The new Peugeot 508. It’s an absolutely stunning car and Piston.my has been invited to the international launch and test drive of the new Pug in Monte Carlo! In a few hours we will be leaving on an epic 18-hour journey to the South of France where 22-degree weather and more importantly the new 508 await. Check out the video below to see for yourself what we mean by stunning…

We can’t wait to get behind the wheel as the excitement builds, and until we get to tell you our take on it, here’s what AutoExpress UK had to say about the new Peugeot 508. See you soon folks! – Chris Wee.

Peugeot demonstrated that it hasn’t lost faith in the large saloon car market with the launch of this new 508. In the face of falling demand for large family cars like the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport, the Peugeot 508 seems to have an uphill struggle on its hands. Can its sharp looks and high technology levels make it a viable alternative to its direct rivals, or even the ever-popular BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class from the compact executive class? Peugeot certainly hopes so.

The 508 slots into a range that includes the 2008, 3008 and 5008 for buyers who simply must drive an SUV, leaving it free to fulfill the more traditional family car role with more than a little style. The car is arguably the most eye-catching large car to come from the brand in a very long time. Whichever way you look at it, the french carmaker has a very complete range of cars these days and there’s a Peugeot to serve most requirements, from the tiny 108 city car to the huge Peugeot Traveller MPV.  (Continued after the photo gallery below)

Now have a look at the 508 in action!

Peugeot 508 Photo Gallery (Images from AutoExpress UK)

More on the Peugeot 508…

It’s immediately apparent that the latest 508 has rather more visual appeal than its rather forgettable predecessor. The 508’s nose is dominated by a front grille that’s either slatted or studded, depending on trim level, and flanked by purposeful-looking headlights and blade-like daytime running lights. It’s sporty and distinctive, and fits well with the corporate style seen elsewhere in the Peugeot range.

This family resemblance is also encountered at the rear of the car, where noticeable blisters top the rear wheelarches, and a dark panel that runs horizontally through the bootlid is pierced by the glow of three tail-lamps either side. The 508’s sweeping fastback form is reminiscent of the Volkswagen Arteon, as are its frameless windows, and this gives the Peugeot quite an upmarket flavour.

The interior is no less bold in style. We’ve become used to cutting-edge cockpit design in Peugeot’s SUV range and the 508 offers a similar look and feel. The dashboard has been styled to accommodate a driving position that’s more low-slung and laid back than the one in the 5008 SUV, but shares that car’s small steering wheel, which is intended to be looked over instead of through when you’re glancing at the instruments.

It makes it easy to see Peugeot’s I-Cockpit electronic display, which is standard across the range and can be configured to display an array of information types. Combine this with the row of piano-key buttons for minor controls and the 508 has a real high-tech ambience.

Although the 508 is big on sporty appeal, not all versions have quite the power to live up to the car’s muscular looks. Entry-level Active models only offer a 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel engine option, with 129bhp and a six-speed manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox. The latter is mandatory with the 158bhp 2.0-litre BlueHDI 160 diesel and 1.6-litre 177bhp BlueTech 180 petrol engines, which become available on Allure and GT Line models. The most powerful 2.0-litre, 177bhp BlueHDI diesel and 1.6-litre, 221bhp BlueTech 225 petrol engines are reserved for the GT and First Edition – a flagship offered for a limited period after the 508’s 2018 launch.

Claimed diesel fuel economy figures range from 62.8mpg for the BlueHDi 180 to 74.3mpg for the BlueHDi 130 diesel automatic. The former emits a claimed 98g/km of CO2, which means a 24% Benefit-in-Kind tax penalty for company car users – narrowly beating the 25% figure for the 124g/km BlueTech 180 petrol. The latter will appeal more strongly to enthusiastic drivers, though, with a 0-62mph time of under eight seconds, while the 225 version brings the sprint time down to a little over seven. Even better news is that the latest 508 has the handling to exploit that power, too. It can’t match the BMW 3 Series for sheer joy, but few will complain that the Peugeot is dull to drive.

Expert independent car safety testing organisationEuro NCAP has yet to reveal crash test results for the Peugoet 508. A driver assistance pack of adaptive cruise control with a stop and go function, and lane-positioning assistance is available, and autonomous emergency braking is standard across the range.

On balance, though, the Peugeot 508 still has loads of appeal, with sporty looks and an imaginatively designed interior, and it drives at least as well as its Ford, Volkswagen and Vauxhall rivals. While it might prove difficult to persuade buyers away from their SUVs, the 508 might well attract sales from would-be BMW, Audi and Mercedes buyers.