For the longest time, das Germans have dominated the world of large and luxurious family sedans while their neighbours on the other side of the Franco-German border have somewhat struggled to compete against them in this aspect.
However, in recent times, the French have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Classier than ever and now offered with a notably refined and environmentally-friendly turbodiesel engine, the 508 is Peugeot's best attempt yet at giving the rest in its German-lead segment a rude awakening.
Up close and Personal
Just like its petrol-powered counterpart, the 508 1.6 EAT6 Allure, Peugeot's new BlueHDi 508 may have lost a little of its quirky French characteristics but gained the executive presence that it clearly needed.
The 508 now sports a Volvo-like vibe as a result of the horizontally redesigned bonnet, sharper-looking bumpers and headlamps that are accentuated by signature LED elements.
However, in recent times, the French have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Classier than ever and now offered with a notably refined and environmentally-friendly turbodiesel engine, the 508 is Peugeot's best attempt yet at giving the rest in its German-lead segment a rude awakening.
Up close and Personal
Just like its petrol-powered counterpart, the 508 1.6 EAT6 Allure, Peugeot's new BlueHDi 508 may have lost a little of its quirky French characteristics but gained the executive presence that it clearly needed.
The 508 now sports a Volvo-like vibe as a result of the horizontally redesigned bonnet, sharper-looking bumpers and headlamps that are accentuated by signature LED elements.
If you haven't realised by now, the new grille - an essential element in the new styling direction of the 508 - now plays host to the centrally mounted iconic Lion badge. Put together, these revisions arm the Pug with a more assertive visual punch.
Things are equally neat and business-like on the inside. Most of the dash controls been moved to the 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system with the aim of reducing button count. Apart from the cheap-feeling paddle shifters, the 508's cabin is roomy, comfortable and - on the whole - quite well-appointed and decently finished.
Things are equally neat and business-like on the inside. Most of the dash controls been moved to the 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system with the aim of reducing button count. Apart from the cheap-feeling paddle shifters, the 508's cabin is roomy, comfortable and - on the whole - quite well-appointed and decently finished.
The Drive
Powering the Pug's two front wheels is a 1.6-litre BlueHDi turbodiesel engine that is equipped with Peugeot's Selective Catalytic Reduction system and that allows for carbon oxide emissions to be reduced by over 90 percent.
Green personalities aside, this motor delivers 118bhp and a class-leading 300Nm of torque. Albeit for a slight bit of turbo lag, the engine comes to life after 2,000rpm and slaps you with its low-range torque.
Paired with the new automatic EAT6 six-speed transmission, the 508's power delivery is smooth and precise. For an added touch of raciness, you can manually work the gears using the funky looking shift knob or column-mounted paddles.Under hard driving and quick directional changes, the 508 manages to stay sure-footed and composed - a trait we certainly did not expect from a car geared primarily towards the luxury market.
Part of this handling capability comes from its well-sorted suspension system, which may come across as firm (or sporty as most manufacturers prefer terming) but the 508 still manages to remain calm and comfortable enough at cruising speeds - even on our repeatedly uneven roads.
Conclusion
Despite our skepticism towards luxury cars that are powered by diesel motors, it's creations like the 508 Diesel 1.6 BlueHDi EAT6 Allure that constantly prove us wrong. Very wrong at that.
With a reasonable $141,900 (as of 24th December 2015) tag, the 508 Diesel is easy on the pocketbook, well-equipped, tastefully finished and is beginning to seriously stand out amongst the rest of the European competition.
Conclusion
Despite our skepticism towards luxury cars that are powered by diesel motors, it's creations like the 508 Diesel 1.6 BlueHDi EAT6 Allure that constantly prove us wrong. Very wrong at that.
With a reasonable $141,900 (as of 24th December 2015) tag, the 508 Diesel is easy on the pocketbook, well-equipped, tastefully finished and is beginning to seriously stand out amongst the rest of the European competition.
