WRC Group B rounds while the other is a stripped-off hot hatch no one knows, which some say it's known to be the lighter, cheaper alternative to the legendary 205 GTi.





To see which 205 is the best, I went farming through the woods to get these two dirty in the name of science. While the 205 T16 is all about power and being an all-rounder thanks to its 4WD drivetrain honed for rallying, the Rallye's lightweight compensates its short power output for easy handling even a rookie driver can enjoy it. Anyway, no time for chit-chat because let's put these two 205s to the test. Roll the tape.

After a dirty day at the Tarn Hows, here are the results;

Rallye - 1:14.374
T16 - 1:11.638



So, which 205 will you prefer? The monstrous and fast 205 T16 that can take on all kinds of dirt just like its Group B rally monster equivalent did or the lightweight and nimble 205 Rallye that handles like every hot hatch should? I'll leave the rest to you.

Opel/Vauxhall Corsa F vs. Peugeot 208 II

The little city car from Opel/Vauxhall, the Corsa, underwent a full model change and gone are the days when every bits and bobs of the Corsa uses parts from the General Motors dustbin because with Groupe PSA now under the control of Opel/Vauxhall, the all-new Corsa is now matured with new looks, features, and performance fit for city-dwelling Europeans.

2020 Opel Corsa

2020 Vauxhall Corsa

The new Corsa, starting at 13,990 Euros (15,750 Pounds) plus on road costs, marks a bold departure from past General Motors-era generations because with the new model running on every bits and bobs from the PSA dustbin, it's now the biggest Corsa ever made and despite its enlarged size, it still delivers its city-class car charms customers enjoyed.

2020 Opel Corsa

2020 Vauxhall Corsa

Starting with the design, the new Corsa looks very matured compared to the previous model it replaces. From start to finish, top to bottom, you can really tell how much of an adult contemporary the new Corsa is and despite its serious character, there is a little spark of playfulness this little car can give but more with that later on because it's time to observe the new interior.

2020 Opel Corsa interior

2020 Vauxhall Corsa interior

Like the outside story, the interior is surprisingly matured and with all of the high-tech stuff implored in the dashboard, speedo boys will be having a hard time toying around with the irreplaceable touch screen and if by irreplaceable, it is and speedo boys are running scared right now. At the hands of a yuppie, the new interior feels like a bedroom desk on wheels and whether if its for business and for pleasure, rest assured that such size results to more room for five people as well as its decent boot space fit enough for today's thrift store trip. Give credit for the French owners as they did a good job recreated the Corsa from scratch and it's about as European as any European city class cars can get. What about the playful character underneath its skin?

2020 Opel Corsa

2020 Vauxhall Corsa

Because it now runs on every bits and bobs from the Groupe PSA storage bin instead of General Motors', the new Corsa, despite its big size, still as playful as any other city cars on the road today and it feels just right to twist and turn. You can really unwind anywhere you want when you need it most and such dynamics really made the new Corsa something to toy around but for going home after a long day at work, rest assured that the wide range of safety tech keeps the new Corsa at bay and they can be either surprising or annoying, depending on who's behind the wheel.

Powering the Corsa is a choice of a 1.2L petrol engine and a 1.5L diesel engine, the one to avoid for today's Europeans. The most powerful version is the one bearing 130PS of power, 230Nm of torque, and with the 8-speed AT, it does 0-100kph in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 208kph.

For anti-diesel and anti-petrol Europeans, there's the first-ever Corsa-e with the 100kw electric motor bolted to a Li-ion battery capable of a 0-100kph time of 8.1 seconds and a limited top speed of 150kph. Not only it's the most powerful Corsa offered, it's also the fastest accelerating Corsa and the cleanest. Only downside though that it's slower than the diesel-powered Corsa and bulky to drive but such weight didn't matter a bit for the Corsa-e because it still behaves just like city cars on the road.

The new Corsa no longer behaves like the Corsas of yesteryears because despite its matured looks, tech, and features, its city car performance shows that it has a spark of playfulness lurking beneath its skin. In fact, so playful, this new model reminds us of its blood relative...only French.

2020 Peugeot 208

2020 Peugeot 208

This is the second-generation Peugeot 208. Costing 15,500 Euros plus OTR, this new model offers the same stuff that you get from the new Corsa but with a more serious styling that is all work and all play for the drivers looking for the ideal city-class car.

2020 Peugeot 208

2020 Peugeot 208 interior

Just like the Corsa, the new 208 offers a choice of a 1.2L petrol engine and a 1.5L diesel engine, the one to avoid of course. There's even an e-208 with the 100kw electric motor bolted to a Li-ion battery capable of a 0-100kph time of 8.1 seconds and a limited top speed of 150kph.

In terms of dynamics, the new 208 behaves just like the new Corsa so there is a slight difference between the two, making things complicated for those looking for a city-class car that is matured but playful on the inside.

In short, these two models are nothing but a stalemate to some because although they look different, they share the same mechanical stuff and they're like the left and the right Twix all over again. So, it's your choice, really. Would you rather go German or French? The choice is yours.

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall/Groupe PSA

Peugeot 508 II

Peugeot's been busy cashing in on their hit crossovers such as the 2008, 3008, and the flagship 5008, but there is still work left undone for the 508 range. Although sales of the 508 have been stagnant due to the rise of crossovers, they decided to give the 508 another go with this new generation and what a Peugeot it is.

