Nasim Sdn Bhd, the sole importer and distributor of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia has just officially launched the 508 facelift, bearing an exterior package that resonates rather nicely with the French automaker’s current design language.
It’s offered here in three trim levels and two body styles now, while the top-of-the-line GT variant will no longer be offered in a wagon form. Dimensions wise, the 508 sedan retains the same 2,817mm wheelbase, but the car is 38mm longer at 4,830mm – up from the previous 4,792mm. This growth however, translates to a longer front (16mm) and rear overhang (22mm).
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Peugeot 508 THP Sedan | Peugeot 508 THP SW | Peugeot 508 GT Sedan |
| Engine | 1,598cc; inline-4 with twin scroll turbo and VVT | 1,598cc; inline-4 with twin scroll turbo and VVT | 2,179cc; turbocharged inline-4 with VVT |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto | 6-speed auto | 6-speed auto |
| Max Power | 163 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 163 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 202 hp @ 3,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 240 Nm @ 1,250 – 4,250 rpm | 240 Nm @ 1,250 – 4,250 rpm | 450 Nm @ 2,000 – 2,750 rpm |
| 0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed | 9.2 seconds; 220 km/h | 9.2 seconds; 220 km/h | 8.4 seconds; 235 km/h |
| Price (OTR with insurance and GST) | RM | RM | RM |
EXTERIOR
The changes done unto the car is very visually telling, as you can see here. New on the D-Segment contender is its front fascia, of which includes a pair of all-new full-LED headlights, a revised grille where the Lion badge now sits (previously on the bonnet), redesigned lower intake and a pair of slender LED DRLs (that doubles as signal indicators) built above the LED fog lamps.
A view from the side reveals a new set of 18-inchers for the petrol powered variants, wrapped with 235/45 series Michelin Primacy HP tyres. At the back, the sedans get the tail lights redesigned while still retaining the brand’s signature three-clawed look. The wagon on the other hand, gets the same tail lamps as before, and the exhausts pipes – as with most French cars – are hidden, save for the GT variant which gets dual rectangular pipes.
On that front, the GT carries forward the same wheels as before, measuring 19-inch wrapped with 235/40 series Continental ContiSportContact 3 rubbers. Telling this variant apart from the rest can be easily done by spotting the GT badges placed on the grille and the fenders.
INTERIOR
Those of you who are familiar to the outgoing 508’s cabin will agree that not much has changed, well that’s because the car isn’t entirely new. But to go along with the brand’s direction of a less cluttered dash, the 508 facelift now comes with a 7-inch HD multifunction touchscreen. Like the recently launched 308 THP, it groups the following functionality into one space – GPS navigation, air conditioning, radio, USB, Bluetooth and DVD playback.
This inclusion means forgoing the knobs in the centre panel from before, making way for a mind bogglingly small storage box (slide to open and close). Completing the interior kit list are colour heads up display, quad-zone auto air conditioning, electric parking brake, keyless entry with push-start button, leather upholstered 8-way electric front seats with 4-way lumbar support and smart beam technology.
Also standard across the range is the 10-speaker JBL HiFi surround sound system with Arkamys audio processing software. Exclusive to the wagon is a class-leading (size wise) panoramic glass roof, whereas the GT variant gets Nappa upholstered seats with memory and massage function (for driver only). Pop the sedan’s trunk and you’ll find a cavernous 545 litres of boot space, while in the wagon you get up to 758 litres with the rear seats up. Fold them down and you get 1,244 litres in the sedan and 1,865 litres with the wagon for all your hauling needs.
PERFORMANCE
Two engines can be had here – either a 1.6-litre THP or the 2.2-litre turbodiesel HDi unit. The former is a carryover lump, but instead of making the 156hp of old, it is now tuned to make 163 hp at 5,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque from 1,450 to 4,250 rpm. It’s paired to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Sport mode, which together propel the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds before maxing out at 220 km/h. Fuel economy is rated at 7.1 litres per 100km.
Like before, the GT variant will be powered by a 2.2-litre oil burning motor that makes 202 hp at 3,500 rpm and 450 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 2,750 revolutions. This gets the same six-speed slush box, but manages the century sprint in 8.4 seconds while sipping 5.7 litres of diesel per 100km. Its top speed is 235 km/h. Both engines channel drive to the front wheels.
The petrol variants are sprung on Macpherson struts at the front, while the GT gets a double wishbone setup; the exact configurations as before. All variants however, share the same multi-arm suspension at the rear. Peugeot explains that the Macpherson-setup provides great road holding and ride comfort, whereas the GT’s setup allows for better rigidity and driving accuracy.
SAFETY
Here, the 508 excels. It’s got six airbags to boot, two Isofix fixtures for the rear seats, a new ‘curved’ head restraint, collapsible front structure to better absorb energy transfer in the event of an accident and Blind Spot Sensor System (BLISS; ironic, we know).
Other safety features include ESP, traction control, Dynamic Stability Control, Emergency Braking Assist and ABS with EBD. Also added as driving conveniences are cruise control with speed limiter and front and rear parking sensors.
WHAT ELSE?
The 508 comes packed with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and Peugeot 24 hours assistance. Customers can also benefit from the Peugeot Privilege programme, granting them the brand’s premium services such as the usage of Peugeot Lounge at Subang Skypark Terminal.
IMAGE GALLERY
2015 Peugeot 508 Launch
2015 Peugeot 508 GT
2015 Peugeot 508 THP Sedan
2015 Peugeot 508 THP SW
