Peugeot 508

The Peugeot 508 is a large family car launched in 2010 by French automaker Peugeot, and followed by the 508 SW, a station wagon/estate version, in March 2011.[1]

It replaces the Peugeot 407, as well as the larger Peugeot 607, for which no more direct replacement is scheduled. It shares its platform and most engine options with the second-generation Citroën C5: the two cars are produced alongside one another at the company's Rennes Plant,[2] and in Wuhan, China for sales inside China.[3]

The Peugeot 508 got several international awards like the 'Car of the Year 2011' in Spain (award in 2012), Next Green Car 'Best Large Family car 2011'[4] for ' being spacious and well equipped, also noting that it represented excellent build quality and has the best fuel economy in its class ' (Peugeot 508 1.6 e-HDi 109g CO2/km) or also Auto Zeitung 'Overview[edit]
The 508 sedan is 4.79 m (189 in) long, while the 508 SW (station wagon) is 4.81 m (189 in) long.[6] Compared to the Peugeot 407 the 508 has a shorter front overhang and a longer rear passenger compartment.[7]

After a few initial leaked spyshots, the first definitive details and images leaked to the web on 12 July 2010.[8] Peugeot released additional information on 6 September 2010.[9] The 508 was officially launched at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

PSA Peugeot Citroën build the 508 in China in partnership with Dongfeng Motor, and sold 65,000 units locally in 2012. It was launched there on 10 August 2011.[10]

It is reported Peugeot expects China to be the largest market for the car, at almost twice of what is expected to be sold in France. It will be the first time for the company to sell more in a country other than France for a model that is available in Europe.[3]

Technical highlights[edit]

Facelift Peugeot 508 Allure
Peugeot has equipped the European-market 508 with its HDI common-rail diesel engines. The 1.6-litre HDI 112 can be fitted with the e-HDI 'micro hybrid' system, including an electronically controlled automatic gearbox, which reduces fuel consumption to 67.2 mpg-imp (4.20 L/100 km; 56.0 mpg-US) with CO2 emissions of 109 g/km.[11] Though this matches the Volkswagen Passat Bluemotion, it features a slightly larger fuel tank which allows it to cover a slightly longer range of 1017 miles.[12]

At least two e-HDI engines are available in 2011 and 2012. The first engines had emission of 114 g/km. The later model reduces emissions to 109 g/km. A modified air intake is the cause.

The 508 range will also include PSA's HYbrid4 diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, which will reduce fuel consumption further, to 74.3 mpg-imp (3.80 L/100 km; 61.9 mpg-US) with CO2 emissions of 99 g/km.[13]

The top GT version comes with a 201 bhp (150 kW; 204 PS), 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine which generates 338 lb·ft (458 N·m) of torque. It comes mated solely to a six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox which offers manual shifts via paddles or a central selector.

Safety[edit]

Peugeot 508 SW
The 508 received a five-star (of five) Euro NCAP 2011-rating. The score was:

Euro NCAP test results
Peugeot 508 (2011)[14]
Test Points %
Overall: 5 /5 stars
Adult occupant: 32 90%
Child occupant: 43 87%
Pedestrian: 15 41%
Safety assist: 7 97%
Sales and production[edit]
Year Worldwide Production Worldwide sales Notes
2010 6,400[15] 1,400[15]
2011 131,658[1] 124,150[1] Total 508 production reached 138,043 units.[1]
2012 116,400[16] 124,150[16] Total 508 production reached 121,700 units.[16]
508 RXH[edit]

2012 Peugeot 508 RXH in Düsseldorf, Germany
At the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Peugeot revealed a hybrid-electric crossover station wagon variant of the 508. To distinguish it from other 508s, the RXH features flared wheel arches, as well as a new color-coded grill with 3 columns of LED headlights on each side. The Hybrid4 powertrain combined a 120 kW 2.0 litre HDi FAP diesel engine with a 28 kW electric motor to lower fuel consumption to 4.2 l/100 km. The RXH was released in early 2012.[17]

The 508 RXH was launched in a single high spec limited edition version, before a full range became available.

5 by Peugeot[edit]

Peugeot SR1 concept

Peugeot SR1 Concept dashboard
A concept "hybrid-power" car prefiguring the style of the future 508 coupé, called the Peugeot SR1, was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010.[18]

Sources reported that the Peugeot SR1 would go on sale in 2012.[19]

Peugeot 508 has been equipped 1.8 THP engines which is only sold in China.[20] The 1.8 THP engine's power is 150 kW (5500), 280 N.m (1400-4000).

In popular culture[edit]
The ability to open the trunk by pressing the zero in the 508 emblem is a plot point in James Rollins' Sigma Force novel 6.5, The Skeleton Key (2010).[21Best imported family car 2011'[5] (readers votes).