2019 Peugeot 508 GT Review Review

Hasn’t Peugeot sold a 508 before?

It has. This is the second-generation 508, and unusually it’s 80mm shorter than before and 60mm lower too – most cars grow from one generation to the next, but the new dimensions contribute towards a sleeker, more planted look than the rather ungainly first model. The saloon body shape has evolved into an attractive five-door ‘fastback’ too, with frameless windows for the side doors – a trick usually reserved for pricier models and exotic coupes – and a large tailgate hinged at the roof. Topped off with fang-like LED headlights and our GT test car’s standard 19-inch alloys, the 508 has an attractive, sophisticated presence.

There’s a choice of four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, and five trim levels: Active, Allure, GT Line, GT and the First Edition, which is limited to 200 units in the UK. We’re testing the 508 here in GT trim, with the top-spec turbodiesel engine – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder that promises 178bhp with up to 50.6mpg and 124g/km CO2.

What’s the interior like?

It GT trim, the overwhelming impression is of an interior brimming with both elegance and quality. The dramatic instrument panel sweeps across wide and low, with the effect emphasized by sleek air vents and an elongated digital instrument cluster (Peugeot calls it ‘i-Cockpit’) that’s sometimes obscured by an extremely small steering wheel. A 10-inch capacitive touchscreen takes pride of place in the centre of the dash, with smart satin-chrome shortcut keys beneath. This infotainment system is easy enough to use, but there’s no doubt the Germans do it better.

Material quality is high, whether that’s the authentic full-grain Nappa leather seats or the less authentic – if still striking – woven carbonfibre-effect strip in the instrument panel and the soft-touch plastic on the upper section of the dashboard that does a passable impression of real leather.

The boot offers more luggage space than a 3-series saloon at 487 litres, though a shorter wheelbase than the BMW means there’s less space for rear-seat passengers, if still more than enough to have four six footers on board in comfort. Standard massage seats are a real plus, and help to alleviate any discomfort the relatively firm seatbacks might give.

How does the Peugeot 508 drive?

Just like the design team, Peugeot’s chassis engineers have taken their own path when it comes to dynamics, with highly impressive results. The suspension lulls gently without ever feeling sloppy (and can be firmed up at the push of a button), the turbodiesel gives easy, muscular performance from low revs with excellent noise suppression, and the eight-speed auto shifts with both speed and silky finesse.

This relaxed, refined character partly disguises a chassis that proves surprisingly engaging on a twisty road, with grip to spare, supple damping, quick steering and no shortage of performance. The 508 is quick point-to-point in a manner that almost creeps up on you, and while it’s not as dynamic as a 3-series, there’s still plenty of enjoyment to be had.

In an nutshell

The Peugeot 508 GT makes a highly likeable alternative to the default German choices, with a distinctly French design that trades aggression for elegance, offers a spacious, comfortable, luxurious-feeling interior and a drive that strikes an extremely good compromise between the comfort and performance you’re most likely to appreciate in typical driving and the ability to engage its driver when roads get twistier. If a BMW 3-series is too predictable, then a used Peugeot 508 is definitely worth a look. You can view the entire range of used Peugeot available on finance with ChooseMyCar.

Similar car reviews

Also in the Peugeot 508 range is the Peugeot 508 SW, is the estate version of Peugeot’s second-generation 508 which was launched in 2018. With more headroom than a traditional saloon and rear seats that fold flat, it’s a great alternative family car if you need the extra space.

Sticking with French car manufacturers, you cannot discount the Renault Megane R.S Trophy either, the feisty, sport version of the Megane, it’s a real bundle of energy.

A slight alternative to the Peugeot’s and Renaults, is the German classic baby hatchback, the VW Polo. The latest model has sharp looks and a generous amount of space inside.

Sticking with estate cars, the Volvo V60 is spacious, has smart interiors and fantastic seats, as well as it’s city safety autonomous braking as standard, it’s a serious choice for any family car.

Finally, the humble Ford Focus has quietly and consistently been in the top 10 selling cars in the UK market, with its blend of practicality, versatility and slick gearboxes, it’s always been a popular choice with consumers.