Looks like a great car, And the standard halogen lights looks ok as well, only complaint is the interior looks cheap without the sat nav screen.
Elitist
Great looking car, why would anyone want an a’Ford or Holden common’dore..
Richo
Because for the money you could have an excellent turbo 6 or grunty V8 drivetrain, performance car handling, a bit of general excitement. This is just a boring euro car, well built sure, nice and quiet, great, but boring as bat sh!t once the “new car feel” wears off.
A european Camry.
bretto
Yes compare a well built car again to cheap Australian built rubbish. For all those who expect very little from a car other than putting the foot down while masterbating
JEKYL & HYDE
yep,everyone trade in their commodore and falcon now,the new king is here…rofl…
delux
troll!
RD
Peugeot, Audi called. They want their interior back.
http://www.caradvice.com.au Euro Fan
Looks very close in spec/price to the Ford Mondeo range – pretty sure they share some of the same engines. Be good to see a comparison between the VW,Skoda,Pug & Ford.
whatthe..
A diesel GT.
Times are changing – and not always for the better,
War Rocket Ajax
Haven’t you ever watched Le Mans???
http://caradvice OSU811
Hmmmmm. as is becoming normal with these mid size euro cars, the wagon is better looking than the sedan version!!
shane
interesting
steve
Pug of old coming back i hope. Also hopes this wipes the bad memories of my 405mi16…a tragic love affair in need of rebuilding.
Richo
Remember when the 407 was first launched? Everyone thought great! European prestige for Commodore/Falcon money!!
How quickly did that care date and becoming boring… Peugeot’s do not age well! This is just another european camry in the making…
ZZZZZZzzzzzz
European Camry. Whata are you smoking!!!!
Shut up and drive your Falcadore car.
Richo
Mate I’ve never owned a Falcon or Commodore in my life, I just don’t get all weepy at the knee’s over euro trash, and that’s all Peugeot is these days. Take the 4007, just a Mitsubishi Outlander with an ugly nose and 10k more expensive! What a joke..
Richo
As much as they try to hide it with the arrow style front end styling, there is still a HUGE front overhang with the engine still sitting right out in front of the front axle line, meaning that good handling is basically impossible.
Do you not remember all the fuss back when Audi introduced their new modular platforms? All the fuss was over the fact that they had moved the engine to BEHIND the front axle line to greatly improve handling!
Thanks for proving my point though…
Richard
If you don’t know things, don’t just make them up.
Audi re-engineered their North-South driveline packages (by moving the final drive forward in the transaxle from memory) which allowed the driveshafts to exit the gearbox about 6 INCHES further forward than before.
They have NOT moved the engine BEHIND the axle line.
It is physically impossible to do unless you turn the entire engine/gearbox around and mount it ‘gearbox first’ like a Renault 16/4 or early Citroen.
Most East/West FWD cars also have their engine slightly in front of the axle line as the driveshafts run behind the sump, but they are just not AS FAR forward as the Audi and with clever tilting of the engine, the impact can be minimised.
The only common exception to this is the Toyota IQ which has the diff at the fronto of the transaxle and the driveshafts exiting forward of the engine (allowing a longer wheelbase and better space packaging)
Audi (like the similar Subaru system) have kept their system which they obviously feel has inherent benefits (such as easier implementation of their quattro system).
It is great to see different approaches to the same engineering problems.
Although I think the 508 has slightly reduced front overhangs (compared to the 407) it still does have a very ‘nose forward’ stance which is disappointing, especially considering the RWD Peugeot’s of the past.
It appears Peugeot has trouble compactly packaging their larger engines as the 307/8 isn’t affected by the same problem.
Cedric
Good handling impossible. Dude, do live in a cave or what? Peugeot is reputed for making the finest handling cars on earth. Have you ever heard of the 205, 306 GTI & 406 T16. Get updated!!! Top spec model GT version will soon be available with the 1.6 THP 200 petrol engine. This engine develops 204 bhp and is much more econonically than the V8 engines. Also Peugeot has fitted their new model with a hydralic power steering to improve the driving experience. Please test drive the 508, then we will talk.!!!!
Dosie
Richo, we aren’t even Peugeot fans…but it has to be said…
You’re a fricken idiot…
t39
Dosie, it is you being thick, unable to understand that without the legendary steering/ride of 205, 306, 405, the new 508 Allure is, in fact, a glorified Camry.
Richo
I at least put forward an argument Dosie… your argument seems to rest on “I don’t agree and.. and well.. err….. YOUR AN IDIOT HEAD!”
