New Peugeot 508 GT 1.6 Turbo UK Review

The mid-measurement household automotive phase has diminished nearly to the purpose of extinction. With so many consumers skipping the standard three-field options for a chunky crossover, automobiles like the Peugeot 508 have morphed into one thing a bit more fascinating. And one take a look at the most recent 508 makes you marvel why anyone would give a compact SUV a second look. Distinctive, sleek, and from the rear three-quarter angle, downright pretty. It’s a automotive that makes not only the car it replaces look dowdy and drained, but most of its current rivals, too. Limited-run First Edition model aside, there are four trim ranges to choose from. Active models put on 17-inch alloy wheels and get an eight-inch touchscreen with satellite tv for pc navigation, while the Allure provides a larger 10-inch display and heated seats. The GT-Line comes with 18-inch alloys, LED headlights and half faux-leather-based seats. The highest spec GT, examined here, gets full leather-based, a FOCAL hello-fi and 19-inch wheels, amongst different fascinating extras.

There are some pretty cool features on the choices listing, too: the £1,300 night time vision system can detect pedestrians and animals up to 200m forward. It’s a primary in this segment. In a welcome break from virtually all other present manufacturers, the 508 has really shrunk in comparison with its predecessor - and it’s lighter too. It’s now 13mm shorter and 70mm decrease than a Volkswagen Passat. Up front, it makes the likes of the Passat (and arguably the BMW 3 Series) look dull. It’s a shame the 508 is pretty cramped in the back although. The Passat, Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport - and notably the Skoda Superb - are extra spacious, particularly for headroom. In fact, anybody who’s six foot-plus will be brushing their head in opposition to the 508’s roof lining. Boot house is down on the VW too, but there’s slightly more room than a 3 Series, and the hatchback opening is very straightforward to access.

The 508 rides on the same platform because the 3008 SUV, and shares a similarly plush experience. Minor low pace fidget aside, even on the 19-inch wheels it’s easy and relaxing. Yet this doesn’t come at the expense of dealing with; the steering is light and precise, and though it isn’t as agile as a BMW, it’s nonetheless more fun to drive than an Insignia or Passat. There are five engines to select from: three diesel and two petrol, while a plug-in hybrid mannequin is due in late 2019. The 222bhp 1.6-litre turbo tops the vary - and it’s a revvy, enthusiastic, and sturdy performer. However, it’s only available in GT trim, and at £35,975 it’s a little too dear to justify. For a automobile that can seemingly be bought by excessive mileage drivers (Peugeot predicts eighty per cent of sales will go to fleet users), it’s probably that the the diesels will probably be most popular.

The tried-and-tested 128bhp 1.5-litre BlueHDi unit is hushed sufficient and dips below the 10-second mark for the 0-62mph sprint. While the 1.5 is obtainable with a six-pace guide gearbox, the rest of the vary is auto solely. The eight-speed unit shifts smoothly and responds effectively in manual mode through the steering wheel-mounted paddles. But it may be only a bit jerky when coming to a stop. Prices begin from £25,000, which makes the closest equivalent Passat 1.6 TDI around £800 cheaper. However, the Peugeot is the better equipped of the pair, is more highly effective and, at 74.3mpg, returns higher fuel financial system (by around 4mpg) in official tests. Peugeot claims class-main residual values for the 508, which helps contribute in the direction of the £298.98 per thirty days quoted for a four-year PCP on an Active 1.5 diesel handbook. However, Volkswagen at the moment affords a significant £4,000 deposit contribution for its Passat, which suggests on an analogous monthly rate you’ll be saving £2,300 up front if you happen to go for the VW.