Peugeot 508
Words by Tommaso Mogge
Photo by Gian Romero
There’s nothing better than removing all of your prejudices. Do you know why? Because it enables us to learn, to understand and accept that perhaps we had not taken into account all the variables and that they are the tomb of our mind. I always saw today’s Peugeot as a brand light years away from the successes obtained in motorsport, with those simple but effective cars with well-chosen ingredients that have made the bones to make a whole generation of fast young boys. The GTI has been, above all, the best car that a young with not so much money could buy – and today have evolved and changed dramatically, keeping up with modernity and with the demands of the average user, but this is an argument we will face later on, on future issues with the test drive of the new 308 GTI. In fact today I find myself dealing with the top of the range sedan of French Lion, the 508, which has recently undergone a makeover and that comes as a cheaper alternative to the ubiquitous German saloons. Here’s how in a moment all the prejudices I have mentioned before try to outcome this car’s mission, and that’s why I would not leave any possibility of doubt, at the end of this long-term test.
There is no GTI badge, there is no turbocharged petrol engine, but the most sensible four-cylinder 2.0 common rail, which with this configuration dispenses 180hp and 400Nm of torque. The 508 has a considerable size, but contains its weight around the ton and a half, traction is only at front and the gearbox is a 6-speed automatic. That said, you can easily imagine that despite not being born for a shot on some good mountain roads full of corners, its 400Nm are definitely enough to make it agile and self-possessed in every circumstances, whether it is a fast stretch of road or a boring motorway lane. The look is refreshed and especially the front-end finds a new design for the grille and headlights, but that’s inside that I find a distinctly fresher air than before, with great care for the assembly and the right choices of materials. There is a bit ‘of everything, infotainment with sat navigation, head-up display and the paddles behind the steering wheel (maybe a little small) that allow you to move through the gears, opting for the semi-automatic mode. Time to start the 2-liter, poorly soundproofed and quite noisy when you move the first meters, and I immediately realize how good is the pace at low speeds: the gearbox is both fluid, precise and quick, especially when you choose the “Sport” mode, while the grafts of the lever are not intuitive and require a bit of practice to figure out how to move it without mistakes. As for the sat-nav, I’ve got to tell you that I find it impractical, slow and sometimes anything but precise – a little thing you say, but I remind you that we are talking ‘bout a top range sedan, where even these aspects have an important role. And what about that too uncomfortable box that you have to open each time, in order to disable the Start & Stop system, or to adjust the head-up display?
But do not get me wrong, because the 508 has really much substance, right there, where a good car differs from a car which is only convincing. I am talking about consumption, since this BlueHDi drinks very little (4,4l /100 km) and makes you forget the way for the gas station close to home, also without giving up a cheerful driving style. The dash is well finished and very clear, you have everything at hand and clearly visible, while it seems to be sitting too far back and sometimes, the front pillar can obstruct your view. The 508 confirms itself as a practical car, with ample space for the rear passengers, a luggage compartment that can accommodate stuff for a whole week without leaving anything at home. One of the things that made me laugh the most is that you need to press a little button inside the number “0” on its back in order to open the rear trunk – great excuse to make fun of friends asking them to open the boot without using the remote control. Ah yes, there is no need to turn the key for starting the engine, since it is equipped with a keyless entry system, and then there are parking sensors, rearview camera, cruise control … well, there’s just everything and for half the price of one of the most quoted opponents. What would you do? Are you one of those people who love to stand out, or not? When we gave it back to Peugeot, I have to admit that, I missed it a bit, its grip, which although it is not a sports car, made possible to hold down the throttle more than I could imagine. And those 400Nm of torque were there, oh yes they were. Well, in the end I have to say that Peugeot hit me and made me go back in time when I had my 205 GTI in the backyard. After a chat with Alex, I already know that the new 308 GTI is amazing. Who knows if I will be able to sit at the wheel of that too …
PEUGEOT 508 (2014-)
Layout – front-engined, front-wheel-drive
Engine – 4 cylinder 1997cc – turbo
Transmission – 6-speed automatic gearbox
Power – 180 hp @ 3750 rpm
400 Nm @ 2000 rpm
Weight – 1540 kg
Acceleration – 8,5 sec.
Top Speed – 230 kph
Price – from 37.500 €