Peugeot 508 Launched At Australian International Motor Show

Peugeot has launched its all-new 508 flagship at this year's Australian International Motor Show, arriving in local showrooms in both Sedan and Touring form - along with a GT performance sedan.

Both versions of the the 508 made their international debut at last year's Paris Auto Show, and earlier this year Peugeot Australia confirmed petrol and diesel engines for the new model's local line-up.

Engines

The 2012 508 Sedan is powered by three engines in all; a 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine, A 2.0 litre HDi diesel and, at the top of the tree, a 2.2 litre HDi diesel engine for the range-topping GT. 

At launch, the 508 will be available with the 2.0 litre HDi FAP and the 2.2 litre HDi FAP - both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. 

The 2.0 litre HDi FAP produces 120kW and 340Nm of torque. Peugeot is claiming a 0-100km/h time of 9.2 seconds, with fuel consumption listed at 5.7 l/100km.

In the top-shelf 508 GT, the 2.2 litre HDi FAP produces 150kW and 450Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is listed at the same 5.7 l/100km, but its 0-100km/h time is shaved to 8.2 seconds.

Later in the year, the 508 line-up will be filled out with the 1.6 litre turbo petrol engine, producing 115kW and 240Nm of torque (at 1400rpm).

Fuel consumption for this model is listed at 7.1 l/100km, with 0-100km/h done and dusted in 9.2 seconds.

Lastly, arriving in the fourth quarter of 2011, the 508 range will gain Peugeot's e-HDi 1.6 litre diesel, including the company's stop-start system.

Power for the e-HDi engine is rated at 82kW and 270Nm of torque, while fuel consumption is an incredibly low 4.4 l/100km. Not many will try for a best time, but for those that do; the 0-100km/h sprint is wrapped up in 11.9 seconds.

Equipment

The 508 will be available with two types of suspension, depending on spec. Most models will get a new McPherson-type front axle, while the GT will be equipped with an aluminium dual-wishbone front.

Both bodystyles will feature quad-zone air conditioning, a colour head-up display, hands-free access and start-up, and a multi-function steering wheel.

There is also an electric parking brake and hill-start assist, directional bi-xenon headlamps with LED lighting and the 'Main Beam Assist' system which switches from full or high-beam automatically.

Look for a full run-down on the new 508's equipment and features in our upcoming review.

The 508 Sedan offers 497 litres of rear storage space, growing to 1533 litres with the rear seats folded flat. In the Touring, there is 612 litres with the rear seats up, and a huge 1817 litres when the rear seats are folded flat.

For the 2.0 litre HDi engine, towing capacity is rated at 750kg unbraked and 1375kg braked, while the 2.2 litre HDi will pull 750kg unbraked and 1875kg braked.

Pricing and Availability

508 Sedan

The 2.0 litre and 2.2 litre diesel models are available now. The 1.6 litre petrol engines will join the range later in 2011.

• 508 Active 1.6L Turbo petrol - 5 door Sedan six-speed automatic - $36,990.00
• 508 Allure 1.6L Turbo petrol - 5 door Sedan six-speed automatic - $39,490.00
• 508 Allure 2.0L HDi - 5 door Sedan six-speed automatic - $42,990.00
• 508 GT 2.2L HDi - 5 door Sedan six-speed automatic - $52,990.00

508 Touring

• 508 Touring Allure 1.6L Turbo petrol - 5 door Touring wagon six-speed automatic - $42,490.00
• 508 Touring Allure 2.0L HDi - 5 door Touring wagon six-speed automatic - $45,990.00

The 508 will be available in the following body colours:

Solid: Bianca White. Metallic: Aluminium Grey, Thorium Grey, Flint Grey, Perla Nera Black, Espresso, Oyster (new), Egyptian Blue (new) and Alpine Blue (new). ($800)

Premium: Pearlescent White ($1,300)

Note: all prices are Manufacturer’s List Price and do not include dealer delivery or on-road costs.