ZZZZZZzzzzzz
Big time idiot
Richo
Your yet to bring up any valid reasoning in this debate, besides name calling.. go back to grade 3 mate!
Shak
I’ve gotta say, i’ve been following this car for a while now, and am going to test drive one tomorrow. It looks so convincing in photos and in reviews. Who knows, this might just find a place in my family garage.
Simon
Shak, I’m the same. A genuine (better looking) alternative to the Passat 125TDI, especially the Touring. I test drove 508 on the weekend, and my order is on its way…
Shak
Thats good to hear, can i ask which model you drove? I have my eyes set on the Diesel Allure, as to me it presents the best value and a good all round package.
I have also driven the new Passat, and i have to say the Peugeot will have to have some big trump cards to beat it, but going on the interior alone, it could do it.
Richo
Passat is the better car.
Peugeot are like Kia and Hyundai, very good “show room appeal” in terms of styling, interior feel, features, etc etc. In a test drive you never get the chance to feel the full depth of a car, which is where the likes of the VW start to shine.
It’s just by opinion, but in the showroom you may well find the Peugeot ticking all the right boxes, but its the kind of car you’ll grow to regret 12 months on, where as the Passat is the kind of car you find yourself loving even more 12 months on.
And that’s the difference between a truly classy car, and a glorified Camry.
Shak
Fair enough i see your point, but the same can be said for a Passat. It may very well tick the boxes in a test drive, but down the line, how do you know if the car you are about to buy will give you the same experience in one or even two years time? If anything, a Passat could be considered a glorified Camry as well, in many ways. At the end of the day though, people have different criteria they use when purchasing cars, and for a large family sedan i doubt many are looking for something more than staid transport with lots of features and space.
FrugalOne
Which part of the $2000 90k service is better on the passat?
The Peugeot is not a bit better, but VASTLY better.
Bring on the group-test!
Agree with you on the koreans, a bit nowhere for mine, ok a s a Made In China substitute
Patto
Richo, have you driven a 508? Or even seen one in the flesh? I have, and it is at least a match for the VW Passat in every quantifiable area.
Your ignorance is astounding.
Simon
I drove the Allure 2.0HDi with 18″ wheels, Bi-Xenons, SatNav + Head-up display + JBL audio upgrade. The Passat was fresh in my mind, and the Peugeot’s interior, features and driving experience trumped it in most ways.
The ride quality on 18s was outstanding. Comparing engines, the Passat is officially 0.7 sec quicker to 100 km/h… BUT, I felt the Passat has more lag on take-off. It could be the diesel/DSG combination. The Peugeot manages to achieve the 5.7L/100km average with a conventional 6-spd auto and without the technically interesting but annoying idle stop system.
I also sat in a Touring, with its standard panoramic roof. Brilliant!
The 508 comes with keyless entry & start – something you can’t get in the Passat at any price…
http://internode.on.net Old Pete
FrugalOne … being a bit frugal with the truth are we? My Passat V6 recently had its 90K service and it cost me $900, a long way short of $2000.
save it for the track
Decent cargo space as well according to the Peugeot website… Nothing wrong with Peugeots and those glass roofs are brilliant. Looks like good value in Allure Touring spec.
Steve
Can this car really move on from a Top Gear survey which had the 407 as their followers worst car. That would be a huge shift and is it really possible.
http://Nissan Kazuo
both exterior and interior looks nice,good work
It’s all in the detail
Peugeot have been rubbish for years, this is a huge step forward for them. I would actually put down my own money for this but I don’t have any!!
Skoda might find the death by a Thousand cuts might just get a little closer,
FrugalOne
scoda?
U on drugs, thats a nothing orphan brand, how dare you compare them to a blue blood brand like Peugeot!
scoda compare to GreatWall and Geely etc
steve
Frugal, are you sure, recently the Superb wagon won best luxury car under 55k in a few different competitions
DDH
You are on drugs frugal – the superb has been around for a few years – doing everything that the 508 allure diesel and is now being praised for, granted not as much interior tech though. Get a 508, but if your thinking of passat choose the superb.
FrugalOne
The new e-HDI coming in latter in the year, would have Australia’s best std. touring range on the market
Also PDF filters are a disaster with issues on all brands
BUT, i have NOT read 1 review on it that said e-HDI with a positive about the gearbox [some sort of automated job] such a pity as its priced right and looks the business and capped service is a great idea
Suppose we need to wait till series 2?
I had a 505 Peugeot and it drove beautiful on rubbish roads, and was tough [RWD] as nails, sadly missed.
Phil
So the glass sunroof in the wagon doesn’t open. Somehow I don’t think I’d feel like a “winner” sitting under a huge glass roof in the Australian sun.
