WITH six-speed gearboxes all-round, Euro 5 and five-star ENCAP ratings, four-cylinder-only powerplants, three diesel engine choices, two body styles and a single petrol engine variant (for now), the fresh 508 represents Peugeot’s most thorough attack on the medium and large car segment in a generation, imbuing space, comfort and quality with high-tech driveability and eco features to take on everything from the Hyundai i45 to the Holden Calais. After the disappointing 407, does the French newcomer possess what it takes to persuade non-plussed Aussie consumers spoiled for choice? We think so.
407
Released: September 2004
Ended: June 2011
Family Tree: 508PERHAPS one of the biggest motoring disappointments of the decade, particularly after the fine 406 that preceded it, the 407 looked promising on paper with its double-wishbone front suspension and advanced diesel technology, but failed to sufficiently deliver as both a driver’s car and a quality premium product.
Divisive design coupled with poor packaging didn’t help, either. Two body styles arrived – four-door sedan and Touring wagon – with a choice of petrol or turbo-diesel engines driving the front wheels. Initially the ST was the base car, offering a 116kW/217Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with six-speed manual or four-speed auto. The manual was also applied to the 100kW/320Nm 2.0L HDi diesel in the new entry-level SR and ST from early 2005, but didn’t gain the auto until 2006. A luxury SV was also imported, powered by a 155kW/290Nm 3.0L V6 petrol or a 150kW/440Nm 2.7L V6 HDi turbo-diesel. Both SV engines were also offered in the slow-selling 407 Coupe from early 2006. A minor facelift was introduced in 2008.
Super Test
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