Automotive & Transport

ROAD TEST – Peugeot 508 GT-Line 2019

Peugeot 508 – 2019

By Ian Strachan

The Peugeot 508 was a great addition to the executive fleet market when it was launched more than seven years ago. Now this executive cruiser has just got better.

The latest 508 is modern and elegant with striking design and superb comfort. In fact it’s one of those cars which is difficult to fault. In the GT-Line spec which I tested, this impressive car is bristling with technology.

From the front you have the new 508’s feline headlights and smart shark-like grille. From the side the 508 has sculpted, flowing and well-balanced lines and great diamond cut 18 inch alloys, and from the back, there’s the high boot and stylish light cluster, and a huge powered tailgate (£400 option). Whichever way you look at it, this car is a good-looker.

The inside is nice too.  The heated front seats are extremely comfortable with a good range of adjustment. There are plenty of storage spaces around the interior, and all instruments are clear and accessible. Many of the car’s functions are controlled from a central 10-inch touchscreen.

I drove the nippy 163 brake horsepower 508 GTLine Blue HDi powered by a smooth 1.5 litre turbo-charged diesel engine. It’s supremely quiet, even when worked hard, with good acceleration and flexibility. Mated to a very smooth eight-speed automatic box you also get good economy; 49.6 miles to the gallon in mixed driving. Not bad at all for a big car.

Ride and handling are excellent thanks to a lightweight chassis and good suspension.

Specification on the GT Line trim level is generous. Standard equipment includes cruise control with speed limiter, keyless entry and ignition, powered folding door mirrors, electric windows, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, RDS radio and MP3 player with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth and smartphone charging plate and satellite navigation. You also get  twin chrome exhausts, automatic lights and wipers, lane keeping aid and reversing camera. On the road price for this spec is £31,089. Not cheap, but you get a lot of car for your money.

I like this French saloon a lot. For my money it’s the best car in its sector, meaning it has the edge over some much-vaunted competitors.

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