Peugeot 508 meant for mid and large

Peugeot Australia wants the new 508 range to cause a stir in the medium and large car segments. Sharply priced, spacious and well-stocked, the sedan and Touring (wagon) models will start at $36,990 and $42,490 respectively.

Initial offerings include two diesel options for the sedan: a 2.0-litre for the ‘Allure’ model or 2.2-litre for the range-topping GT version, starting at $52,990. Each use a six-speed automatic with paddle-shift; no manual models will be made available locally.

The Touring is first on sale with the 2.0-litre diesel and six-speed, for $45,990. A 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine will be added to the lineup later this year, in addition to the ‘Active’ specification for the sedan, dropping the entry prices. See manufacturer’s RRP, below.

Peugeot Australia also intends introducing the new 1.6-litre e-HDi engine to the 508 range by the end of the year. Offered in the sedan only, the model features stop-start function and combined cycle consumption rating of 4.4L/100km. Pricing for the e-HDi 508 sedan will sit between the Active sedan and Allure 2.0-litre HDi, at around $38K.

Peugeot planned for the 508 to replace the outgoing midsize 407 and large, luxury 607 models. Locally, at least, the brand wants to appease buyers in both the medium and large car segments. According to Peugeot Australia’s Managing Director Ken Thomas, the 508 technically meets criteria -- admittedly grey -- to suit Australia’s VFACTS segmentation for the Large Car market.

“We felt comfortable it was [placed] there. In the long-term strategy we need a large car,” said Thomas. The segment is in fact Peugeot’s “heartland”, say company spokespersons. They also believe the 508 will suit the fleet market where buyers “don’t want to compromise on space.”

The likes of Ford (for Mondeo) and Skoda (Superb), and makers of SUV models argue for their place in certain segments, says Thomas. “Does it really matter to the customer where it sits on a VFACTS report? It’s how the market sees it,” he suggests.

Peugeot Australia sees the 508 entering “fertile ground” in the medium and large car segments, with the Mondeo, Superb, VW’s Passat and some Japanese offerings in its sights.

Visit motoring.com.au again for our upcoming drive review of the new Peugeot 508.

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