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Peugeot 508: Test Drive Review
Date: 19 May 2011 | Author: Rachel Burgess
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Peugeot's new upper medium car, the 508, has long been heralded as the next step in the brand's move to better-quality, more appealing cars.
Following in the wake of the pretty-looking RCZ, its natural competitors include the VW Passat, Vauxhall Insignia and Ford Mondeo, but the premium interior feel has had it lauded by many as worthy of comparison with German rivals the Audi A4 and BMW 3-series.
For fleets, the largest-selling engine is set to be the 1.6 eHDI 112hp auto, thanks to its 109g/km CO2 emissions. Not far behind in the volume stakes will be the more powerful 2.0 HDi 140hp manual, which emits 125g/km and can deliver 58.9mpg, according to official figures.
The car has a lot to shout about. Not only is the interior probably its most impressive feature with an excellent quality finish, there is also ample space for both front and rear passengers. On the road, the 508 is excellent, with responsive steering, great handling around bends and a firm yet comfortable ride.
The most popular fleet trim level will be the SR, the second-from-bottom of five. It includes Peugeot Connect SOS and Assistance, leather steering wheel and cruise control with speed limiter, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone air conditioning and 16-inch alloy wheels. Options include rear parking sensor (£255) and metallic paint (£450).
The car fares surprisingly well against the Passat considering VW's traditionally solid RVs. The Passat 2.0 TDI 140 with Bluemotion costs £21,980 compared with £20,895. And while the VW falls below the 120g/km CO2 barrier, meaning a 13% BIK banding against 18% for the 508, it has weaker RVs at 30.8% against 31.2%. This means that in cost-per-mile terms the 508 comes out on top at 51.3ppm against 51.8ppm. For many, it would be hard to imagine a time that a Peugeot would surpass a Passat on many levels, but that time has come. Fleet managers take note: the 508 will be a big success.
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VerdictPeugeot has a winner in the upper medium segment |
9/10 |
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