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Peugeot 508 Fastback 2021 Review

Alan Zurvas

The MY 20 Peugeot 508 handsome, very handsome indeed. Peugeot 508 comes in a single trim level, the GT, with a fastback and Sportswagon to select from.

The front end dominated by dazzling LED lights, a waterfall grille, and DTRLs that cut deeply into the bumper. They double as idicators, to make the light display even more stunning.

The 4 cylinder, 165kw/300Nm engine drives the front wheels, through ab 8 speed automatic.

The low roofline might sweep gracefully rearward , but as chic as this is, rear headroom suffers.

The rear end is a triumph. With power off, the array is part of the black trim, and busrsts into life once the ignition is fired up.

Finally, a cross cut design makes the optional 19” alloys fill the wheel arches.

Peugeot 508 GT Look

I’m trying to remember how I felt, the first time I saw this shrine to design. I drooled over the pics from the press releases, and imagined caressing the voluptuous curves, but in the back of my mind, I wondered if it would be a folly of form over function

It has a delicious look

Peugeot 508 GT Cabin:

The interior is an elegant design, with the finely tailored look of a private jet.

508 looks like no expense was spared. To make this good news all the more piquant, there are one or two areas where a corner may have been cut. I’m not at all fussed on the carbon-fibre-effect. It looks ok on the dash, but the doors don’t seem to have quite the same quality feel. The same goes for the section of body normally concealed by the rear door’s ¼ window. Let’s forgive these minor transgressions and move on.

Rear seats are bijou. The low roof means that the poor pews are vertically challenged only. Taller peeps will touch cloth.

In any case, I’d rather be up front with the cool kids.

The cockpit wraps around the driver, and “i-Cockpit” lays out instruments and controls in a very precise way. The smalls wheel and digital dash are meant to remove the need for an HUD. I disagree.

Seats gently massage, and have presets for powered adjustments. The quilted leather looks plus, and come standard with sliding front.

There are 2 X usb sockets under the main console. They’re very hard to get to, but aren’t clearly labelled. One connects to USB streaming and the other to CarPlay, and you have to find out which is which. What’s annoying is that whenever you connect to USB, the system switches from what ever entertainment you had previously been using. Both front USBs charge, plus there is a Qi wireless pad for good measure.


Then there is the climate control, but the dual zone controls lock out the driver when the car is started. You either have to operate the passenger’s side to leave “mono” mode (Peugeot-Speak for sync) or use the climate menu to deactivate then reactivate “mono”. Only then is the driver side slide control working again. What a fuss.

The lights come on at night, and have auto high beam. The wipers have both an intermittent and automatic function, but there is no adjustment for timing.

In summary, the cabin is restful, beautiful, and desirable.

See the full list of features HERE> Peugeot 508 Specifications 2020

What is the Peugeot 508 GT like to drive:

Once in reverse, the cameras stitch together a simulated view in 360° surround view, which is not as good as a proper top down view.

The selector has a button for semi-automated parking, which works well but will no doubt see little use.

You may think a small 1.6L is not powerful, but it is plenty. It is supremely smooth and linier, but 165kw has its limits and as high-revving as it is, it runs out of puff.

For me, comfort mode is the sweet spot. The steering is light, and active suspension is comfortable as most speeds.

Automated driving has come far, and the Peugeot 508 GT does a near perfect job of watching keeping you in the lane. But, beware: Auto steering has a habit of deserting you when you least expect it.

There is more than enough power for most uses. 508 cruises highways with all the aplomb of a jet-liner.

508 proves the halcyon days of motoring are alive and well.

Conclusion:

The drive is simply delicious.

I love 508 for all its quirky complexity.

There is no sunroof, but I am OK with that. Besides it won’t fit in the fancy curved exterior roof profile.

One thing for sure, every single moment of your journey will be 100% memorable.

Peugeot 508 GT Specifications:

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