A versatile model line-up
South African motorists can choose between four main derivatives of the new Peugeot 508.
The line-up encompasses a choice of three engines, two transmissions and three specification levels. Equipment levels are high, with even the most affordable Active versions offering a comprehensive portfolio of standard features.
TWO ACTIVE MODELS
The 508 Active 1.6 THP and the 508 Active 2.0 HDI represent the entry point for buyers of Peugeot’s all-new premium sedan.
The former’s sub-R300 000 price tag emphasises that value for money is another compelling virtue of the 508 range.
The 508 1.6 THP employs Peugeot’s well-known 1,6-litre petrol engine, equipped with a high-pressure turbocharger. The four-cylinder unit has a rated maximum output of 115 kW and 240 Nm. Drive is to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.
That urge is sufficient to propel the 508 1.6 THP Active from rest to 100 km/h in 8,6 sec, together with a rated top speed of 222 km/h.
These swift dynamics are linked to frugal fuel consumption and emissions figures, underlining the 508’s superior efficiency. The 508 1.6 THP Active sips unleaded petrol at a rate of 6,4 litres/100 km for the combined cycle, while CO2 emissions come to only 149 g/km – an impressive achievement, given the bulk of the 508.
The 508 Active 2.0 HDi is the entry-level turbodiesel member of the 508 family. The highly efficient 1 997 cc four-potter produces 120 kW of maximum power, supported by a substantial 340 Nm of torque. Again, a six-speed manual gearbox transfers engine output to the front wheels.
The 508 2.0 HDi completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in a brisk 8,6 sec, and achieves a top speed of 226 km/h. Fuel consumption is another star attraction: the Peugeot boast a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of just 4,9 litres/100 km, with an associated CO2 emissions rating of 129 g/km.
The performance and consumption figures of the two Peugeot 508 Active models amply illustrate how the design and development team’s focus on efficiency has translated into real-life benefits for 508 owners.
EXTENSIVE STANDARD SPECIFICATION
The Active specification level is comprehensive, with an expansive array of standard features. The exterior of both 508 Active models is distinguished by 16-inch alloy wheels, NEO halogen headlights with headlight washers, directional fog lamps, and LED-equipped tail lights. Electrically operated, folding exterior mirrors are standard.
The safety equipment offering is particularly comprehensive. Passive measures include front, side and curtain airbags, front and rear head restraints, inertia reel seat belts with load limiters in front, and ISOFIX child seat tethers.
On the active safety front, the advanced Bosch 8.1 ESP system unites latest-generation ABS braking with EBD, EBA and CBC, as well as ASR traction control and Hill Assist. The 508 Active models are equipped with rear parking sensors, automatic activation of headlights and windscreen wipers. A full-size spare wheel is located under the boot floor.
The spacious, upmarket interior confirms the 508 Active’s premium status. Luxurious cloth upholstery is standard, while tactile quality is prevalent throughout. A multifunction steering wheel offers fingertip control of the audio and cruise control systems.
The instrument binnacle is located directly ahead of the driver, and offers a five-dial layout with black-faced instruments, red needles and white graphics, backlit in white. The centrally located information display employs an amber matrix.
The standard execution of the 508 Active models includes a front-loading CD receiver with MP3 capability, linked to a stereo auxiliary input and a USB socket compatible with iPod and iPhone devices, as well as USB flash drives. Bluetooth connectivity is included, too.
Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, as is an electrochromatic rear-view mirror, electrically activated child locks for the rear doors. As one would expect of a premium-segment sedan, the windows and exterior mirrors are electrically operated.
ALLURE ADDS MORE
The Peugeot 508 Allure is offered in 16. THP form only, using the same turbocharged 1 598 cc petrol engine as the Active model, but linked to Peugeot’s smooth-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox.
In this guise, the 508 Allure 1.6 THP Auto accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9,2 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 220 km/h. The combined cycle fuel consumption figure is 7,1 litres/100 km, with an associated CO2 emissions rating of 164 g/km.
The Allure version of the 508 offers all the standard equipment included in the Active package, but improves on that list in several key areas. Externally, the Allure rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, fitted with 215/55 R17 tyres.
It also gains Peugeot’s keyless entry and start system, which entails the use of an electronic key that is recognised by the car from distances of up to 1,8 m. The comprehensive array of active and passive safety systems of the Active execution is retained in its entirety.
Inside, the seats of the Allure model are electrically adjustable and upholstered in a combination of genuine leather for the bolsters, with cloth inserts. An electrically activated handbrake is standard, while the an uprated climate control system features four independent zones – two front and two rear.
The five-dial instrument binnacle is similar to that of the Active versions, but features a full-colour digital information display, instead of the amber version. The interior is also fitted with retractable side blinds for the rear windows, while there is a full-sized alloy spare wheel under the boot floor.
The Allure can be optionally ordered with the WIP Sat satellite navigation system, which is linked to an improved audio system and a central controller. The system also includes the glare-free, projected colour head-up display offered as standard on the flagship 508 GT.
GT IS THE FLAGSHIP
In line with its flagship status, the 508 GT is fitted with the most powerful engine in the range. The all-new four-cylinder 2,2-litre HDi FAP turbodiesel produces 150 kW at 3 500 r/min, together with a maximum torque figure of 450 Nm at 2 000 r/min.
The result is athletic, effortless performance in line with the 508 GT’s sporty demeanour. It despatches the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 8,2 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 234 km/h.
However, this performance is not achieved at the cost of fuel efficiency. At just 5,7 litres/100 km for the combined cycle, fuel consumption is exemplary for a car with this level of performance potential, while the CO2 exhaust emissions come to only 150 g/km.
As expected, the 508 GT offers the most comprehensive standard specification in the range. It includes everything provided by the Allure model, but augments the features list even further.
Externally, the most apparent difference is the new 18-inch alloy wheels, shod with 235/45 R18 tyres. Equally striking are the bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, which add a distinctive visual signature, visible by day and at night.
The headlights offer active directional operation when cornering, and are linked to Peugeot’s main beam assistance, which automatically activates and deactivates the main beam function at night.
The GT benefits from front parking sensors in addition to the rear sensors of the other 508 models. This allows it to offer park assistance, as well as an available space measurement system for parallel parking spaces.
The interior of the GT is upholstered in full leather, and is equipped with the colour head-up display as standard. Projected on a glare-free pop-up polycarbonate screen, its shows data such as vehicle speed, cruise control/speed limiter status, and navigation instructions.
The advanced WIP satellite navigation system is also standard equipment – a first for a Peugeot model in SA. The system features comprehensive mapping with point of interest data for SA and neighbouring countries. It is fitted in conjunction with an uprated hi-fi sound system with Arkamys digital signal processing.
The seats retain their electric operation, but now include a seat position memory function, and also offer seat heating and a massage function for enhanced comfort during long-distance driving.
PRICING
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508 Active 1.6 Petrol THP R 283 700
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508 Active 2.0 HDi R 303 200
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508 Allure 1.6 THP Auto R 306 700
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508 Allure 1.6 THP Auto with SatNav R 323 700
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508 GT 2.2 HDi Auto R 409 900
Pricing includes a three-year/100 000 km warranty, and a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. Servicing is at 20 000 km/12-month intervals.
