Peugeot 508 1.6 THP 156 CV, test drive (Part I)

At the end of last year we said goodbye to two veteran models in Peugeot’s lineup, the 407 and the 607, two very well-known saloons from the French manufacturer that made way for a new vehicle that debuted a new segment and name.

This is how the new Peugeot 508 was born, reaching the market in early 2011, positioned in a segment above the 407 and taking over part of the segment of the now-discontinued 607. It also continued the 500 nameplate, dropped since the 505. If we had to describe the 508 quickly, we would call it a spacious vehicle (almost as much as the Peugeot 607), with new quality standards and a more modern design that breaks with the typical large-grille look of the lion brand.

Throughout the three parts of this test we will focus on the novelties the 508 brings, since it innovates in many areas (the first Peugeot with push-button start, for example). For now, though, we need to focus on its engine and performance, since for this test we got behind the wheel of a 508 equipped with the 156 CV 1.6 THP petrol engine (carried out in collaboration with BMW).

Engine and performance

Smoothness is the word that best defines this 1.6-litre powerplant capable of delivering 156 CV. As I mentioned earlier, it is an old acquaintance of our test team, since we have already tried it in other Groupe PSA models, standing out for its progressive power delivery and above all its smoothness.

One feature this engine has always stood out for is its usable rev range, since it starts pushing at low revs (much like a diesel) delivering its maximum torque of 240 Nm between 1,400 rpm and 4,000 rpm.

What does this translate to? A smooth, progressive response with a wide usable range, which means you don’t have to work the gearbox so much, and at the same time makes this engine quite performance-oriented. Another detail we liked is the low noise level, partly thanks to the good interior soundproofing, an area that has improved considerably.

Within the petrol range of the Peugeot 508 there are two engines available: the 120 CV 1.6 VTi and the 156 CV 1.6 THP. If you opt for this turbocharged 1.6 petrol, it is considerably more performance-oriented than the 120 CV unit, and it also stands out for its smoothness compared with the other engine.

This engine is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox (an automatic gearbox is available as an option). The shift feel is typically Peugeot; it could be a bit more precise, but it is adequate, and thanks to the sixth gear, fuel consumption on country roads or motorways is considerably reduced.

Handling

The aim of the Peugeot 508 is to offer its occupants the highest possible level of comfort, which is evident in a suspension tuned correctly but calibrated to deliver comfort, something that takes its toll when we opt for a slightly sportier drive. That said, it is not a Citroën C5; by this I mean it is comfortable, but its firmness level is greater than that of its French sibling.

Thanks to the smoothness of the engine, the suspension and its steering (which could be a little more direct), it is a very relaxed and comfortable car to drive. It also enjoys good interior soundproofing, making it an appealing car for long journeys or relaxed driving on the open road.

Finally, we have the braking system, which offers outstanding effectiveness, and this has always been a standout element of the Peugeot range. In the case of the 508, they stand out for their braking effectiveness, as they work efficiently and bring the 508, weighing 1,475 kg, to a halt without any problems.

Fuel consumption

When it comes to consumption, we are dealing with a technologically quite advanced engine, but for now miracles do not exist, so we must bear in mind its 156 CV output and its weight and dimensions. According to the official figures, average consumption is 6.4 l/100 km, but in our test it was extremely difficult to get it below 7 litres on country roads, and after several routes on country roads and more than 250 km driven, the lowest we achieved was 7.6 litres per 100 km.

Where we did achieve good consumption figures, partly thanks to the sixth gear, is on the motorway, where after 1,200 km we achieved an average consumption of 5.7 litres per 100 km.

Finally, the other environment where consumption rises sharply is in town, comfortably around 10 litres per 100 km, a figure closer to the 9.2 litres per 100 km that is homologated for urban consumption.

In the second part of the test we will look at the exterior design, interior spaciousness, as well as the materials and boot.

Photos | David Taboada