Road Test: Peugeot 508 GT 225
The majority of 508s will be diesel-powered but Martyn Collins finds out if the range-topping petrol is also worth a look.
SECTOR: Upper Medium PRICE: £36,014 FUEL: 36.3-39.8mpg (WLTP) CO2: 131g/km (NEDC Correlated)
The 508 Fastback might have come to the UK last year, but this upper-medium Peugeot’s popularity and rarity have meant that we’ve only just got behind the wheel of the hatch, this time in range-topping GT trim with the 225hp, 1.6-litre petrol.
Could this be the best-looking car in the upper medium class? I think so. Highlights start at the front with the distinctive, and tooth-like, vertical running lights, the arch-filling and GT-specific 19-inch alloy wheels, sporty and coupé-like roof line, plus the frameless doors, both front and back.
Inside, the latest version of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit – featuring the high-set dashboard and small steering wheel – sits well with the curvy exterior look. As I suggested in my first drive of the SW estate (January 2019 issue), the 508 is a car that’s hard to get comfortable with straight away, but after a week with this GT Fastback – I didn’t think it was a problem. In fact, the only issues with interior space, are the so-so rear leg and headroom and the shallow 487-litre boot – although this can be extended to 1,537 litres with the split rear seat folded.
Tech-wise, the optional (£1,800) Night Vision pack fitted to this test car impressed, picking out pedestrians easily on dark, country roads.
On the road, the refined and impressively composed ride – despite the big wheels fitted to the 508 GT – impresses more than the performance which, considering the 0-62mph acceleration in 7.3 seconds and double-tonne horse power, didn’t feel as quick off the mark as expected – even when making your own changes via the column-mounted paddles of the standard EAT8 eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Still, Peugeot is predicting 80% of business buyers will go for diesel, so petrol 508s will be a harder sell – especially considering this GT’s lofty £36,014 starting price.
FW RATING: 3/5