Fleet And Personal Car Reviews-An Unbiased Review Of The Peugeot 508 2.0 HDi

Jackie De Burca (SubmitYOURArticle.com)
May 15, 2011

http://www.cwa-europe.com

For fleet or personal use, there are pros and cons for the Peugeot 508 2.0 HDi, such as the e-HDI version is extremely efficient, yet on the downside the ride is more firm than smooth; kind of like a robust rather than a silky smooth effect! But it must be said that the Peugeot 508 2.0 HDi is a highly refined and efficient model with a well-designed and practical cabin. However the entry level models do not come well equipped and many competitor models are significantly more spacious.

Peugeot launched the RCZ coupe, 5008 and 3008 which were the last three models and were quite appreciated by the public. This also works favorably for launching the latest model. It replaces the 407 which was considered to be having a heavy handed design, with a more elegant and stylish design unlike the old model. The front overhang is shorter in the 508, whereas the compartment for passenger at the rear is longer. This gives it a well-proportioned look which was missing with its predecessor.

Compared to the 407, the interiors have much more space and are made of much better quality materials. This gives the 508 a look of a premium car and can now compete with other cars of this class.

Peugeot has a distinct advantage compared to the Mondeo from Ford and Passat from Volkswagen, as it has a quite a few new introductions and is totally unique in its build.

The new introduction is the HDi 1.6 litre engine which is based on the superior e-HDi technology. The stop-start system is much advanced coupled with a transmission which is sequential and electronic. The stop-start system is better than others in its class, as the engine stays shut for a longer time. The system cuts off the engine when the car reaches a speed below 5mph and will remain off until the driver removes his foot from the brake pedal.

There are also other two new engines which is an aspirated 1.6 liter with 120bhp and a turbocharged version with 156bhp. Both are manual versions with 150g/km CO2 emissions. There is also a revised version of a diesel 2.0 liter engine.

The manual 2.0 HDi delivers 140bhp and if you want more power you can go for the automatic six-speed version delivering 163bhp. As for the equipment the models are divided into five grades which include a SR model which targets fleet requirements.

The entry-level models, Access, are equipped with air conditioning, running daytime lights, USB socket, CD or radio and plastic trims for the steel wheels. The SR models will also have covered steering wheel in leather, Bluetooth enabled navigation, Peugeot's SOS Connect, alloys of 16 inches and an air conditioning system having dual zones.

Next in line is the Active model and after that come Allure and lastly the GT. GT model comes with the latest 2.2 liter diesel engine giving 204bhp and a six speedtransmission system which is automatic.

This model surprisingly produces only 150g/km of CO2 emission compared to the SW which gives off 154g/km. The equipment in the GT includes running LED daytime lights, head-up display in color, xenon headlamps and leather trim.

Both engines give an effortless performance and the comfort levels and refinement are really good. The manual electronic shift of the 1.6 e-HDI is quite smooth compared to the gear shifting which was available with these systems about 12 years ago.

The gear box is also very consistent in its performance and delivers good economy compared to the usual manual transmission. Even though the engine delivers 112bhp the performance on the road is quite good and comfortable.

Compared to this the 2.0 HDi has a better response, but emits 125g/km of CO2 emission which is only 1g/km higher, but has the e-HDi technology which makes it more appealing.

Peugeot has the tradition of large estates and saloons like the 405, but these models although large are quite easy to maneuver on twisted roads.

As for ease of driving it is a tough choice between this model and Mondeo. But the Peugeot 508 2.0 HDi wins hands down over Vauxhall Insignia and the Passat as a possible fleet car or personal use choice.

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Jackie reviews the Peugeot 508 2.0 HDi, without bias for both fleet and personal car buyers. She writes for the blog of UK motor fleet insurance company, Cover 4 Fleet Insurance, who have been serving insurance customers for over 60 years.
http://www.cover4fleetinsurance.co.uk/motor-fleet-insurance.html