The commercial difficulties of the Ford Mondeo, Opel Insignia, Renault Talisman and, even, the Queen Volkswagen Passat attest to the disenchantment of the public for the big sedans.Even premium brands have to cope with a slowdown in demand for this type of car.The solution to break this infernal circle may well come from the other bank of the Rhine.For several years, Audi, BMW and Volkswagen have been offering models mixing coupe and sedan genes.

The Waouh effect!

In a country where the automobile is deemed responsible for many ailments, it is rare to see the heads turn en masse when passing a new model.During our test, we could see that the new 508 was largely unscrewing the cous.Widely inspired by the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 Gran Coupé series, it is however the Volkswagen Arteon that the new Sochalian aims.In any case, the recipe is the same: give a lot of sex appeal to a family by providing it with a low and sporty line, even if it means sacrificing some practical aspects.To seduce, the Peugeot adds a secret ingredient, subtle allusions to the drawing of one of these successful ancestors, the 504.Both share a feline look and a sufficiently statutory grille that she overlooks their number.The 508 adds long fangs that act as both daytime fires and indicators.To boost its line, it uses, for the first time at this level of range at Peugeot, at a tailgate.Finally, the rear lights, similar to claws, take place in a large black banner.A style tip already seen on 3008 and 5008.

The show continues in the cabin with a low dashboard whose drawing, all in horizontality, forms a walk on which the touch screen of the multimedia system comes to land.This device is taken up from the latest models of the brand and is not distinguished by its size, only 10 ’’, or by the modernity of its services.On the other hand, the small chrome keys, arranged as the keyboard of a piano, which allow access directly to the main functions, add a touch of class.The i-Cockpit, that is to say the combination between a small double-flat steering wheel and a high-speed instrumentation handset, here 100% digital, is naturally part.It is a shame that Peugeot did not go to the end of his qualitative quest, the assembly of certain elements and the appearance of certain materials (glove box cover, part of the central console located between the front seats) n'being not yet at the best level.

More compact (-8 cm in length) and lower (-6 cm) than the one it replaces, the new 508 fishing in terms of rooftop.Taxis and VTC, great amateurs of the first opus, will have to turn to another frame, although Peugeot claims to have kept as many places for the legs of the bench occupants.Likewise, with 487 l, the trunk is placed in the low average of the family.

Incisor

For this first dynamic meeting with the 508, we had the most powerful motorization, the 1.6 PureTech of 225 hp.A power that may seem ridiculous in the face of the impressive cavalry of the German rivals (up to 280 hp for the arteon, but beyond 400 hp for premium) but to build the image of the 508, the brand counts more onThe future rechargeable hybrid version, scheduled for next year.Once again, it is the EMP2 platform, that of the 308, which serves as a technical basis.No question, therefore, of an all -wheel drive.On the other hand, with this block, the eight -speed automatic box is imposed.This choice does not prevent the 508 from remaining in the cycle weight category (1,420 kg).

Hands-free key in his pocket, it is now time to go to the road test.From the first meters, the engine/box torque is distinguished by its softness of operation.Whatever the pressure on the accelerator, the gear passages are imperceptible, except during certain rapid downgrades.The suspensions, controlled in series with the PureTech 225 hp, very effectively absorb the different roughness.Only brutal compressions are largely felt by the occupants, mainly because of the presence of large diameter rims and low side tires (18 ’’ in series, but 19 ’’ on our test model).On the highway, the different choices are however perfectly adapted.On more winding routes, on the other hand, the reminders are more laborious.It will not be necessary to hesitate to switch to sport mode.The shortening of the reporting time and the more direct response of the accelerator and the management encourages to make the car jump from one turn to another.Be careful, however, not to overestimate the capacities of the braking system in sport driving.The virtual absence of roll and the bite of the front axle make the 508 extremely pleasant to lead.We then come to regret that Peugeot does not implant the variant 270 hp, that of the 308 GTI, of this 1.6.Tilting a driving mode to another also influences the firmness of the suspension.But whatever the driver's choice, the 508 remains one of the references in the category.

Grand Tourism

The 508 1.6 PureTech 225 hp is only available with the GT finish level, top of the range.If its presentation is rather focused on sport (enveloping seats with leather/alcantare upholstery, specific grille, etc.), the equipment leaves a large part to luxury (woodwork, electric seats, etc.) and technology (adaptive cruise control, systemFocal hi-fi…).Finally nothing but very normal for a sedan appearing at € 46,000.The security package is complete in series but it is however possible to complete it from the Night Vision, an infrared camera which makes it possible to detect obstacles beyond the range of headlights (€ 1,400 optional).In this category, this is a first in terms of a generalist brand.

Balance sheet

We were waiting for this new 508 firmly.Did the services be up to its captivating line?After several hundred kilometers at its wheel, it must be recognized that the car does not disappoint.The pleasure and the pleasure it dispensation are largely above the lot, and the price/equipment ratio remains correct.And those who deplore the smallness of the rear seats will always be able to fall back on the SW version, whose commercial launch will take place next January.With these two configurations, Peugeot's commercial objectives (do as well as the first generation) should be easily achieved.