Paris motor show: Peugeot 508

All-new saloon to rival the Ford Mondeo; on sale 2011; hybrid planned
30 September 2010

Peugeot has unveiled its new 508 which previews its new design language and is expected to mark a big push into the Chinese market.

The French manufacturer’s latest saloon is designed to replace both the Mondeo-rivalling 407 and the larger 607.

See the official pics of the new Peugeot 508 - plus pics from the Paris motor show

Its front end is dominated by headlights that run deep into the wings, a large, wide grille, a Peugeot badge integrated into the bonnet creases, and a name badge that sits just beneath the bonnet shutline. There’s also a pronounced shoulder line that runs the length of the flanks.

The 508 is 4.7m long, around 10mm longer than the 407 but 20mm shorter than the 607, production of which ended last month.

The estate version is 4.81m long. The car sits on a platform that also underpins the Citroën C5 and outgoing 407.

The increase in size is likely to signify that the 607’s sales did not merit an entirely new generation and reflect the key role large saloons are playing in the emerging Chinese market.

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Few technical details have been released, although Peugeot has revealed that all of the car’s diesel engines will offer stop-start using Peugeot-Citroën’s e-HDi system.

A 508 with Hybrid4 tech will also be launched shortly after sales start. It combines a combustion engine driving the front wheels with an electric motor integrated into the rear axle.

Peugeot says the Hybrid4 508 will offer four-wheel drive, a combined 200bhp and CO2 emissions of 99g/km.

The 508 will make its public debut at the Paris motor show on 30 September, and sales will begin at the start of 2011.

The Chinese-spec models will be built at Peugeot’s own facility there, but European-spec models will be produced in Rennes, France.

Meanwhile, the 407 Coupé is unlikely to be replaced. But a folding hard-top, four-seat convertible 508 — a potential rival for the Volvo C70 — may make production.

John McIlroy

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Comments
83

PRODIGY

12 July 2010

This story dissappeared for a while.. embargo broken unlawfully?

Anyway, looks good. Although having seen a leaked pic of the SW version on t'interweb I have to conclude that the rear styling is a step backwards.

PRODIGY

12 July 2010

Story has gone again!

And also the story has vanished from (Sorry for swearing) Auto Expr****** website too.

I take it you weren't supposed to publish these pics today then lads?

Lee23404

12 July 2010

The story says that it sits on the same platform as the C5 and 407 but they don't sit on identical platforms because the C5 has a longer wheelbase.

So is it 407 or C5? I hope it's the latter because the 407 is short on rear legroom and my C5 isn't exactly a Superb in the back.

The styling is a huge improvement but if I was in the market for such a car again I'd still take the C5.

PRODIGY

12 July 2010

[quote Lee23404]

The story says that it sits on the same platform as the C5 and 407 but they don't sit on identical platforms because the C5 has a longer wheelbase.

[/quote]

Maybe it is the same basic platformas the C5, but moddified. Seems alot of modern platforms can be adjusted and altered to suit.

[quote Lee23404]The styling is a huge improvement but if I was in the market for such a car again I'd still take the C5.[/quote]

I'd take the Insignia to be honest!

Lee23404

12 July 2010

[quote PRODIGY]

I'd take the Insignia to be honest!

[/quote]

Err, yuk!

PRODIGY

12 July 2010

[quote Lee23404]Err, yuk![/quote]

To each his own and all that :)

I drive an MG ZS and a bright yellow Saab, so my views and style is somewhat 'different'

fc.bainbridge

12 July 2010

[quote PRODIGY]This story dissappeared for a while.. embargo broken unlawfully?[/quote] Im pretty sure it must have been, I commented on this story first thing this morning and it seems to have been deleted. [quote PRODIGY]Anyway, looks good. Although having seen a leaked pic of the SW version on t'interweb I have to conclude that the rear styling is a step backwards.[/quote] I haven't seen the pic of the SW, but the rear styling was the strongest point of the 407 SW, it was the front end that rather ruined things. What a shame.

Mr£4worth

12 July 2010

[quote Autocar]Peugeot has unveiled its new design language — and previewed a big-saloon push in the Chinese market — with its new 508, revealed today.

The French manufacturer’s latest saloon is designed to replace both the Mondeo-rivalling 407 and the larger 607.

See the official pics of the new Peugeot 508

Its front end is dominated by headlights that run deep into the wings, a large, wide ...Read the full article[/quote] Big Yawn.

Wanos

12 July 2010

This could be quite a good car. The build quality on the 308CC is very good indeed and Peugeots generally drive well. They could be on to a winner if they market it correctly. I'd have one over the boring Mondeo any day of the week.

FriendlyFisherman

12 July 2010

I genuinly think this looks a good car. But I wouldn't buy a large French saloon if my life depended on it.

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