Peugeot 508
Expected launch date : Jan-2012Hoped to be the second car offering by French carmaker Peugeot, the upcoming sedan Peugeot 508 is a large family car. It was first launched in 2010. Being a marquee of PSA Peugeot Citroen, Peugeot shares the platform (from Citroen C5) and other features with Citroen.
Superb styling, state-of-the-art technology and impressive interiors are the three factors that speak out the most in Peugeot 508. Internationally, Peugeot 508 is available in sedan and Station Wagon body types and in Access, SR, Active, Allure and GT models. In India, only the sedan models are expected to arrive.
Juxtaposed with its predecessors such as Peugeot 407 and Peugeot 607, this Peugeot sedan takes on a new shape and styling. The front appearance is quite elegant signifying refinement as opposed to the much sporty design of the 407 and 607. The front is also adorned by a new and shrunken front grille on the radiator besides the daytime lights. The front grill also has chrome garnishing. The B-pillars of the car have been blacked out throwing a coupe-like impression. The tail lights have a three row LED assembly that resembles a paw. There are twin exhausts at the rear giving it the ultimate sporty look.
On the inside, the Peugeot is all the more refined. The inside cabin has much improved build quality all over with the dash much more driver oriented than any of the previous cars. The dash has a head-up retractable display which is placed in the driver’s field of vision that indicates information about speed, cruise control, navigation instructions and more.
Compared to Peugeot 407, the Peugeot 508 has grown longer by 10cm thus enhancing the rear legroom by 6cm that can easily accommodate even six footers. In addition to this, carrying your baggage will be far easier in Peugeot 508 with a 660 litre expected boot space.
The international version of Peugeot 508 has automatic Quad-zone air conditioning which gives the freedom to front and rear passengers to have their own air conditioning control. The leather seats of Peugeot 508 also have electric adjustment and will also have heating facility to add to the luxury of the car. The 508 also has programmable heating system. However, the made for India Peugeot 508 is not expected to have more emphasis on the heating system. The car also has a panoramic glass roof extending to the rear seats that floods the cabin with light.
Instruments on the inside of this car are intelligent, intuitive and innovative that keeps the driver informed thus making the driving far easier. Locking and unlocking the Peugeot 508 is easier than any other car. Just keep the keys in your pocket and it will unlock as soon as you near the car. Also, in order to lock the car one needs to just rub the door handle and it locks automatically.
The Peugeot also features a Parallel Parking Guide that acts as a parking assistance and indicated whether the car can be parked in the space and the level of difficulty with which the car can be maneuvered and parked.
Based on the Citroen C5 platform, the 508 takes good care of the bumps on the roads and overall driving is pleasurable. The maneuverability is also top-notch with the most spirited chassis which is lightweight. In all, the Peugeot uses a lot of aluminum and plastic to keep the overall weight of the car to a minimum. There is aluminum bonnet and plastic boot lid.
Road handling of this Peugeot’s sedan will be almost exemplary. It will come fitted with double wishbone front suspension with drop link hub carrier at the front in order to give high level of stability and a comfortable driving experience. Peugeot 508 is expected to arrive in India in petrol and diesel options. The petrol engine is expected to be a 1.6 L VTi engine that will have a maximum power of 120 bhp and it will be mated to a 6-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox. It is also expected that there will also be a 156 bhp variant of the petrol car.
The diesel engine is expected to be a 1.6L HDi diesel which will deliver 112 bhp. The engine is not only powerful but also has low noise, vibration and harshness besides low emissions. A 2.0L, 140 bhp engine powered Peugeot 508 is also expected to arrive in India. The diesel engine will also have e-HDi technology that powers the Stop & Start feature of the car making the car more fuel efficient. There will also be a Particle Emission Filter fitted in Peugeot 508 which helps reduce the emissions making the diesel fuel greener than ever. The characteristic Gear Shift Indicator also improves the fuel efficiency of the car.
If it has thus features, how can the Peugeot 508 remain low on the safety front? The international version of the 508 has a unique Braking System with Electronic Stability Program, Electric Parking Brake, Cruise Control, speed limiter besides six airbags, headrests, Bi-Xenon directional headlamps, Peugeot’s Smartbeam Assistance and Peugeot Connect SOS system. In terms of safety, Peugeot 508 has international NCAP five star rating.
There will also be an array of color and alloy wheel choices besides interior leather upholstery shades to customize the Peugeot 508 the way you like.
