Peugeots are largely remembered by the marque bearing a larger-than-life mane moniker. But little was known about the French carmaker's endeavour in diesel cars.
A quick browse through the history books revealed that the French debuted its first diesel car way back in 1959. This, not to mention that it won the gruelling 24-hour of Le Mans in 2009 with the 908 HDi FAP - a diesel propelled race car. Only a handful of racing teams ever employed diesel power on the racetracks. And on that point, it seems that Peugeot do have a soft spot for diesel power.
With more diesel cars flooding the local market, it is only right that we hop into one of the offerings made by this reputable carmaker.
Exterior
The current 508 has been around for almost two years now. The executive offering takes on modern styling - nothing quite like the eccentricity which its predecessors were more fondly remembered for.
A quick browse through the history books revealed that the French debuted its first diesel car way back in 1959. This, not to mention that it won the gruelling 24-hour of Le Mans in 2009 with the 908 HDi FAP - a diesel propelled race car. Only a handful of racing teams ever employed diesel power on the racetracks. And on that point, it seems that Peugeot do have a soft spot for diesel power.
With more diesel cars flooding the local market, it is only right that we hop into one of the offerings made by this reputable carmaker.
Exterior
The current 508 has been around for almost two years now. The executive offering takes on modern styling - nothing quite like the eccentricity which its predecessors were more fondly remembered for.
It's fair to say the 508 SW (short for station wagon) has very likeable looks. The sweeping lines and roundish overalls give it a sociable character, with crisp lines and chromed bits to help it portray a classy feel.
In diesel guise, the 508 SW wears 19-inch shoes as standard. At the rear are also a pair of squared-off exhaust tips (compared to a single one on the petrol variant), which gives it a slightly sportier look.
In diesel guise, the 508 SW wears 19-inch shoes as standard. At the rear are also a pair of squared-off exhaust tips (compared to a single one on the petrol variant), which gives it a slightly sportier look.
Interior
A mixture of high-gloss and matt surfaces livens up the 508's atmosphere, providing contrast in the vastly sombre interior. The interior also presented a number of sculptured bits, such as the brushed aluminium gear lever.
Pug's diesel wagon comes with factory wrapped Nappa leather seats with massage functions, coupled with a full length panoramic glass roof, exuding a sense of exclusivity within the cabin.
A mixture of high-gloss and matt surfaces livens up the 508's atmosphere, providing contrast in the vastly sombre interior. The interior also presented a number of sculptured bits, such as the brushed aluminium gear lever.
Pug's diesel wagon comes with factory wrapped Nappa leather seats with massage functions, coupled with a full length panoramic glass roof, exuding a sense of exclusivity within the cabin.
Put together, the Pug's interior is both attractive and delightful to be in. However some buttons and trims carry a tacky feel to it, and can do with better fit and finish.
With the practical family man in mind, the car is generously spaced, with good head and knee allowances at the rear. In wagon guise the 508 will take in 660 litres of cargo - versus 545 litres on the standard sedan. Good to note is that the rear seats will fold flat to the floor, allowing greater utility and ease of use.
With the practical family man in mind, the car is generously spaced, with good head and knee allowances at the rear. In wagon guise the 508 will take in 660 litres of cargo - versus 545 litres on the standard sedan. Good to note is that the rear seats will fold flat to the floor, allowing greater utility and ease of use.
The Drive
The top-of-range wagon is fitted with a 2.2-litre turbodiesel, capable of putting down 204bhp through the front wheels.
Do not be fooled by the 8.3 seconds century sprint timing on paper - the 508 SW gets up to speed in a deciding manner and does feel quicker than stated.
Hold it through 2,000 revs and the wagon comes alive with the help of 450Nm of torque, belying its sedated appearance.
And while the surroundings are blurred at an increasing pace, the wagon maintains a plush and serene experience - a nod to its refined characteristics.
Despite the 19-inch shoes, the ride is pliant and will please even the more discerning passengers. The serenity within the cabin is also one of the 508's highlight. The Pug's diesel drivetrain does things in a hush manner. Part credits to the well insulated cabin, which duffs out most of the clattering from the engine.
The top-of-range wagon is fitted with a 2.2-litre turbodiesel, capable of putting down 204bhp through the front wheels.
Do not be fooled by the 8.3 seconds century sprint timing on paper - the 508 SW gets up to speed in a deciding manner and does feel quicker than stated.
Hold it through 2,000 revs and the wagon comes alive with the help of 450Nm of torque, belying its sedated appearance.
And while the surroundings are blurred at an increasing pace, the wagon maintains a plush and serene experience - a nod to its refined characteristics.
Despite the 19-inch shoes, the ride is pliant and will please even the more discerning passengers. The serenity within the cabin is also one of the 508's highlight. The Pug's diesel drivetrain does things in a hush manner. Part credits to the well insulated cabin, which duffs out most of the clattering from the engine.
That said, it has not been all merry with the Pug wagon. The weighted steering, for instance, feels unnecessarily heavy in tight corners. The feedback is almost negligible, making higher speed manoeuvres a tad lacking in confidence.
Those expecting better frugality from the diesel offering may also be disappointed, as the Pug manages 10.8km/L - not the best in its class - but still reputable considering the performance it offers.
Conclusion
The 508 SW takes on a more potent dose of power thanks to its diesel drivetrain. Aesthetically, the Pug also has an endearing appeal, portraying a classy and elegant image - offering a good blend of form and function.
Its average fuel economy may raise a few brows for those looking for a cheap-to-run diesel offering. That however will be less of a concern when you have sampled how easily the Pug gets up to speed, and leaving the rest of the pack for good.
Those expecting better frugality from the diesel offering may also be disappointed, as the Pug manages 10.8km/L - not the best in its class - but still reputable considering the performance it offers.
Conclusion
The 508 SW takes on a more potent dose of power thanks to its diesel drivetrain. Aesthetically, the Pug also has an endearing appeal, portraying a classy and elegant image - offering a good blend of form and function.
Its average fuel economy may raise a few brows for those looking for a cheap-to-run diesel offering. That however will be less of a concern when you have sampled how easily the Pug gets up to speed, and leaving the rest of the pack for good.
