Just before the entry-ticket into the space of premium cars slotted at low end of the price spectrum, is the segment where full-sized executive sedans are available which are known for acres of legroom, wide bandwidth of creature comforts and generous amount of grunt and space making these a versatile package. However, many cars in the UAE have become so run off the mill that the segment for long, hankered for a sedan which was a jack of all trades, a master of all. Adding French flavour to this segment to spin a different vibe, the 508 GT aims to slam the competition with its striking looks and chiselled power in collation to the massive bump in power which it has received. Is it a car of substance or the competition will succeed in keeping it at bay from slicing a knife through its competitor’s shells using their brand image and calibre?
Design
Peugeot has come a long way from making designs which were vanilla to those which can do justice to the words, bold and elegant. The 508 is a testament to that vogue. The curves of its precursor bid adieu and in comes a flashier front fascia with LED lights that extend all the way to the bumper for an unmistakable first impression. The headlamps level automatically to brighten up the objects exactly in the direction the car is manoeuvring. Several silver-hued appliques on the grille eke out presence of objects from the universe and the hunkered bonnet look adds minimalism.
Its side profile is characterised by 19” diamond-cut alloy wheels with 235-section for the rubber. The rim and tire size looks commensurate with the car’s wheel arches and provide a taut stance to its otherwise subtle character. Exclusive to the GT-line, are gloss black bits for the window area silhouette and wing mirrors and the sporty GT badge accentuating the quarter glass. The most dramatic section of the exterior is the rear where a black strip underlines the width and swept-back tail lamps forming a leash add aggression.
Interior
The tale continues to catch your attention on the inside as well. A unique octagonal shaped steering wheel with buttons eking out tactility has become the norm with modern Peugeot cars. A crisp digital instrument binnacle apparently coming straight out of a sci-fi movie adds novelty factor and is an assurance of your money’s worth. In addition to this, faux veneers and aluminium ornate for the speakers, door handles, AC vents, switches, gear knob optimises the feel good factor and works well in unison with the blue ambient lighting. Toggle switches are becoming a rarity but the 508 offers it as an ode to the yesteryears. For a scintillating feeling, the car also receives a panoramic sunroof for rear occupants to devour the captivating scenery of the backdrop.
It’s a feature galore here with adaptive cruise control, alcantara seats with nappa leather embellishments, a 10” infotainment screen which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10 speaker acoustics system and a 360-degree camera for complete view of the surroundings even in obscure light to making driving and parking jobs easier.
Go to match the show
The mitochondria is a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine which dishes out a humongous 217 hp and 300 Nm of torque to give its fray, serious run for their money. If there was one chink in the armour earlier with the car, it was uninspiring performance. However, such numbers allude to progress with alacrity which will leave one’s mouth wide grinned. Adding to its performance credentials is an 8-speed automatic transmission which is anticipated to offer seamless and quick shifts while maintaining its fuel economy thanks to the perks of its turbocharged mill.
Verdict
After a thorough analysis of this scalding product from Peugeot, it can be unequivocally recommended to anyone in the market rummaging a package which does it all. Its only sore point-performance has been rectified with the addition of this trim. Valued at AED 139,900 Peugeot has nailed the pricing of this car by which it obliterates its Japanese, American and Korean rivals. It’s worth ogling at its panache and taking a test drive.
