Peugeot 508: Your Ultimate UK Buyer's Guide

The Peugeot 508 has carved out a distinct niche in the UK market, offering a compelling blend of French flair, efficient engineering, and practical versatility. Whether you're eyeing the sleek saloon or the capacious SW estate, understanding the nuances of this sophisticated vehicle is key to making an informed decision. From its impressive fuel economy figures to its capabilities as a tow car, and the intricacies of its various trim levels, this comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about the Peugeot 508.

Unpacking the Peugeot 508's Fuel Economy and Tax Implications

One of the primary considerations for any car buyer in the UK is the running cost, and the Peugeot 508 offers a remarkably broad spectrum when it comes to fuel economy. According to official figures, the Peugeot 508's fuel economy ranges dramatically between an impressive 50mpg and an astonishing 275mpg. This wide range highlights the availability of various powertrain options, including highly efficient diesel and petrol engines, as well as the advanced plug-in hybrid variants that can offer exceptional economy under specific driving conditions, particularly on shorter journeys with regular charging.

The lower end of the spectrum, around 50mpg, would typically apply to more powerful petrol or less efficient diesel engines under certain driving conditions, or perhaps the non-hybrid models. The higher figures, especially those approaching 275mpg, are almost certainly attributable to the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models when driven optimally, utilising their electric-only range before the petrol engine kicks in. For everyday driving, a conventional petrol or diesel 508 will likely sit somewhere in the middle of this range, still offering competitive efficiency for its class. It's crucial for prospective buyers to consider their typical driving patterns to accurately gauge the real-world fuel economy they can expect.

Understanding Peugeot 508 UK Car Tax

When it comes to vehicle excise duty, commonly known as road tax or car tax, the Peugeot 508 adheres to the standard UK rates. The standard UK car tax rate is currently £195 per year. However, it's important to note that you may also be subject to higher rates based on your car’s emission levels, particularly if the vehicle had a list price over £40,000 when new. This 'premium' rate is an additional charge that applies for five years from the second time the vehicle is taxed, and it's something to factor in if you're considering a higher-specification or a newer used model that originally breached that threshold. For precise figures, always check the specific vehicle's registration details against the current VED rates.

Exploring Used Peugeot 508 Costs and Trim Levels

The used car market offers an excellent opportunity to acquire a Peugeot 508, with prices varying significantly based on age, mileage, condition, and crucially, the trim level and engine choice. The 508 boasts a well-structured hierarchy of trim levels, each adding more features and enhancing the overall ownership experience.

Peugeot 508 Trim Levels Explained:

• Active: As the entry-level trim, the Active still offers a generous array of features. Expect 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control for passenger comfort, rear parking sensors to aid manoeuvring, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen that serves as the hub for media and vehicle settings.
• Allure: Stepping up to the Allure trim brings a more premium feel. Enhancements include a larger 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, heated front seats for those chilly mornings, and half-leather upholstery that adds a touch of sophistication to the cabin.
• GT Line: For those seeking a sportier aesthetic and enhanced lighting, the GT Line is an attractive option. It features 18-inch alloy wheels, advanced LED headlights for superior night visibility, tinted windows for privacy and style, and sports seats designed to offer better support.
• GT: The top-spec GT trim represents the pinnacle of the 508 range, offering luxury and advanced technology. Key features include larger 19-inch alloy wheels, active suspension for a more refined and adaptable ride, full leather upholstery, and an electric tailgate for convenient boot access.

Engine Options and Performance:

On the road, the Peugeot 508 presents a bit of a mixed bag regarding its powertrain options, though each has its merits:

• 1.5-litre 130 Diesel: This engine is noted for its smoothness and refinement, making it a pleasant companion for longer journeys. However, some drivers might find it feels a little underpowered, especially when fully loaded or requiring brisk acceleration.
• 2.0 BlueHDi Diesel (161bhp & 174bhp): The 161bhp version offers a good balance of power and efficiency. The 174bhp unit, in particular, provides plenty of oomph for confident overtaking and motorway cruising, and like the 1.5, it maintains a reasonable level of refinement.
• 1.6 Puretech Petrol (179bhp): For those who prefer petrol, the 179bhp 1.6 Puretech is a smooth, responsive, and more spirited performer than its diesel counterparts. Its main drawback is that it doesn't pull quite so well from low revs, requiring a bit more work through the gears for maximum effect.
• 1.5 Petrol (221bhp): This engine delivers a noticeable amount of extra shove and stands as the quickest option in the line-up. While exhilarating, it is also typically the most costly to run, making it a choice for performance enthusiasts willing to accept higher fuel bills.

