Peugeot expands the 508 range

Peugeot has expanded the 508 model range with the introduction of four new exciting variants covering two powertrain options and similar number of bodystyles option. The four new variants are the 508 GT, 508 SW GT, 508 SW and the 508 Standard. These four variants join the currently on-sale 508 sedan, now re-named 508 Premium, which was introduced to the Malaysian market in October 2011. Both the 508 GT and 508 SW GT are the first diesel-powered Peugeots sold by Nasim since its appointment as the official distributor for the French marque in 2008. The pair are powered by the 2.2L HDi engine. The 508 SW and 508 Standards remains gasoline driven, catapulted by the familiar and excellent 1.6L THP engine.

In this expansion activity, Peugeot has pitched the model at varying market segments, signified by the pricing as well as the tuning. The entry level model is the 508 Standard, priced at RM155,888. The next model in the line-up is the 508 Premium, essentially what Malaysian has seen since October 2011, and continue to be priced at RM169,888. This is where the range start to diversify with the inclusion of Peugeot 508 SW. Similar in specs with the Premium, the 508 SW is priced at slight premium at RM179,888.

Going upwards means opting for the diesel-powered GT variant, which not only comes with the higher performance fuel sipper, but also with sportier suspension setup. The GT pair of sedan and SW weights in at RM199,888 and RM209,888 respectively.

All 508 variants feature sensor-activated headlights and wipers, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, a five-star EURO NCAP rating, front and rear fog lights, leather-trimmed steering wheel, an on-board computer and ISOFIX points at the rear seats for child seats. All five variants come with a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty, an industry-leading warranty package in the Malaysian market. More technical information about the range can be found after the jump.

Both the 508 GT and 508 SW GT demonstrate the very best of the 508 range and offers exceptional performance on a premium scale. The pair are powered by a four-cylinder 2.2L HDi FAP diesel engine that churns out 204 bhp@3,500 rpm and 450 Nm@2,000rpm of power and torque respectively. The engine is mated to the 6 speed automatic transmission.  Several innovation are included in the powertrain package which include lightweight titanium turbocharger impeller, optimization of friction, piezo-electric injectors with eight apertures and optimized combustion chambers to deliver superior performance.

The GT version is pitched as a sporty duo compared to the cooking THP-engined car. Peugeot has gone an extra miles by giving the GT the different front suspension setup, a double wishbone suspension system with drop-link hub carrier and anti-roll bar at the front. The dual wishbone and decoupling of bounce and steering functions allow for a high-level of body rigidity and driving accuracy. Multi-link arm takes care the back end, as per the rest of 508 range.

It wouldn’t a 2012 car if the fuel efficiency is not the trump card. For this model, Peugeot has quoted 5.7L/100 km on a mixed cycle for the 508 GT while the 508 SW GT achieves a consumption of 5.9L/100 km. The 508 GT and 508 SW GT have CO2 emission level of 150g per km and 154g per km respectively.

Inside, 508 GT variants offer a refined touch with Cohiba Nappa leather seats to express elegance and quality. Other premium features include an intelligent keyless entry with push-start ignition, automatic quad-zone air-conditioning, 8-way electric front seats with massage and memory functionality for the driver’s seat, a 10-speaker JBL hi-fi system with a 500W surround sound amplifier with Arkamys audio processing, colour head-up display and 5-dial instrument panel with colour LCD.

The 508 SW GT includes an amazing panoramic glass roof with an electric shutter system, 6-setting rotary control and a motorized tailgate which can be controlled from the driver’s seat.

Other key features of both variants include dynamic bi-xenon headlamps with headlight washers and auto-leveling, LED daytime running lights, front and rear parking sensors,19-inch alloy rims, six-airbags, Peugeot Smart Beam Assistance, which comprises of a camera that analyses light conditions on the road and adjusts the headlamp beams accordingly, Available Space Measurement which aids the driver in parallel parking, electric parking brake, Hill Start Assist, ESP, ABS, EBD, anti-skid regulation (ASR), dynamic stability control (DSC) and emergency brake assist (EBA).

For all other Peugeot 508, they are powered by the excellent 1.6L twin-scroll turbo high-pressure with direct petrol injection that produces 156 hp and 240 Nm of torque. It is fitted with a six-speed auto adaptive gearbox with paddle-shifters, Tiptronic functionality and a sport mode.

The 508 SW features an emotional, dynamic profile with a rear aspect that is firmly planted to the road. Like the 508 SW GT, the panoramic glass roof in the 508 SW allows passengers to benefit from fully from exterior light and comes with a one-touch rotary control and a motorized tailgate.

The boot of the 508 SW offers 660L of space and with 1,865L of space with the seats folded down. Furthermore, the carpet in the boot of the SW can be folded to divide the boot into compartments while there is a practical load space cover in the boot.

Like the Peugeot 508 Premium, the suspension on the 508 SW comprises of Macpherson-type struts with helical springs, dampers and an anti-roll bar at the front and a multi-arm suspension with helical springs and multi-valve dampers at the rear.

Among the premium features in the 508 SW include dynamic bi-xenon headlamps with washers and auto-leveling, Smart Beam Assistance, LED Day Time Running Lights, front and rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, Available Space Measurement Aid, automatic quad-zone air-conditioning system, premium leather seats, 8-way front electric seats, colour head-up display, a 10-speaker JBL system with Arkamys sound processing and a five-dial instrument panel with a colour LCD screen.

The safety features in the 508 SW include six airbags, an automatic electric parking brake, ESP, ABS, EBD, ASR, DSC, EBA and Hill-Start Assist.

Joining the fray of 508 family is the new 508 Standard. This sedan is powered by the same twin-scroll turbocharged engine as its Premium and SW siblings and features the same suspension settings. The transmission for the 508 Standard is a six-speed auto adaptive gearbox with paddle shifters, Tiptronic functionality and a sport mode.

Like the other 508 variants, it comes with dynamic bi-xenon headlamps with washers and auto-leveling, LED daytime running lights, front and rear parking sensors, 8-way electric front seats, World In Peugeot sound with Arkamys audio processing and a five-dial instrument panel with a monochrome LCD screen.

Safety is not compromised in the 508 Standard either as it is fitted with six airbags, ESP, ABS, EBD, ASR, DSC, EBA and Hill-Start Assist. Additionally, the 508 Standard features 17-inch wheels.

Photos: Paultan