Peugeot 508 Hybrid4 test drive (Engine, performance, handling and consumption)

Months ago the test team at Highmotor got behind the wheel of the Peugeot 508 RXH Hybrid, that is, the estate variant of the hybrid 508. Back then it already struck us as an interesting car, although we still had to check how the saloon version would behave with this 200 CV hybrid combination.

To find out, we have got behind the wheel of the Peugeot 508 Hybrid4 with 200 CV, a car that stands out both for the power it delivers and for its modest consumption. It is a good alternative to diesel saloons, depending on how the car is used. Stay with us for this test and we will tell you everything about the French hybrid.

Engine and performance

The combination is curious and novel in the automotive landscape, two engines: one diesel and one electric. The diesel is a 2.2-litre four-cylinder that the brand uses in other models, and together with the electric motor that drives the rear axle it adds up to 200 CV.

The engine is quite smooth, but because it is paired with the six-speed automated manual gearbox, each gear change is abrupt and slow to engage. Throttle response is good, and when we press the accelerator pedal hard the car responds with force.

Being a hybrid, it has several modes: ZEV (100% electric, up to 60 km/h and for a maximum of 3 km), Sport, Auto and 4×4 (with both engines working). In Sport mode the 200 CV are noticeable: the car is quick to gain speed and responds to the accelerator, but once again the gearbox spoils an otherwise good package. In fact, it is quicker if we drive it with the paddle shifters and change gears manually.

Handling

Where the 508 is most enjoyable is on the open road, because it is very well insulated and the suspension does its job well, filtering out road irregularities, so the interior comfort is high. Moreover, if we select Sport mode and want to make the most of the 200 CV, the car responds with stability and composure.

The hybrid system works in a distinctive way, different from the rest of hybrid models. The regenerative brakes are more intrusive: when we lift off the accelerator, the car already starts recovering energy through the brakes and slowing down, and we need to keep the pedal pressed to a greater or lesser degree to reduce or increase that deceleration. In other hybrids, as soon as you release the accelerator the car simply coasts, and only if you select a special mode on the gearbox does it brake more strongly.

The engine is somewhat noisy, with the typical diesel sound. The braking system, aside from having a slightly different feel because it is a hybrid, works very well and is very effective. The steering is precise and suited to a saloon.

Consumption

This is where the hybrid engine stands out, in the test of the Peugeot 508 RXH its consumption did not stand out much because of its dimensions, but in the case of the 508 saloon with this hybrid system we did notice the hybrid package in its consumption.

On the open road, if we go carefully and are gentle with the accelerator, it is possible to achieve consumption of around 4.5 litres per 100 km. If we drive more carelessly the figure rises to 5.5 litres per 100 km, according to the various measurements we took on our usual route.

The city test was the most surprising. For this we had a luxury setting in Madrid, in the middle of a traffic jam, and there the hybrid system showed its worth, achieving consumption of just 5.8 litres per 100 km while driving along the Castellana and several streets in the centre of Madrid with heavy, slow traffic.

On the motorway average consumption was around 5.5 litres per 100 km on our usual route between Madrid and Vigo and back. A good figure for a saloon of this kind, especially considering its 200 CV.

All in all, it is indeed a frugal car, especially on routes through the city, where the greatest savings can be achieved thanks to the hybrid technology.

Photos | Test team