Peugeot 508 Active HDi 140
by Tim Barnes-Clay, the man behind the wheel.
Date: 19 March 2012
WHAT A decent car. Okay, the overly long handbrake is clumsy and there are a few squeaks from the dashboard plastics, but in every other respect this executive car from France is excellent.
A Handsome Saloon
Looks-wise, the 508 is a handsome saloon, no doubt about it. The stylish exterior design is elegant and full of ‘French chic’, equally at home in Paris or London. The car has a solidity that reflects the aspirations of sophistication, robustness and high quality.
At the front, the 508 illustrates the development of the marque’s latest stylistic codes, with a single grille rendered in a ‘floating’ style and piercing headlamps with LED tubes visible both by day and by night. Similarly, at the rear, three red ‘claws’ mask three rows of LEDs.
The interior of the car combines hi-tech with the use of high quality materials. Exceptional room, a very generous boot, and good standard specification provide interior comfort and convenience of a very high level.
The simple and smart style of the fascia, the materials chosen, the thorough finish, the durability and the technologies deployed (colour ‘head-up display’, four-zone air conditioning, ‘keyless’ entry and start-up) add to the ambience of the passenger compartment.
Behind The Wheel
Behind the wheel, the steering is accurate, the 0-62 mph time of 9.8 seconds feels fine and with a maximum speed of 130 mph this 1997cc oil-burner has plenty of go. The Active HDi model, on test here, delivers 140 bhp at 4000 rpm and with 236 lb/ft of max torque it makes a good towing saloon. It has a maximum braked trailer weight of 1775 kg, so it’ll pull quite a load.
Returning an average MPG of 58.8 this version of the 508 is very economical too. The engine, as with all 508 engines, benefits from the latest technology including Peugeot’s e-HDi stop and start system. This is the first of a new generation of stop and start systems which offers improved driveability and economy enhancements of up to 15 percent.
A High Level of Desire
The Peugeot 508 not only looks credible for business, it will also serve as an excellent main family car. It’ll seat four adults comfortably or five at a push. It’s a very safe car as well and has been given an overall five star Euro NCAP rating.
With its high quality of build, decent design and efficient product performance, the 508 will be appreciated by all who drive it and the individual responsible for the cost of ownership, be they the owner or the business they represent.
The comfort of the surroundings, the features that are available as standard and the dynamic driving experience are all virtues that will help retain a high level of desire in the 508, for the journey ahead.
PROS ‘N’ CONS
PROS
- Looks
- Safety
- Efficiency
- Pulling power
CONS
- Handbrake
FAST FACTS
- Max speed: 130 mph
- 0-62 mph: 9.8 secs
- Combined mpg: 58.8
- Engine: 1997 cc 4 cylinder turbo diesel
- Max. power (bhp): 140 at 4000 rpm
- Max. torque (lb/ft): 236 at 2000 rpm
- CO2: 125 g/km
- Price: £21,050 on the road
