The Peugeot 508 has finally received inherited the current facial of its range of models, easily identified with the claw-like headlight, which is now uses LED technology. Nasim is kind enough to bring in the full variant of the new 508, with the THP 1.6-litre (163hp/240Nm) Prince engine as the flagship mass selling variant, which is available in sedan and Station Wagon (SW) body styles, as well as the 2.2-litre Diesel GT (203hp/450Nm) variant in sedan body style. All variants are mated to the standard 6-speed gearbox, which could be control from paddle shifter behind the steering wheel and could be enhanced with a Sport mode that allow a higher rev before switching to the next gear.
BHP will soon start selling Euro-5 standard Diesel in Klang valley, making a big welcome to modern diesel engine. The 508 could easily travel for 1000km without any refueling, making it a top choice for frequent long distance drives. However, the reliability of such diesel engine in Malaysia has yet to be proven for long term usage. But the powerful torque it could deliver is really very tempting.
Quality of any French car is always impressive, with excellent build quality. The GT variant uses Nappa leather, with red stitching, which further bring up the level of luxury in the 508. The THP/SW variant standard leather seat is as good too. 10 JBL speakers with subwoofer and Arkamys audio processing could mean a concert hall on wheels. Did I mention it even has an 8GB internal memory to store your favourite songs just in case your iPod is now a toy for your kids. 7" HD touchscreen with navigation and reverse camera, quad zone aircon, colour HUD and front seats with electric lumbar support are all standard in all variants. For the diesel-powered GT, massaging driver seat is a plus point if you intend to have a long drive around the country.
Nasim has never been "kedekut" in bringing the highly specifications car. The Peugeot 508 is NCAP 5-star rated, with all the standard safety features one can find in any continental car, such as Blind Spot Information System, all round airbags, hill-start assist, ESP, as well as Dynamic cruise control. Pricing start at RM174k for the THP, RM184k for the SW and RM202k for the GT. One would wonder who want a SW body style, and don't be surprised that it in fact look weird, but with the huge 660-litre cargo space, one will start to appreciate it when it is being used for family outing trips.
If you were bore on what a Nissan, a Honda and a Toyota can offer in the D-Segment, the Peugeot 508 has always surprise a lot of new-found-continental-car owners. Once you have one, you will never look back as it drives and handles really well, besides just being luxurious.
Of course, when it is time for you to trade in a French car years later, you can start crying. Peugeot and Citroen should start looking into how to keep customer coming back with loyalty program, such as higher trade in value.
