First Drive: Peugeot 508

Peugeot is clinging on though and, while its three-pronged crossover range is cleaning up in its showrooms, the new 508 fastback hopes to tempt fleet buyers seeking a break from the German norm. And perhaps relive the glory days of the stylish and neat-handling 405 and 406 of a previous age. 

‘Saloon’ seems a dirty word these days so, inevitably, the 508 has gained a more seductive description. Like the similar Volkswagen Arteon it’s officially described as a Fastback but is technically a hatchback. Less sexy but perhaps more useful and there’s an SW estate version on the way too for those not yet swept away by the SUV/crossover tidal wave.

Is it enough to stand out from the sober-suited Germans though? A front-end inspired by the Fractal concept uses the LED running lights to create distinctive ‘fangs’ referencing Peugeot’s famous lion logo, while the model number on the front of the bonnet harks back to the firm’s classic saloons. It’s still a little anonymous though, the side profile and rear making more sense of the fastback theme, the black strip across the rear and distinctive ‘cat’s claw’ light signature a sleek interpretation of what we’ve seen on the crossover range.

The interior is more distinctive, thanks to Peugeot’s quirky i-Cockpit design with its tiny, low-set wheel and raised instrument binnacle above it. That offers licence to describe it as a ‘head-up display’, though not in the fancy sense of the information being projected onto the windscreen, jet fighter style. The centre touchscreen and piano-key style switchgear look good though and it’s got a definite sense of style.

For the launch the range starts with the Active, progresses to Allure and then GT Line and GT, a First Edition wrapping all the good stuff up into a flagship model. Inevitably the cars on the launch were generously specified GTs, with standard Nappa Mistral upholstery, massage seats (with cute ‘cat’s paw’ mode) and the upgraded Amplify version of the i-Cockpit with configurable displays in the 12.3-inch binnacle and choice of ‘Boost’ or ‘Relax’ themed interior ambiences, depending on how late you are for that important meeting.

With fleet demands in mind all cars meanwhile get a ‘driver attention alert system’, hints at how to maximise your mpg with ‘Eco coaching’, a cruise control/speed limiter and the Safety Pack with autonomous emergency braking, Distance Alert and Lane Keeping Assistance. This is all on the entry-level Active, as is TomTom Live navigation with a three-year subscription.

You’ll notice it’s got this far before we even start talking about driving impressions, factors like spec and residual values of far greater importance to this market than steering feel or 0-60mph times. When it comes to those all-important RVs Peugeot has been working hard to improve its standing and now boasts of better performance than the German marques.

So if the numbers add up what to expect once you get behind that titchy little wheel? For base models there’s a 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel emitting just 98g/km (with the automatic) to keep your fleet manager happy but for those looking to make a little more progress there’s also a 2.0 diesel with 165PS (163hp) or, in the GT as tested, a slightly more potent 179PS (177bhp). Combined with an eight-speed automatic gearbox it’s a smooth and refined way to travel, road and wind noise well contained and the ambience relaxing on a cruise. Those viewing diesel’s long-term future with interest and preferring to stick with petrol meanwhile get the option of a punchy 1.6 PureTech turbo, available with 181PS (178bhp) or 225PS (221bhp) in the GT and First Edition. With CO₂ emissions comparable with the diesels these look a good bet should the prevailing winds change in favour of petrol.

Keen drivers may find the steering a little light compared with rivals and the ride is, disappointingly, both wallowy but with a harsh edge over sharper bumps. On the GT a button buried in front of the gear selector offers a choice of driving modes but, having explored them all, it’s unlikely you’ll be fiddling much beyond Normal for anything other than novelty value.

Competent and distinctive rather than truly inspirational, it’s good to see Peugeot offering an alternative to those still considering those fleet-friendly saloons. And the 508 is stylish and does a good job of interpreting the brand’s successful SUV look to the sleeker, fastback format. Whether that’s enough to really take the fight to the Germans is another question though.  

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The Numbers

Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, front-wheeled-drive

Power/torque: 177PS/295Nm

0-62mph: 8.3 sec

Top speed: 146mph

Price (508 GT BlueHDi 180 Auto with £3,795 extras): £40,300 OTR