Should be optional and the wagon option without the glass roof trimmed from $3000 to $1000.
Gimp
Try reading the review next time Phil.
The glass roof has a “five-position motorised blind”.
Phil
Gimp, the review doesn’t say that opening and closing a blind is the same as opening and closing a window.
Gimp
Phil, my response was in relation to your comment…
“Somehow I don’t think I’d feel like a winner sitting under a huge glass roof in the Australian sun.”
The glass roof has a blind.
You can close the blind.
The blind blocks out the sun.
Get it?
Phil
I understand that.
What you don’t understand is that basically everyone in Australia would have the blind closed all the time.
That defeats the purpose of it.
Thus people are probably paying about $2000 for a absolutely pointless feature.
If it were optional, how many people do you think would go for it? I would estimate less than 1%.
Davo
I have a sunroof on my current car and open it about 5 times a year but love the light it lets in when closed.
Last I checked Australia has four seasons, and the blind as gimp mentioned can be shut on those hot days.
Face it Phil you comment is off the mark
Simon
My wife’s Forester XS Premium has a very large sunroof. The (manually operated) blind is opened frequently to let some light in, almost every time the sun is at least partially obscured. The roof is opened rarely (maybe 3-4 times a year!). I’m sure the large opening would affect structural rigidity also.
Given this experience, I think a fixed, large glass roof with motorised 5-position blind is a very smart option, and would be used regularly.
And yes, Phil, you can always close the blind to keep the sun out…
Jake Williams
I’ve never liked a Peugeot so much and while I wouldn’t buy one (Superb Combi for me please, it’s clearly superior) I still really, really admire their effort. Shows how much can be done with an underdone Citroen C5 chassis!
money from junk
I read your posts for a while frugal one and you are just full of shite.
I dunno why we have to read your rubbish, go away and bury your head up something.
Skodas are fine cars, shame about some of the VW engineering they rely upon.
Skodas might be a bit orphanish here in OZ, but our taste in cars as a nation is definatly not as advanced like other nations, we’ve been fed mediocre trash for over 50 years.
A big hand to Peugeot, I’d love to own one again that was reliable and tough like the old 505 wagon, lovely to drive on rough Aussie roads.
Please Peugeot make it last longer than anything you’ve built of late.
I read Richos comments regarding the benefits of GM product, I don’t get what is of such benefit, its all rubbish in my experience with fleets.
Richo please convince me of what is so great about GM.
Jo Blow
Bunch of uneducated idiots commenting here.. I have the current 2L 308 XTE HDi… Brilliant car… Why comment if you know nothing??
Golfschwein
I like the look of this very much, and if it rediscovers a bit of Peugeot’s past suspension mojo, all the better!
Incidentally, when the 407 came out, I was blown away by its stunning shark nose and rakish looks. Sure, the poor rear room and so-so suspension became common knowledge, but I liked it all the same.
Davo
I am going to trade my 12 month old VW golf wagon in for one had a drive and its a great car.
Simon
Ouch, that’s a pretty expensive 12 months of motoring, Davo. How much will you burn on the Golf wagon? Can’t blame you for choosing the 508, though. I’m smitten as well…
Steve
In the west we hv 2 seasons. Winter which is mild and summer obviously warm to hot for 6 months. This blind would stay shut the majority of the time.
Fiz
Panoramic Glass Roof is UV and Heat resistant so the issue is nowhere near as bad as you assume. Also there is Quad Zone Climate to handle the temp.
The extra light is an amazing thing and adds safety to the car in that it reduces stress (think of a kitten in a cardboard box that is being shaken around and you know what I mean). That and it reduces car sickness which for any sufferer is just magic.
jimmy
2.5 years ago, i bought what i thought was a quality, economical euro car, a 407 sv hdi v6, with only 20,000 kms.
It has now done 70,000 and it feels very tired and worn, the interior creeks and crackles. The main problem is the repeated fault messages and strange jolting when driving. The car has had endless number of visits to the dealership, including a weeks stay while still under warranty, only to be told they could NOT diagnose the problem and i was told it was probably a problem with the diesel fuel line. 18 months later they have offered to “explore” at great cost to me to pull my motor to bits as the problem, whatever it is, i am told… is not covered by warranty.
it is a shame as i loved the car, but am disappointed by the “perceived” quality of a European. I will never buy a Peugeot again, and certainly never buy another diesel-they seem to be rough, noisy and plagued with problems!. After testing options including: 6, Passat, mondeo, c-class, a4 and 3 series, I have decided on accord euro. The quality, drive & fit & finish of this stylish & tech savvy car is amazing and all the “options” on the others are included!. The Europeans need to catch up, especially when you consider their appalling depreciation!
James Cortez
The problem with Japanese cars downunder i: it offers inferior engine compare to the European. Even the Korean gasoline and diesel engines exceeds the japs in specific output. Ok except for the high performance civic type R
Rob
A very nice car and I particularly like the design.
But the Mazda 6 in hatchback form is still the nicest car on the road with great dynamics with the Accord Euro a close second.
http://www.canyoufindit.com.au sheldon
Hi All,
OK firstly I had a 407 exec diesel and I loved it and I still miss it! It never skipped a beat! I have owned a 306 gti ralle ed, 405 sri series 2, and a 406 v6 series 1. I now own a expert, 3008 and 307cc. I can talk from experience here. The 3008 i have has a full glass roof and it is awsome! Even in the summer, it allows so much light into the cabin and gives a “roomy” experience as well. I helped a dealer with the launch of the 508 and it is well i must say one of the best Pugs I think has ever been made! As for front wheel drive Peugeot invented it and they do not suffer from really bad understear like the asian brands do. Trust me i know! But people please do not judge this car just based on thoughts drive it first then judge it is the only way. I drive Audi’s and Skoda’s when I am on my travels and this whips them alround! Even Top Gear like the look of this car (episode 3 of season 17) However all that being said I would die for a RCZ!
http://www.urvuorvubv.com geyser
Suspect your wrong on the FWD being invented by Peugeot…
invented in late 1800′s……. first sucessful (profitable) commercial application was by DKW in 1930′s. American Miller racers used it as well as Cord (US)in 1929 and Alvis (UK) in 1928.
WE didnt see FWD Pug’s in OZ till the 205, but we had Citroen’s Light 15 from the 50′s…….
Have owned 2 x 504′s and a 505…. all brilliant cars in their time.
steve
great car, bought one after looking at other brands, found the 508 wagon great value for the money and excellent fuel economy, factory options like sat nav were well priced too. after only a month of owning this wagon no problems yet apart from limited glove/sunglass storage compartments.
fuel consumption is fantastic. plenty of power if you need it, a very comfortable quiet ride. 5.7 l per 100 ks in a family wagon, 4 point nothing on the highway,,,,,,,, why buy petrol?
take one for a spin if you can find one, you will love it.
http://www.granomad.blogspot.com Keasty446
Steve, is yours a 1.6 Litre? I was thinking I’d prefer the 2.0 L. I currently have a 307 HDi wagon. Excellent!!!
steve
hey kreasty446, the 2.0 litre. the 1.6 l will be available next year here i believe. cheers, steve
http://www.canyoufindit.com.au sheldon
HI Mate,
the only one that is availabel at the moment is the 2.0l diesel only! Later this year (more like Jan) the GT and the 1.6 start stop will be available. However even tho the 1.6l has amazing economy the buzz in Europe is that they are a little touchy in the gears however the power is more than enough. The 1.6l is mainly for fleet cars in Euroupe to meet their tough emission rules and painfully expensive road taxes. This car get well underneath them beating their rivals like the passat and a4, c class and 3 class rivals easliy!
http://www.ddshh.de Ralf
Hi,
thank you for this nice article and wonderfull pictures.
Mike
Have I got it wrong or has the reporter missed the wonderful feature that the hybrid provides 30hp to the REAR wheels, thus making it a on demand 4 x4 (at speeds below 30kph) same technology as the C5DS?
Mickjoebill
Gmrobins
I checked out the 508 at the Sydney Motor Show and it is a classy car. I also looked at the Pass at wagon but sorry,the Put has it covered in looks and class.
But the most amazing experience was comparing it to a Calais wagon. The gap in quality and class is huge, in fact I can seriously imagine Ford and Holden embarrassed by this fact as the pricing was similar. The Australian cars need updating and quickly, the 508 makes them seem outdated.
reg
the car is badly designed i got one as a rental and i cannot get into it without banging my head and my elbow hitting the horn. when getting out i have to twist my body into a very uncomfortable position. every time i go over speed bump my head bangs against the side or roof, the hand break is so far towards the passenger side that you could be accused of going for a grope when operating it. would of rather had a Toyota
Aimanaw
Had the chance to fully test drive the 508 1.6T, and am impressed with the handling and power. Was not expecting a 1.6 on a full size sedan to perform as such. I’m actively test driving all makes for the purchase of my next car. And on the scale of ‘quality+performance+budget’ thie 508 is on top of my list compared to Accord, Camry, Sonata, A4 & 320.