2019 Peugeot 508

2019 Peugeot 508 SW

Available in sedan and SW variants, the new Peugeot 508 starts at 32,300 Euros TTC so it's reasonably priced for a flagship saloon that competes to the likes of the Mazda Atenza, Subaru Legacy, Kia K5, Toyota Camry, and many others and by observing the design of the new model, the new 508 draws inspiration from the Exalt Concept, making it one of the best-looking saloons that borrows concept car elements out of it and making a buzz out of it. The only problem about the new look is the front because while it's nice to look at, the 508 badging in the middle spoils the appeal. It's fine on a Land Rover but in here, it's plain rubbish. It's like a supermodel with a big boil in her nose and you don't want that to happen.

2019 Peugeot 508 interior

On the inside, the futuristic elements today's Peugeot model carries since the 308, dubbed the i-Cockpit, are all here and it's sort of reminiscent of the interior from today's Ford GT, if you know what I mean? Anyway, while the dashboard is too futuristic to be ignored because of its clever sat-nav with smartphone connectivity, clever speedo, and so on, the comfort zone really works rather well in this new model, and thanks to the use of the EMP2 platform, it's surprisingly more spacious than the old 508 as well as the boot space, whereas the SW variant has the upper hand.

2019 Peugeot 508

Speaking of EMP2 platform, that new platform used on the new 508 results in a more lively driving experience that makes you come back for more, and when you go for the top-spec GT PureTech 225 S&S EAT8, the 508's dynamics really speaks for themselves but for subtle driving pleasure, there are different variants to choose from, just don't go for the diesel variants because France, like the rest of Europe today, treated diesels like public enemy number one because of the D-word from the headlines.

The driving pleasure of the new 508 is great indeed because of its new platform and sophisticated suspension and chassis setup that fares better than the previous model and for going home, the new 508 will be ready with a wide range of driving and safety aids so you don't have to worry about a thing.

So, is the new Peugeot 508 improved compared to the previous 508? Yes. These improvements made the new model relatively superior compared to the competition in terms of comfort, performance, safety, and packaging but while the design is great to look at, the 508 badge on the front side is a zit that deserves to be pinched and popped but while the front view is the least of the worries, the new 508 tries hard to win back the public whose attention is shifting to crossovers.

Photo: Groupe PSA

Citroen Berlingo III - Peugeot Rifter - Opel (Vauxhall) Combo E

Although the world has succumbed to the crossover craze, there are some multipurpose vehicles that are defiant in today's era of motoring dominated by crossovers. While they are as practical as crossovers, these new-generation leisure activity vans from Groupe PSA are made to cater to family weekend trips with everything they have to show the crossover world that these vans still have a place in today's motoring. That is why Groupe PSA showcased these new-generation leisure activity vans. From Citroen, there's the third-generation Berlingo. From Peugeot, there's the all-new Rifter that replaces the Partner, and for the first time, from Opel and Vauxhall, there's the new Combo E Life.

2019 Citroen Berlingo

2019 Peugeot Rifter

2019 Opel Combo Life

2019 Vauxhall Combo Life

Although these new generation leisure activity vehicles look different to each other as well as the pricing that sets them apart, all of these vans are running in the same PSA EMP2 platform and a choice of two engine outputs and two transmission types. More on that later but anyway, let's start with their visual differences while these vans aren't exactly what they called a head turner, it's hard to decide which one of these vans looked good but for now, let's give credit to the Rifter.

2019 Citroen Berlingo interior

2019 Peugeot Rifter interior

2019 Opel Combo Life interior

2019 Vauxhall Combo Life interior

While these cars boast different steering wheel designs, whereas the new Berlingo has the best-looking steering wheel of the rest, the new interior blends practicality, functionality, and technology into one unique packaging. They may be as small as a Toyota Sienta but in larger variants, they seat up to seven people and have up to 850 liters of luggage volume, which is big enough for stuff to bring for life's precious moments such as your grandma's birthday, your baby's baptism, camping trips, so on, so forth, meaning that it works rather well for family use as long as those little tykes don't occupy your sweet spot. Otherwise, it's off to the third row for you, which is still unpleasant to live with despite its new form and shape.

Under the hood, these new generation vans are powered by a choice of 1.2L PureTech petrol engine and the 1.5L BlueHDi diesel engine. I was going to say that the diesel variant is mated with a choice of two manual gearboxes and an 8-speed automatic as well as the specs that have 130PS of power, 300Nm of torque, 184kph top speed, 4.3L/100km of fuel economy, and 112g/km of CO2 emissions but because Europe has a hatred affair over diesel, they should make do with the petrol one which has lesser specs compared to the diesel but it's a fair choice unless Groupe PSA is making an electrified version of those. Things can wait but if you want to get a shot on these vans, better go for the petrol one in the event that you're European and you're starting to show disdain over diesel. They may not deliver the gusto you deserve but for a family mover, it's above average and your family will certainly catch some attention to it.

Although the handling is too much to bear for these vans, they function like it means it, and when things get messy, these vans are fitted with a similar traction control system fitted to its SUV range, adapting torque distribution to the front wheels. It sure works in the rain but it can be a tad old-fashioned for a van like this. Still, it's a good match for vans like these.

Safety-wise, the vans are fitted with a wide array of safety features that will keep the kids sleeping while staying aware of the surroundings. You have forward collision alert with pedestrian detection and Automatic Emergency Braking, Automatic Cruise Control, Intelligent Speed Adaptation, Driver Drowsiness Alert, and many other features that will keep the journey home safe and secure.

In France, the all-new Berlingo starts at 21,850 Euros while the Rifter starts at 23,150 Euros TTC. In Germany, the Combo E Life starts at 19,995 Euros, and in Britain, that costs 19,610 Euros. It's a fair price for vans like these but the new Berlingo, the Rifter, and the new Combo vans still have businesses to do in a world infested by crossovers that don't go anywhere. These people movers may not be as fast or can go anywhere but by getting the most out of these vans in the event of family weekends, these vans are decent enough to be the newest members of the family.

Photo: Groupe PSA