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Peugeot 508 THP: A Refreshed Car
Car
Review
New looks and improved specsmake the 508 amore complete car.
O
n
paper,bigD-segment
Euro saloons should
be perfect for Asian
markets. With roomy
cabins, sophisticated
underpinnings and
typically European
performance levels, they’re a cut above
their Japanese and Korean rivals, though
priced at a similar level. Unfortunately,
they’re barely flying off showroom floors.
Looking at the situation objectively,
it’s perplexing how a car like the Peugeot
508 doesn’t sell in far greater numbers. It
has all the things D-segment customers
are looking for and comes with a five-
year unlimited mileage warranty so it
should appeal to both the head and heart.
Therefore, you have to conclude it’s a
trust issue.
That’s a pity because there’s really
quite a lot to like about Peugeot’s
refreshed 508. The old car delivered a
nice driving experience thanks to its
1.6-litre turbocharged engine, six-speed
auto gearbox and was blessed with lots
of practical features too, so this new one
builds on those strengths.
It certainly moves forward in terms of
looks. There’s a brand new face featuring
new LED headlights, a double grille, new
DRLs and a reprofiled bonnet, which
really alters the overall appearance of
the car. While the old one had a slightly
pointy front end, this one is much more
upright and formal. Peugeot’s lion has
also migrated from being placed on the
bonnet to the centre of the grille, which
again makes the car look more formal.
At the back, there is a new design for
the taillights, a rear bumper apron that
hides the exhaust tips, new rear bumper
and a reprofiled boot lid. The latter now
incorporates a noticeable rear spoiler,
which adds some visual bulk to the rear
of the car. Overall, it’s a nicely executed
facelift that makes the new 508 look new
without dating the old one too much.
Under the bonnet, there’s yet more
improvement with an updated THP165
motor replacing the old THP156 unit.
W o r d s :
F a i s a l S h a h