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

Over the past few days we have been analysing the Peugeot 508 in depth, the newcomer to the Peugeot range with many new features, as it returns to a segment that had been abandoned for years, replacing the Peugeot 407 and 607.

For the test we got behind the wheel of a 508 equipped with a 1.6-litre THP petrol engine capable of delivering 156 CV, an engine that has stood out at all times for its smoothness and progressive delivery of power. For more information on the mechanical side or on the handling of this Peugeot saloon, you can read the first part of the test.

Another important detail of the new 508 is its design, as it debuts a new front end that will gradually make its way across the rest of the range, while the interior stands out for its quality finishes, with new controls and better fit and finish, resulting in a very convincing overall result. We covered all of this in the second part of the test.

And now, in the third part, we turn to equipment, where we also cover all the safety equipment, as well as prices and our overall verdict on the Peugeot 508 equipped with this 156 CV petrol engine.

Equipment

As always, we must begin by reviewing everything related to safety: which elements come as standard on this car and what the EuroNCAP test results were. From the base trim (Access) it comes as standard with six airbags (front, side and curtain), as well as stability control, ABS with emergency brake assist, among other features.

In the crash tests carried out by EuroNCAP it achieved five stars, with a fairly good adult occupant protection score (90%) and child occupant score (87%). It also has active head restraints to protect against whiplash, passing this test correctly in the EuroNCAP tests.

Having reviewed the safety equipment, let us look at how the 508 range is structured. There are four trim levels: Access, Active, Allure (the one on our test unit) and GT (the latter only paired with the 2.2 HDI 204 CV engine).

From the Access trim onwards it already includes air conditioning, four electric windows, CD-MP3 radio with USB input, electric and heated mirrors, among other features. The Active level adds automatic climate control with rear vents and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Allure trim, includes parking sensors, keyless entry and start, electric parking brake, radio with Bluetooth, electric driver’s seat, among other features. Meanwhile the GT adds xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, electric heated front seats, 18-inch wheels, among other options.

Within the equipment of our test unit, the good performance of the vision pack stands out, i.e. bixenon swivelling headlights with LED daytime lights. For 700 euros more you get this interesting equipment, which offers excellent lighting.

The navigation system, however, seemed improvable: it does not follow the operation of the others we already know from the PSA Group, but uses a different interface that takes some getting used to and is also controlled from the centre console. That said, once you get used to it, it works correctly.

An optional item that can only be paired with the Allure and GT trims is the rear sunshades as well as the four-zone climate control, all for just over 400 euros. It is an interesting option if the car will be used frequently for carrying passengers, since the rear seats gain in comfort.

Finally, work has also been done on the head-up display, which is now slightly smaller than on other models from the brand, but it does project navigation directions.

Prices

A Peugeot 508 with the 1.6 VTi 120 CV petrol engine in Access trim is available for 22,200 euros, while the diesel range starts at 23,000 euros for the 1.6 HDi 110 CV.

The Active trim starts at 24,350 euros in petrol (120 CV), 25,100 euros (petrol 156 CV), 24,950 euros (diesel 110 CV) and 26,950 euros (diesel 163 CV).

The Allure trim starts at 27,000 euros for the 110 CV diesel and 27,150 euros for the 156 CV petrol. Completing the range at 29,000 euros is the 163 CV HDi. Finally, the GT trim starts at 35,900 euros with the 204 CV 2.2 HDi diesel engine.

In the case of our test unit with the Allure trim, the 156 CV THP engine and several extras (navigation, xenon, rear sunshades, among other features), the final price is 30,780 euros.

Overall Verdict

It was no easy task to phase out two models from the market and create one that changes segment slightly while aiming to be the new flagship of the French brand. But as we have seen in the test, the Peugeot has really raised its game in both design and quality of the new 508.

They have finally given the car new finishes for the typical controls that always showed poorer quality than the rest, the overall finish quality is high, and space remains the dominant trait of the 508, with good rear seats.

The engine range is fairly complete. If you are looking for a petrol engine, we recommend without hesitation the one we tested, since the other option in the range is a non-turbo engine with only 120 CV, which is a bit short for moving the 508 with ease. This 156 CV THP, meanwhile, impressed us with its smoothness and delivery of power, it moves this saloon with ease and at the same time keeps consumption reasonable.

It is a shame that they did not opt for the 240 CV V6 HDi in the diesel range, the four-cylinder is clearly more economical, offering almost the same power, but it does not match the smoothness of the V6 unit (something we noticed in the C5 we tested recently). Still, at least in the diesel range (the most in-demand in this type of saloon) they offer powerful engines suited to the type of vehicle.

On the equipment front, they have opted for a fully equipped entry level with the essentials, while for the more discerning buyers there are four further trims. An interesting detail given the simplicity of options, which are reduced to navigation, the vision pack, an alarm and not much else.

In short, this is a genuinely interesting saloon for those looking for space and comfort, with a good finish quality on a par with some premium saloons.

Photos | David Taboada