Peugeot 508 2.0 HDI Allure - French middle class
You don't like the stylistic banality of German limousines? Take a look at the Peugeot 508. This is a car worked out to the smallest detail, which pleasantly surprises with its comfort and driving performance.
The Peugeot 508 has faced a difficult task since its debut. Those who wanted to buy a middle-class limousine had to prove that the French company was able to create an attractive alternative to the Avensis, Mondeo and Passat. Many potential customers of the brand have an image of the 407th model in their minds, which did not impress with the style of the exterior and interior, as well as driving performance and workmanship.
The new limousine could not stop at correcting the mistakes of its predecessor. She had to take another step. The French concern needed a car that at least partly filled the niche after its withdrawal from the 607 range. The size of the Peugeot 508 fell perfectly in the niche between 407 and 607. The 4792 mm body length puts it at the forefront of the D segment. The wheelbase is also impressive. 2817 mm is more than the axles of the Peugeot 607 flagship share. Despite the large dimensions, the Peugeot body does not overwhelm the dimensions. A successful combination of lines, ribs and chrome details made the French limousine optically lighter than the Insignia, Mondeo or Passat.
In turn, the long wheelbase was transformed into spaciousness in the cabin. There will even be four adults, although it must be admitted that there is not much headroom in the second row. The seats, especially the front ones, have ideal contours, which, together with excellent sound insulation and an ergonomic driving position, have a positive effect on the comfort of traveling on long routes.
French cars have been famous for their impeccable interiors for many years. Peugeot 508 follows the trend. The quality of materials is not satisfactory. Try to find something that looks bad or feels bad to the touch. It is worth adding that the interior of the Peugeot limousine was designed by our compatriot. Adam Bazydlo did a great job. The cabin is simple and elegant at the same time. The tested car could stand on a par with premium segment cars. The cream leather on the seats looks nice, as does the combination of light-colored door panels and carpets with black trim on the top of the dashboard and doors. What is important, the salon is not only pretty, but also soundly assembled.
Ergonomics also leave much to be desired. Inconvenient audio and cruise control controls, known from older Peugeot models, have been replaced with traditional steering wheel buttons. The classic easy-to-read instrument panel also makes a good impression. Includes an oil temperature gauge, rare in modern vehicles. The cockpit was not overloaded with buttons. Less important vehicle functions are controlled using the multimedia system dial.
We were not entirely convinced by the location of the storage compartments. There was no convenient hiding place for a phone or keys and cup holders near the gear lever. Two on the center console. If the driver decides to put a drink in it, he will have to put up with the fact that the navigation screen is hidden by a bottle or cup. The armrest, which is the lid of the central glove box, leans towards the passenger, so only the driver has free access to the inside of the box. The traditional way of opening would be better. There could have been a large glove box on the left side of the steering column, but the space was wasted. We will find there ... switches for the ESP system and parking sensors, as well as buttons for the optional head-up display.
The gearbox is precise and the jack strokes are short. Not everyone will be thrilled with the resistance of the lever. In this respect, the Peugeot 508 is closer to a sports car than a lightweight limousine. We love this characteristic of the gear selector – it harmonizes perfectly with the powerful 163 hp turbodiesel. When driving dynamically, the 2.0 HDI unit will evaporate with a nice muffled bass. The maximum torque of 340 Nm is available at 2000 rpm. It really is. The Peugeot 508 responds effectively to the driver's right foot, provided that the tachometer shows the aforementioned 2000 rpm. At lower revs, we experience a moment of impotence followed by an explosion of propulsion. A properly treated engine accelerates the Peugeot 508 to "hundreds" in less than nine seconds.
Anyone who decides to buy a turbodiesel car appreciates not only dynamics. Low fuel consumption is also expected. On the highway - depending on conditions and driving style - Peugeot 508 burns 4,5-6 l/100km. In the city, the on-board computer says 8-9 l / 100km.
Since we mentioned the city, it must be added that the massive roof pillars, the high trunk line and the 12-meter turning radius make it very difficult to maneuver. Peugeot is aware of this fact and offers rear sensors as standard on the Active, Allure and GT versions. The options list includes front sensors and a parking space measurement system. Automated parking systems for the Peugeot 508, known from competing limousines, are not yet planned.
The bouncy suspension effectively picks up bumps and at the same time provides sufficient traction. Those who equate French cars with overly soft-tuned chassis will experience a pleasant disappointment behind the wheel of the Peugeot 508. The lion's limousine drives very well. If we're tempted to hit the gas harder, we'll find the suspension allows for a bit of body lean when cornering. The end of the undercarriage is much further than we originally thought. The overall feeling of stock is hampered by mediocre suspension and steering communications.
Peugeot 508 does not shock with low prices. The basic version with a 1.6 VTI engine costs 80,1 thousand. zloty. For the tested version of Allure with a 163 HDI turbodiesel with a power of 2.0 hp. we will pay at least PLN 112,7 thousand. zloty. The amount is justified by the rich equipment. You don't have to pay extra, including for keyless entry, rear parking sensors, LED interior lighting, dual-zone air conditioning, heated front seats, semi-leather upholstery and an extensive eight-speaker audio system with USB and AUX and Bluetooth connections with music streaming.
Should I buy a Peugeot 508? The market has already given the answer. Last year it sold over 84 copies in Europe. Thus, the superiority of the French limousine had to be recognized, including the Mondeo, S60, Avensis, Superb, C5, i40, Laguna and DS models.
