Peugeot's resurgence continues with the unveiling of the 508. First seen at the
Geneva Motor Show earlier this year as the
'5 by Peugeot' concept, the new car will come in saloon and SW (estate) variants, replacing both the 407 and 607.
The 508, which shares its platform with the
Citroen C5, ditches the open grille, basking-shark look of previous Peugeots taking its styling cues from the
SR1 sports concept - also shown at Geneva. Peugeot promises the car will 'look at home in London or Paris', while offering 'exceptional interior space'.
With strong, muscular creases running down the car's flanks, the production variant remains largely faithful to Geneva's concept, changes to headlights and wing-mirrors being the key differences. At the back, the 508 is closer to its concept brother with chrome twin exhausts and finishing strip across the boot lid. The SW extends the saloons length from 4.79- to 4.81 metres.
Production will be based in Rennes, France with a variety of petrol and diesel powerplants. Though the details have yet to be confirmed, Peugeot will include its new e-HDi stop-start system, and also plans to launch a four-wheel drive 'hybrid4' variant with CO
2 of 99g/km.
Prices and full specifications have yet to be released; the 508 will get its full unveiling at the
Paris Motor Show in September, ahead of launch in early 2011.
Adam Sloman - 13 Jul 2010