Peugeot 508 GT review

Joel Helmes has filed this Peugeot 508 GT review.

If you’re thinking about buying a vehicle that’s a little different and a little exotic then you have to be prepared to answer questions about that car.

These questions will come when you stop to buy petrol or in shopping centre car parks.

I was asked a whole bunch of questions about the Peugeot 508 GT by a policeman while stopped for a random breath test.

He was genuinely interested in the all glass roof, 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine, and luxurious appointments.

But then the good policeman made a very astute observation – no matter how good it is Australian’s won’t buy it.

That’s true and also a touch disappointing.

The Peugeot 508 GT is a car well worth considering if you want the perfect mix of sports car like acceleration and handling, a cabin that’s decked out with all the luxuries, great fuel economy, and the versatility of a family station wagon.

The GT is powered by the larger 2.2 litre intercooled turbo diesel engine (the regular 508 comes with a 2.0 litre turbo diesel) that delivers a healthy 150kW’s and a sensational 450Nm.

That means put your foot down, particularly in sports mode, and you’ll get well and truly pushed back into your sumptuous leather seat.

But the best part of the engine is how frugal it is, I drove it all week mostly in sports mode and with a half a tank of fuel leftover the trip computer was telling me I still had a range of over 470k’s!

I averaged 9.0 litres per 100 in 100% city driving.

The official combined figure is 5.9 litres which is extraordinary given the grunt this engine has.

A few of the other really positive points in the Peugeot 508 GT include an overall feeling of luxury in the cabin, nice and easy to use GPS and stereo control system, functional heads up display on the dash, generous rear cargo area, and lovely steering and handling.

My test car was also fitted with a few extra’s including the premium electric leather seats ($2500), premium JBL Stereo and GPS ($2300), electronic tailgate ($1000), metallic paint ($800), and 19’ alloy wheels ($500).

So be prepared to hand over more than just the starting price if considering a 508 GT.

Another aspect of the vehicle I liked was the clever placement of the wing mirrors back around 100mm from the “A” pillar; this really helps improve frontal visibility.

The aspects of the Peugeot 508 GT that I felt could have been better are few, there’s really only the one complaint I can make and that’s a lack of interior storage spots.

With nowhere to put your mobile phone and other odds and ends, a small glove box and relatively small door pockets I can’t help but feel this was a bit of an oversight by the designers.

It also seems a little odd that a premium wagon like this doesn’t even come with the option of a rear reversing camera.

Overall however the Peugeot is a lovely car, nice to drive, great engine, sensational fuel economy, and well built.

The Peugeot 508 GT starts from $55,990.

NUTS & BOLTS

Engine: 2.2Litre inter-cooled turbo diesel four cylinder

Transmission: Six speed automatic

Safety: 5 Star ANCAP rated

Economy: 5.9L per 100 combined

Price: $55,990