Now that it is clear what is its inevitable restyling, we wanted to say goodbye to testing the current Peugeot 508, which is its most efficient and, at the same time, less polluting version, let’s say to keep a good memory of the car. It was indeed true, because for the first time in two years driving the 508 PSE left us with the most pleasant sensations.
To refresh the memory, we will say that we are facing a creature developed by the engineers of Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE), the competition division of the French brand, and is based on a plug-in hybrid option that can be purchased as a saloon. The body – passed through our hands – as a family or Sv.
The drivetrain used consists of a Puretech 1.6 petrol engine developing 200 CV and two other electrics, one on the front axle with 81 kW and the rear with 83 kW. The resulting 360 CV is managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission equipped with a Brake function for energy recovery and is fueled by a 12.4 kWh battery that theoretically allows for 52 kilometers in zero-emissions mode, giving it a valuable DGT of 0. A label on a model that, at the same time, can to fly on the asphalt.
Obviously, both its charm and high price are in this combination, at €66,760, €15,000 more than the 225bhp plug-in hybrid in GT trim. It is very complete, but the PSE version cannot be compared, not only in terms of its equipment, but especially in terms of the distinctive elements of its body and interior.
A detail that will undoubtedly catch everyone’s attention is the kryptonite yellow/green color that adorns various points on both the exterior and the passenger compartment, while a slightly closer look reveals other less obvious ones, such as a few fins scattered around the body. To improve airflow and lift. Up for auction are 20-inch wheels that feature some large brake discs in the same kryptonite color.
Aesthetic aspects aside, in the taste of similar sports sedans, the best of the 508 PSE lies in its ability to combine three very different souls. On the one hand, its electric autonomy is thought to allow much of the daily journey to be made without gasoline consumption or emissions, via pre-charging. At the opposite extreme, its more powerful and sporty character enables outstanding performance, as evidenced by its acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and the step from 80 to 120 km/h in just 3.
In a happy medium that doesn’t often exist, we find a roomy and familiar car – family-friendly, we mean – that you can cruise at a leisurely pace, that’s comfortable despite the huge tires and, on top of that, consumes a moderate 6.5L/100km on the highway. at speed
One of the nicest feelings behind the wheel of such a well-built sports saloon is knowing you always have plenty of power in reserve to overtake or avoid a dangerous situation on the road while keeping your spirits up. At the same time, notice that the car is accompanied by our intentions with flexible behavior and, at the same time, stable and predictable.
There are five ways to tame the beast for the driver: pure electric, working up to 140 km/h as long as we have the battery and which benefits from a total power of 140 CV; comfort, where variable suspension takes the most comfortable configuration for passengers; A hybrid that automatically combines performance with efficiency; Sports, where performance prevails above all else, and 4WD is particularly suitable on slippery surfaces, benefiting from the total traction that results from the presence of an electric motor on each axle of the vehicle.
The Sport program adds a specific calibration that changes the steering response, suspension, accelerator pedal and sound perceived in the passenger compartment, as well as the traction and stability control mechanisms, more permissive so that the car can move further back in corners. For example.
in the driving position
We will say about the always controversial Peugeot i-Cockpit that in this case – everything usually depends on the height of the user and the position taken while driving – all the instruments above the steering wheel were visible to us. Of course, it is necessary to sit as close to the floor of the car as possible, a point that will appeal to those who like sports models, and not so much to those who are used to SUVs and people with limited mobility.
The front seats combine an attractive sporty appearance and ergonomics, which allow you to cover long distances without particular fatigue. In addition, they have many additional comforts, from electric adjustment to a massage function. Driving in the back seats is a bigger sacrifice, especially for tall people who won’t be able to avoid a collision with the roof because the seat height isn’t adjustable here.
One aspect that could be improved has to do with the location of the USB ports and the wireless mobile charging tray under the center console, in a hard-to-reach space and hard to see if you’re really paying attention.
On the other hand, the success that we would like to mention at the end is the one who decided at that time that the 508 cabin should not include the trunk lid of a classic sedan, but a rear door that greatly facilitates loading and unloading luggage. Perhaps that is why the Peugeot people decided on the name Quick return For this particular silhouette of the new model, which has just gone on sale, it will exist as before with the Station Wagon.
Source: El Diario
