A New Generation Face

The Peugeot 508 succeeds the previous 407. It features the new generation front grille, known as the floating grille, and employs a powerful, downsized 1.6-liter turbo engine, emphasizing high comfort.

In Japan, both the sedan and the station wagon, named SW, were launched simultaneously. The lineup is as follows:

Sedan

508 Allure | ¥3.74 million
508 Griffe | ¥4.14 million
508 SW Allure | ¥3.94 million
508 SW Griffe | ¥4.37 million

The Allure and Griffe models share the same powertrain: a 1.6-liter turbo engine producing 156 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The difference lies mainly in the equipment. The Griffe features larger 17-inch tires, leather seats, and xenon headlights with an intelligent high-beam system that automatically switches between low and high beams based on oncoming traffic.

Improved Quality in Every Aspect

"This model positions itself as the successor to the previous 407 and 607. Its features include improved fuel efficiency through a downsized engine and multi-speed transmission, weight reduction by using aluminum for the hood, high-tensile steel, and plastic for parts of the tailgate, and reduced air resistance by achieving low drag coefficients of 0.26 for the sedan and 0.27 for the wagon, with features like integrated roof rails. Furthermore, we have strived to improve quality in all aspects – parts, assembly, and appearance. Globally, we sold 120,000 units in 2010 and have set a target of 200,000 units for 2011," stated Peugeot Japon, the importer.

Peugeot 407

A Level of Quietness Comparable to the Latest Luxury Cars

This is a model that Peugeot has clearly invested heavily in. This segment in Japan has recently seen the emergence of formidable competitors, such as the Volkswagen Passat (1.4-liter turbo/sedan from ¥3.24 million) and the Mercedes-Benz C200 (1.8-liter turbo/sedan from ¥3.99 million), making the 508's fight for market share all the more anticipated.

The Peugeot 508, competing against German rivals, first impresses with its superior quietness. Even as the speed increases, there is no noticeable increase in noise transmitted from the engine bay, nor are there any bothersome sounds from the wheel wells or side windows. It feels comparable to the latest luxury cars in Europe, exhibiting a surprisingly high level of refinement.

A 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder DOHC engine with a turbocharger, jointly developed with BMW.

Powered by a 1.6-liter Engine Jointly Developed with BMW

The driving experience is also nimble. The front suspension has been redesigned with MacPherson struts, and the tuning appears to be excellent. The ride comfort during cruising is flat and pleasant. In corners, the steering response is precise, allowing the car to navigate curves with agility, making it easy to forget its substantial sedan length of 4,790mm.

The engine is the familiar 1.6-liter jointly developed with BMW, also found in the 308 and RCZ, equipped with a turbocharger. This engine is exceptionally well-executed, revving smoothly from low to high RPMs and offering an enjoyable driving experience. The new 6-speed automatic transmission has its top gear set as overdrive, suggesting good fuel economy, while the closely spaced ratios in the first four gears ensure smooth transitions between shifts. With maximum torque of 240Nm available from 1,400rpm, the power delivery feels continuous and satisfying.

A Sporty Exterior Station Wagon

Particularly impressive was the 508 Allure, positioned as the base model. It truly allows you to savor its inherent agility. The steering response to input is sharp, and the car accelerates sensitively to even the slightest pressure on the accelerator pedal. Perhaps the 16-inch tires contribute to this? It's quiet and fast. Furthermore, the station wagon's design, which tapers towards the rear, is innovative and sporty. It's a formidable rival to the Passat.

Station Wagon (SW)

The sedan's luggage space is 513 liters.

A Car with Character

Usability has also been improved, with a more spacious interior. Rear passenger knee room (space between the front seat and the passenger's knees) has increased by 53mm compared to the 407, offering more room. The trunk space, compared to the 407 sedan, has increased by 108 liters to 513 liters. Meanwhile, the front overhang, from the front of the front wheel well to the tip of the nose, has been reduced from 1040mm on the 407 to 985mm on this model, reportedly improving maneuverability.

Personally, I have a strong positive impression of the Peugeot 508. So, what does Peugeot need to do to capture a significant share of the Japanese market? One key aspect, I believe, is how effectively they can highlight features that German cars often lack, such as the elegance that characterized Peugeot's higher-end models in the past. Even the fabric seat specification of the 508 feels firm. Is it nostalgic to expect seats that once enveloped the body? I couldn't quite decide. The Volkswagen Passat is available for ¥3.24 million, and sales of the Mercedes C200 BlueEfficiency Light model (¥3.99 million, compared to the Peugeot 508 Griffe at ¥3.94 million) are also growing. It's a car with character that makes you want to cheer it on, urging it not to neglect appealing to users interested in this segment.

Peugeot 508
Body Dimensions (Sedan) | Length 4,790 x Width 1,855 x Height 1,455mm
Body Dimensions (SW) | Length 4,815 x Width 1,855 x Height 1,505mm
Wheelbase | 2,815mm
Engine | 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder DOHC with turbocharger
Maximum Output | 115kW (156ps) / 6,000rpm
Maximum Torque | 240Nm (24.5kgm) / 1,400-3,500rpm
Transmission | 6-speed automatic
10-15 Mode Fuel Economy | 11.0km/ℓ (Sedan), 10.8km/ℓ (SW)
CO2 Emissions | 144g/km (Sedan), 145g/km (SW)
Seating Capacity | 5 people
Steering | Right
Price | 508 Allure: ¥3.74 million
508 Griffe: ¥4.14 million
508 SW Allure: ¥3.94 million
508 SW Griffe: ¥4.37 million