ALICANTE, Spain .- The outskirts of the city lying on the Mediterranean was the venue chosen by Peugeot to launch its new 508 sedan that replaces the 407 and shows the turn of the French house in design.
is a car that breaks with what is known, aims to compete head to head with German sedans and is capable of daring innovations that make it a model which, without betraying the brand's history, points to new horizons.
It was already clear with the sport RCZ who were willing to break with the paradigms.
This coupe was not only the first model to leave classical numerical designation but also decided not to prioritize the soft ride and went headfirst into the sportsmanship. Now, although the 508 retains the usual smooth ride that has always characterized a Peugeot, surprises with a version in the range, the GT, which promotes a sportier ride, which is very clear aspiration to compete as equals in all areas.
The 508 has two body styles: sedan and SW, although it is confirmed that the latter is sold in Argentina.
At first glance, and comparing it with the 407, the first thing that stands out in design is the work on proportions. Was significantly reduced front overhang (4.3 cm shorter than the 407), which prevents the car touches down on speed bumps, ditches and slopes. It also has a longer wheelbase (9.2 cm) and larger rear overhang, which was achieved more habitable and better cargo space in the trunk.
The front has the features that were anticipated for the first time with the concept first and SR1 with Concept 5 at the Geneva Motor Show 2010, which was ultimately the model is now produced in series. Change
mouth of the grid for a much more attractive and incorporates a lion emblem on the hood recess it has some optical frames and torn. From now on, that is the style that will identify the next models of Peugeot.
sedan dimensions are 4.792 meters long, 2.068 wide (with mirrors deployed) and 1.456 in height, with a wheelbase of 2.817 meters. All versions have a 72 liter tank, which ensures significant autonomy.
Quality and comfort
Once inside we see an increase in quality on the 407, both for the quality of materials and finishes, such as devices and systems that account. Obviously, be different versions of engines and equipment, and are not yet defined that come to our country, which is scheduled to launch before year's end.
The version we drove had, among other things, Head Up Display in color, showing not only the speed but also the directions of satellite navigation system, 4-zone automatic climate control, adaptive headlights and automatic electric parking brake. Unlike other systems Head Up Display, it does not project the information onto the windshield but the sample in a small plastic sheet located on the dashboard that the driver can deploy or save at will.
Personally, I found this system better than the information projected on the windshield.
A seven-inch screen shows both the browser as data communications and audio functions are operated from a central control (similar to BMW's iDrive).
In Europe, Peugeot has launched four versions HDI (diesel) 112 hp 1.6-liter, 2 liters of 140 and 163 hp and 204 hp 2.2, and two gasoline engines 120 and 156 hp, two 1.6-liter but it is possible that in the future, incorporating a 200 hp gasoline engine as the 1.6 of the RCZ. Concerning
dynamic behavior the 508 has two sides as there are two types of chassis. One with pseudo-McPherson front suspension that combine driving comfort and performance, and another double wishbone front suspension for the GT version, which prioritizes the sporty handling.
handle version 2.2 of 204 hp diesel, called GT. We could
city driving, motorways and mountain roads. In this case, the engine is associated with a gearbox 6-speed automatic, which can be used in automatic mode, sport (which turns the gears at higher rate) or choose the change from the levers behind the wheel.
The rigidity of suspensions losing some comfort to win in sportsmanship, makes this version a model that offers excellent performance. We saw the mountain roads with slopes, curves and counter. The car is predictable, reliable and has an excellent performance, providing a sensation of driving safety.
The march in the city, meanwhile, does not have the harshness of the supercar and it's nice. The GT has a top speed of 234 km h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 8.2 seconds.
also drive a 160 hp diesel with manual gearbox. In this case, the ride comfort and privilege it is obviously of a much more rational thought for most users looking very good performance and excellent comfort.
As mentioned, the 508 will arrive in Argentina this year, but are not yet defined the engines and versions. Anyway, we can ensure that surprise by design, equipment and benefits.
no doubt, be a serious competitor among high-end sedans.
Special Envoy Jorge Pandini
Engine: Gasoleros
Cylinders: 4 online
Displacement (cc): 2179
Valve cylinder: 4
Power (hp / pm): 204/3500
torque (kgmrpm) 45/2750
Power: inj. turbo direct
Case: 6-speed automatic
Drive: Front
Places: five
Performance Acceleration 0-100km / h 8.2 sec.
Acceleration 0-1000 m 29.2 sec.
Maximum speed 234 km / h
consumption per 100 km: 8 liters
In town 36 pesos
En route to 90 km / h 19.8 pesos
4.4 liters 5.7 liters average consumption
Capac 25.6 pesos. 72 liters tank 324 pesos
Autonomy (with a tank)
900 km in city
En route to 90 km / h 1636 km