Peugeot is about to take on the class leaders in the D-sedan segment with the 508, Peugeot's new presence in the grand touring car class, which will be officially launched in South Africa in early November.
Its styling was previewed on the SR1 concept car and has matured in the production process to an understated profile with an elegant recessed waistline that runs the length of the body. A long wheelbase provides generous capacity for rear passengers, as well as a 545-litre boot.
The front treatment features a single 'floating' grille and directional bi-xenon headlights, with distinctive LED 'tubes' on range-topping models, while the rear end is "all of a piece", the boot lid perfectly flush with the bumper.
Each tail light cluster has three red 'claws' housing three rows of six LEDs to give the 508 a unique after-dark signature.
The 'quiet quality' theme is carried through to the interior, with a simple, elegant fascia, four-zone air-conditioning, hands-free access and start-up, an automatic electronic parking brake, electronically-operated lumbar massage for the driver, and JBL high-performance audio equipment.
A colour head-up display is available in conjunction with the satellite navigation system.
The 508 range in South Africa will comprise five models:
1.6 THP Active - R283 700
1.6 THP Allure a/t - R306 700
2.0 HDi Active 103kW - R300 700
2.0 HDi Active 120kW - R303 200
2.2 HDi GT a/t - R409 900
The 1.6-litre turbo-petrol is rated at 115kW, the two-litre diesel will be available in either 103kW or 120kW tune, and the GT has a new 2.2-litre HDi turbodiesel for which Peugeot quotes 150 kW and a muscular 450Nm.
The 1,6 and two-litre versions will have an all-new MacPherson type front axle, while the GT will come with a drop-link dual wishbone front axle; the dual wishbone and decoupling of bounce and steering functions, says the maker, improves both body rigidity and driving accuracy. All 508's, however, will share the same multi-arm rear suspension.
The 508 has rack-and-pinion steering with electro-hydraulic, adaptive power assistance; as with the suspension, that of the GT is higher-geared for quicker response and more driver feedback.
All 508's have electronic stability control, traction control, emergency brake assist with electronic brake force distribution and hill hold. Prices include a five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan.