To cope with the arrival of rivals as fearsome as the new Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat, the firm Lion has decided to update its flagship to make it even more attractive and efficient and to introduce new technologies.

Despite not having been a long time since debut in mid-2011, Peugeot has decided to update its 508 to fight in better conditions with new rivals that lie ahead. Outwardly what is striking is its new grille, which opens the image gradually adapted to other models of the brand Lion. As well change hood, front bumper which increases in total length SW 1.6 cm and the sedan almost 4, since also varies his backside and lighthouses which can now be led, as in the test- unit while the rear lights which themselves are different in the saloon, in the family are maintained. Inside we find a touch screen 7 inches (Standard from the Active finish), which dispenses some physical buttons, while accurately maintains shortcuts for navigation, audio, telephone and on-board computer. Furthermore debuts new upholsteries, Apps that enhance connectivity and safety equipment such as control of vehicles in the blind spot or reversing camera, with good definition but low light as dusk begins, which disables use.

In the mechanical, the gasoline engine 1.6 THP Stop direct injection&Start increases its power to 165 hp, while the 2.0 Diesel HDI appear Blue 150 hp and 6-speed manual transmission, protagonist of the test, and 180 hp with automatic torque converter.

Cleaner Diesel

The drive has a 2.0 BlueHDI cleaning system exhaust for AdBlue responsible for reducing nitrogen oxides which is filled in reviews 20,000 km-. The 150 hp excels in smoothness, low vibration level and excellent elasticity, with good stretched to the red zone, at 4,500 rpm. It is quite refined, but in urban cycle appears even more so for its excellent Stop&Start, which turns off the engine without us realize this well before we got off and restarts quickly and smoothly complete the minimum caress the clutch pedal. A system that keeps one step ahead of the rest of their rivals.

However, what is striking is this BlueHDI its approved level of pollutant emissions that 105 g / km, has one of the lowest in its category records. Something that bodes very low consumption, although in practice they are not so, reaching just over half a liter of A4 Avant 2.0 TDI ultra city and the BMW 318d Touring, which are the best means familiar in this section.

First of all, a lot of comfort

In the dynamic plane we find a very comfortable car but also defended with dignity zone on bends. Yes, They feel slightly more inertia than some of its rivals but Vira fairly flat and allows high speed cornering. Always with a very confident attitude and a rear axle that remains undaunted in the racing line. This well cushioned, because it absorbs quality and comfort, but sport riding, off the tightest corners, direction tends to “look” slightly sideways, somewhat blunted in GT with the double wishbone front suspension pivot uncoupled instead of the classic McPherson the other models.

Functionally yes there upgradable details, showing his seniority against newcomers. Examples are the electrohydraulic steering, which becomes very heavy to maneuver very quickly, or guiding your change, which requires the driver to accurately mark and calm time.

Very well done

Inside welcomes us with a elegant design, high quality materials traslucen and careful ergonomics. His only blemish, the few small sites to deposit objects. In the center console, where once the controls of the browser screen were located, a practical space with a curtain cover for phone-from middle or small size or keys opens, but not both. In turn, the ashtray is small, like the space under the central armrest; hidden connections 12V, Aux and USB.

Livability unchanged compared to the previous version, with good levels globally and the ability to travel four adults in complete relief. his boot, with 525 liters makes a good capacity, only 10 liters of the best (Passat and C5). In addition, networks that allow for fixing objects to exceed the limit of the luggage cover curtain which is wound one touch-, backrests that can be folded from a control in the trunk itself, hooks for hanging bags or hatch to through the central armrest connected with the carrier to introduce objects such as skis greatly increase its versatility.

Top end

SW 508 with the motor 2.0 BlueHDI 150 hp only available with Allure finish, which it is the second highest for 32,270 euros. So, if we want a less expensive version, we will opt for the 2.0 HDI 140 hp Active, also the only one that is associated with this mechanism, which subtract 4,100 euros and besides the lower power and an average consumption four tenths higher lacks the Handsfree key for access and starting, electric parking brake, browser, Head Up display, tinted rear windows and panoramic roof among other things. With the Allure also the smallest 1.6 EHDI 115 hp (by 29,620, ie 2,650 less) also found the BlueHDI 180 hp 2.0, which adds 2,450 euros plus additional 30 hp and automatic transmission.

With the Current discount, 508 reduces the rate of prices in 3,000 euros. With this promotion becomes tempting offer, but not be as competitive as in other models of the lion. Nevertheless, against its rivals is well positioned, especially because its standard equipment is extensive, including access version, although we find it the best value in Active.

Comply with good note in all aparatados, for quality is almost at the level of premium rivals and equipment can be very complete, with choices at very attractive prices. The 2.0 BlueHDI 150 hp convinces its use, but we must not forget that maintenance is slightly higher, having to refill the AdBlue approximately every 20,000 km, while consumption, despite being low in practice do not get what was promised, placing many of his opponents slightly below and a 2.0 HDI 140 hp promulgates only 0.4 l / 100 km more than half and with a much lower acquisition cost.