Make – Peugeot
Model – 508
Peugeot 508 Specifications -
Engine - 2.0 Litre, common rail diesel (CRDi) engine
Power – 163 bhp
Torque – 225 Nm
Displacement – 1997 cc
Transmission – 6 speed manual, 6 speed automatic
Bore X stroke – 85 X 88 mm
Length – 4792 mm
Width – 2068 mm
Height – 1456 mm
Wheel base – 2817 mm
Boot space – 660 Litres
Approx. Price – Rs. 20 lacs
Rivals: Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata Transform, Maruti Suzuki Kizashi, Skoda Superb, Volkswagen New Passat, Toyota Camry, Nissan Teana
Peugeot 508 sedan is a spacious premium sedan that was launched internationally for the first time in 2010. The Peugeot 508 had been voted as the Best New Car of 2011 at the Fleet World Honours 2011. Two more models were displayed by the company at the Expo, 3008 diesel-hybrid SUV and RCZ Coupe.
The company is setting up a production facility in worth Rs. 4000 crores at Sanand, Gujarat to locally manufacture the Peugeot 508 that will enable it to price the car competitively. However, till the manufacturing plant is being set up the car will be imported as a CBU (Completely Built Unit). We expect the local production of the Peugeot 508 to begin by 2014.
The Peugeot 508 to enter India will most likely be equipped with a 2.0 Litre, common rail diesel (CRDi) engine with a displacement of 1997 cc. This motor will produce maximum power of 163 bhp and highest torque of 225 Nm. It is expected that the car will be accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in about 14 seconds and attain a top speed of 210 kmph. The company has taken care of the fuel efficiency of the vehicle by fitting the Stop and Start feature in the engine. The car will also boast of better mileage than its competitors due to the unique Gear Shift Indicator fitted by Peugeot. In order to keep emissions to a minimum, the car has been equipped with a Particle Emission Filter.
The manufacturer has used ample amount of aluminium and plastic while developing the car, such as the aluminium bonnet and plastic boot lid, thereby keeping its weight to a minimum. Despite its low weight, the car is quite stable, mainly due to the McPherson type suspension with drop link hub carrier at the front.
The sedan is assimilated with innovative technologies and has impressive interiors and exteriors. The front is stylish and has a short front grille on the radiator with daytime lights on its sides. In order to give the car a coupe-like impression, the B-pillars of the car have been painted black by the manufacturer. The rear has a sporty look due to twin exhausts and LED taillights that are reminiscent of a paw. The manufacturer will provide a wide range of choices in terms of colours and alloy wheels to customise the 508.
The interiors are comfortable and very exquisite, with quality seats and upholstery. On the dashboard a retractable display, placed close to the driver, shows data about current speed, navigation instructions and cruise control. The car has a unique mechanism that allows it to unlock the vehicle as soon as the keys come in its vicinity, even if they are in the driver’s pockets. The driver can lock the car by just rubbing the door handles, an unseen feature in Indian sedans. Buyers can select interior leather upholstery shades from various hues, allowing them to personalise the vehicle.
In terms of dimensions, the Peugeot 508 is 4792 mm in length, 2068 mm in width (with open rear view mirrors) and 1456 mm in height. The long wheelbase of the car (2817 mm) allows it to offer sufficient legroom to the passengers, while the 600 Litre of boot space enables the occupants to store enough luggage for long holidays. Due to sufficient ground clearance, the car can be driven on rugged Indian roads smoothly.
In terms of safety, the Peugeot 508 has been assimilated with an innovative Braking System with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), speed limiter, headrests and Bi-Xenon directional headlamps. Along with these, six airbags, Peugeot’s Smartbeam Assistance and Peugeot Connect SOS system have also been equipped in the car. Such safety arrangements have enabled the car to attain a 5 star NCAP rating at the international level.
The Parallel Parking Guide is the parking assistance system of the 508, which senses whether the vehicle can be parked in any given space. This advanced system can also tell drivers how difficult parking the car will be, allowing them to park the vehicle optimally. The lightweight chassis of the car allows the drivers to handle the car with utmost ease, even at the most difficult corners.
