New Peugeot 508 prices released

This is the updated Peugeot 508, which will go on sale this autumn. 

Peugeot says that the design and technology changes showcased on the 508 will be rolled out across all future Peugeots in coming years and signify the start of its move upmarket.

The new 508 will make its debut at this year’s Moscow and Chengdu motor shows – highlighting Peugeot's sales focus in the Eastern European and Chinese markets – before being displayed at the Paris motor show in October.

It will still be available as a saloon, estate or in rugged RXH estate specification.

What’s changed?

Peugeot has modified the 508's suspension to deliver 'an impressive combination of good ride comfort and road holding', in response to criticism of the 508's on-road behaviour.

However, interior quality has long been a strength, and the new 508 will capitalise on this by having new, higher-quality cabin materials. It will also get a standard seven-inch touch-screen, while a head-up display that projects basic information and navigation instructions on to a popup screen in front of the driver will be available as an option.

Outside, there's a new front grille, which will gradually appear on all future Peugeots. LED daytime running lights, indicators and foglights will standard throughout the range, while range-topping models will also get LED headlights.

The bonnet design is also flatter, while the rear bumper and tail-lights have been modified.

What engines can I choose from?

Buyers can choose from two new diesel engines; either a 148bhp 2.0-litre or a 178bhp 2.0-litre. The lower-powered motor is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox and emits 109g/km of CO2, while the 178bhp option is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox and emits 119g/km of CO2.

There will also be a range of existing diesel engines available that have been carried over from the outgoing 508. These will be the 1.6-litre e-HDi, a 2.0-litre HDi 140 and 163 diesel with either 138bhp or 161bhp, and a 197bhp 2.2-litre HDi.

The Hybrid4 diesel hybrid technology continues to be offered on the saloon and all-road RXH version. The 161bhp 2.0-litre HDi diesel engine is linked to a 36bhp electric motor that drives the rear wheels. In the saloon it's claimed to emit just 91g/km of CO2 and do an average of 85.6mpg.

How much equipment does it come with?

New kit includes blind spot sensors and a colour reversing camera.

The revised 508 also gets keyless entry and start, an electronic parking brake, automatic full beam and four-zone climate control, as well as a JBL designed audio system.

The touch-screen also connects to Peugeot Connect Apps, which can display real-time information such as nearby parking spaces, fuel prices at filling stations plus traffic and weather information.

What does it cost?

Prices for the Peugeot 508 will start at £22,054 for the 1.6-litre 115 e-HDi Active saloon and £23,245 for the SW Estate, which come equipped with sat-nav, 18-inch wheels, rear parking sensors and dual-zone climate control.

Allure models add front parking sensors, keyless entry and go, electric parking brake and reversing camera, with prices for the same engine in the saloon starting at £24,895 and £26,295 for the SW, which also includes a panoramic sunroof.

The GT spec comes with the 2.2-litre HDi 200 diesel engine and is priced at £30,645 and £32,045 for both the saloon and SW bodies respectively. This trim level brings a head-up display, 19-inch wheels and nappa leather.

Finally, the all-road RXH model is offered in SW Estate form only. You can choose between the 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 diesel engine that costs £30,295, or the 2.0-litre HDi diesel-electric Hybrid4 priced at £34,645. Additional spec includes half-leather trim and electrically adjustable front seats.

Target Price discounts have traditionally ranged from £1500 to £3000, with brokers offering cars at even greater savings. Despite Peugeot looking to curtail discounts, our advice is to negotiate hard for savings of 5-10% from the outset.

How good are its rivals?

The Peugeot 508 has traditionally faced an uphill fight against family and company car rivals such as the Skoda Octavia, Mazda 6, Ford Mondeo and VW Passat. Even with these upgrades, the 508 will be fighting to compete with such quality opposition.

Provided you shop carefully on engine and trim specification, the Skoda Octavia would currently be our pick of the bunch. However, it is worth noting that both the Mondeo and Passat are due to be replaced later this year.