Road test review: Peugeot 508 GT wagon
Wednesday, 25 September 2019
**PEUGEOT 508 GT WAGON
Base price:** $57,990
Powertrain and performance: 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four, 169kW/300Nm, 8-speed automatic, FWD, Combined economy 7.5 litres per 100km, 132g/km CO2.
Vital statistics: 4778mm long, 1420mm high, 2793mm wheelbase, luggage capacity 530 litres, 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/40 tyres.
We like: Sensational looks, strong and economical engine, amazing interior, eager handling.
We don't like: They still don't quite get the details right…
With the dominance of SUVs in our new car sales figures, you may question whether it is a wise idea to release a new sedan or wagon into the market. But then you see the Peugeot 508 GT and wonder why anyone would buy an SUV…
So what's new?
Most of it - the 508 sits on Peugeot's EMP2 platform that debuted under the 308 in 2013 and forms the basis of the vast majority of the PSA Group range, but everything else is new. And stunning.
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Peugeot only offers the 508 in high-spec GT form in New Zealand, so the wagon comes fully-loaded. Automatic LED headlights, heated electrically adjustable seats (with a massage function), active suspension (with three settings), a premium 10 speaker audio system, 19-inch alloy wheels, a handsfree tailgate, keyless entry and start, wireless phone charging, a customisable 12.3-inch HD instrument screen and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system all come as standard. In fact the only options available (apart from a couple of premium paint options) are for Nappa leather ($3,000), a night vision system ($3,500) and a panoramic sunroof ($2,500).
Our test car had the red leather option and the night vision package, topping it out at $63,450 and making it feel like a car worth at least $20,000 more than that.
How does it all come together?
Spectacularly well.
Not only does the 508 look fantastic on the outside, the interior is stunning as well. The optional red Nappa leather is supply luxurious and looks amazing, while the rest of the interior gives far pricier European competitors a run for their money in terms of design, as well as quality. Well, largely - there are still a few areas of hard plastics and some traditionally French ergonomic oddities present, but they are very few and far between.
The 508 backs up its sexy looks on the road as well, with the comparatively small 1.6-litre engine proving itself strong, totally willing to give everything it has and impressively smooth and refined all at the same time. It is also impressively frugal, with achieving something close to the claimed consumption figures being a relatively easy thing to do.
The 8-speed transmission is excellent under the majority of circumstances, but can get a bit flustered by aggressive driving on occasion.
Peugeot claims a 0 to 100 time of 7.4 seconds for the 508 GT wagon, which is a number that doesn't do justice to its real world performance - the healthy torque figure that peaks at 2,500rpm hangs around for a long time, giving the 508 some impressive mid-range punch.
The biggest upside of the small yet punchy engine is the 508's handling - having relatively little weight over the nose means it is delightfully sharp and responsive to driver inputs, as well as being beautifully composed and confident through corners.
It is also wonderfully adjustable in corners, with the perfectly weighted steering being brilliantly accurate - making up for its relative lack of feel - and the whole car feels wonderfully supple and fluid on a winding road.
Any other cars I should consider?
While mid-size wagons are an endangered species these days, the 508 GT wagon still has a few natural competitors, such as the most obvious one - the Mazda6, particularly the $58,695 Takami model that pumps out the same power as the 508, but way more torque (420Nm) from its 2.5-litre turbo engine.
Ford still offers a Mondeo wagon - with the more basic Trend model being cheaper, but the higher-spec hybrid landing at a similar price to the 508 - while Holden's Commodore offers a similarly European wagon experience, albeit with more plastic and less flair.
Skoda's $59,990 Octavia RS is a compellingly sporty competitor, while the larger 162kW Superb Sportline lands at $60,990 and is equally worthy of consideration.
To get a similar interior experience, however, you need to look at the more expensive cars the 508 is actually aimed at - the Audi A4, BMW 3 series and Mercedes C-class - all of which are at least $20,000 more than the Peugeot.
While you could make the argument that any number of medium SUVs are also competitors for a medium wagon, there is literally nothing that matches the 508 GT's sleek, sexy looks or sharp, fluid handling. It's basically proof that you don't have to give up on enjoying life just to get more space.