508 in Malaysia

For a number of years now, Malaysians have become quite used to seeing Peugeots running about town.

They are often associated with smaller hatches zipping through traffic; what comes readily to mind are the 207s and the 308s.

Of late, we are being reminded that Peugeot plays the other side of the field as well with the entry of maxi models like the 5008 and now the 508 as the latest to roll this way.



The 508 is an important model for the French car maker as it represents its aspiration to gain greater traction in the highly competitive premium market.

Launched locally in October last year, the 407 and 607 successor was already off to a running start with 100 bookings in hand.

It certainly speaks well for a model that’s staking a claim to premium territory.

Visually, the car has well-balanced proportions. The side profile of the 4.8-metre long 508 is enhanced by the contours of its chrome-edged windows while its recessed waistline that runs the entire length portrays a blend of power and elegance.

At the rear, three red clusters mask three rows of LEDS to give the car a unique signature at night, which we are told, looks like a lion’s claw mark.

At the front, the 508 features Peugeot’s new design direction with a floating grille that is less pronounced under the nose of the hood to lend emphasis to the marque’s lion badge.

The headlamps are another focal point of the 508’s front exterior with signature circular LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlamps with headlight washers and auto height adjusters.

A smart beam function in the headlamps works in tandem with a camera at the back of the rearview mirror, to automatically switch to high beam when needed and reverts back to the standard beam when there is on-coming traffic.

The cabin is testament to what Peugeot set out to achieve. Full leather seats plus space and high comfort levels combine to project an upscale atmosphere.

Soft-touch tops make the interior high in tactile quality and feels top-dollar all the way.

Whereas the 1.8-litre CKD Passat sedan, arguably the 508’s closest rival in terms of pricing, is somewhat spartan in switchgear, this Frenchie is bristling with dials and buttons on the steering wheel, the dash and the centre console.

It’s intimidating at first but settle down and you will soon enough find your way around the controls for the car’s varied settings.

Amidst this smorgasbord of buttons, we were looking for the rear sunshade control only to realise it was manually operated.

Unlike most cars that have it, the Start/Stop button for keyless start (and entry as well) is positioned all the way to the right of the dash instead of centrally.

It would be on the door if it goes any farther. Put that down to quirky Gallic touches.

Contributing to the luxurious ambience of the cabin are a colour head-up display unit, four-zone air conditioning, automatic electric parking brake, electric-powered seats for the driver and passenger and a big control knob ala BMW’s iDrive in the centre console that operates the 7-inch HD multi-function colour screen, USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

Note that the 508 is GPS-ready but local maps are not available yet.

Onboard infotainment is piped through a 10-speaker JBL hi-fi system with a 500W surround sound amplifier with Arkamys audio.

What’s a plus point also is that the 508 boot is deep and low, offering generous luggage space of 545 litres for starters, which is even bigger than that of the Ford Mondeo.

And we thought the Mondeo boot was already huge as it is!

A 1.6-litre engine drives the 508, producing 156bhp and 240Nm of torque coupled to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with steering mounted paddle shifters.

The sprint from 0 to 100kph is achieved in a respectable 9.2s, and takes it to a top speed of 220kph.

Fuel consumption is rated at a low 7.1-litres per 100km, helped along by a slippery bodyform that has a low drag coefficient of 0.26.

Other features include a Hill Assist system, front and rear parking assists that are displayed on the multi-function colour screen and an Available Space Measurement (ASM) system which aids the driver in parallel parking.

Standard safety kit includes six airbags, ESP, ABS, EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Anti-Skid Regulation and Dynamic Stability Control which results in a 5-star Euro NCAP rating for the premium sedan.

Get the car moving, and it’s a pleasure to drive. This is a result of a suspension that keeps unruly body movements under a tight leash.

The steering, however, doesn’t give a whole lot of feel but it’s light and responsive.

It dives into bends with pleasing eagerness for a car this size and understeer is resisted rather well. Cornering acrobatics show the structural underpinnings to be tough as nails.

One colleague remarked its ride level was supple and assured, reminding him of the classy ride afforded by the Mercedes E-Class.

Should you feel the need to dictate the gears, flick the paddles mounted behind the steering wheel, or by playing the gear stick.

The Sport button sharpens things up somewhat to heighten the driving experience.

Otherwise at cruising speeds, the engine hums along quietly and frugally.

Push the 508 and it responds quickly.

Go even faster and you start to feel all of its 1.6-litre displacement working hard to give its best.

But it doesn’t feel underpowered largely because of a twin scroll turbocharger at work, resulting in a car that is ready to sprint ahead at a moment’s notice.

At nearly RM170,000, the fully imported 508 does an impressive job of delivering a package that’s rich in content, elevating it as a premium alternative to what’s available on the local front.