The Peugeot 508 SW: A Stylish and Stable Tow Car

The Peugeot 508 SW, the estate version of the 508, combines distinctive looks with efficient engines and a long list of standard kit, positioning it as a strong rival in the family estate car segment. While perhaps not the roomiest estate on the market, its capabilities as a tow car are particularly noteworthy.

Weight and Towing Prowess:

The 508 SW offers a choice of petrol and diesel engines, along with a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid. We specifically examine the 2.0 BlueHDI 160 diesel, which comes paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. With a kerbweight of 1575kg (including an assumed 75kg for the driver, not always included in Peugeot’s published figures), the 508 SW’s heft is well in line with expectations for a diesel estate car of its size. This robust weight contributes significantly to its stability when towing.

The 85% match figure, a commonly used guideline for safe towing, is 1339kg. This figure is comfortably well within the legal towing limit of 1800kg, indicating that the 508 SW can confidently handle a wide range of caravans and trailers. When tested with a caravan weighing 1282kg, the 2.0 BlueHDI engine’s 295lb ft of torque proved highly effective. The 508 easily pulled the caravan up to speed, although there was sometimes a brief hesitation from the gearbox before downshifting under hard acceleration. On country roads, the Peugeot felt remarkably stable and secure, its ample pulling power making it simple to maintain speed on undulating terrain.

Even in challenging conditions, such as wet weather and a hill-start, the 508 SW performed admirably. The electronic parking brake held the car and caravan securely and released smoothly without any rollback. Despite a brief moment of wheelspin, the Peugeot towed to the top of the hill without fuss. On motorways, the car continued to impress, holding 60mph effortlessly and showing no signs of strain. Aside from a couple of slight wobbles when encountering HGVs, the 508 SW towed straight and true, instilling confidence for long-distance journeys. Its towing capabilities are certainly a strong selling point.

Everyday Driving Experience:

While the 508 SW drives well, it might not offer the same engaging experience as a Mazda 6 Estate, nor the outright comfort of a Škoda Superb Estate. The steering is light but responsive in its normal setting. Switching to sport mode through a button press adds more weight to the steering and sharpens the accelerator and gearbox responses. However, the 508 is better suited as a high-speed cruiser than a nimble cross-country sprinter. It handles competently but isn't likely to encourage you to take the scenic, twisty route home.

The Peugeot truly excels on A-roads and motorways. The high-speed ride is firm but composed and comfortable, making long journeys a pleasure. Apart from some road noise emanating from the larger tyres, the cabin remains quiet and serene. Around town, the ride can feel less supple, and sharp bumps can catch the car out. Nevertheless, it is far from harsh, and many would happily accept this minor trade-off for the exceptional control it offers at speed, both when towing and driving solo. Without a caravan in tow, the 2.0-litre engine allows the 508 to accelerate briskly, and the gearbox swaps ratios smoothly.

Space and Practicality:

Estates are primarily judged on their practicality, especially boot space. In isolation, the 508 SW appears to be a spacious load-hauler, featuring a wide boot opening and a large, square space. However, if luggage room is your absolute top priority, the Peugeot’s 530-litre boot is somewhat dwarfed by competitors like the Škoda Superb Estate’s impressive 600 litres.

Despite this, the Peugeot makes excellent use of the space it provides. The tailgate can be opened and closed at the push of a button (often a £400 optional upgrade), and there’s only a minimal load lip, making it easy to lift items in and out. The rear seats split and fold in a 60/40 configuration, easily lowered using levers on either side of the tailgate. With the back seats folded, there’s no step to the floor, only a very slight slope, creating a near-flat loading area. The rear of the cabin offers plenty of headroom, though legroom is modest for a car of this size. Thoughtful touches include air vents between the front seats and a couple of USB ports for charging devices on the move. Front occupants enjoy ample space, and while the car’s small steering wheel might feel odd initially, it’s something drivers quickly adapt to. The infotainment system, however, can be a bit fiddly, and the USB ports are somewhat awkwardly positioned.

The Peugeot 508's Automatic Gearbox: Reliability and Maintenance

For those wondering about the automatic gearbox in the Peugeot 508, particularly in GT models, it's worth noting that these cars typically feature the AM6, also known as the TF-80SC. This gearbox is produced by Aisin Seiki Co., a Japanese company partly owned by Toyota, renowned for its reliability and widespread use across various manufacturers.

The AM6 / TF-80SC is a popular and reliable unit, found in a diverse range of vehicles including the Jaguar X-Type 2.2d, Volvo XC90 (V8 and 3.2L variants), Ford Mondeos, Mazdas, Citroëns, Opels (Vauxhall in the UK), and Saabs, among others. Its broad adoption is a testament to its robust design and smooth operation. Many owners praise its comfort and the near-imperceptible gear changes, particularly in later deployments which likely received software updates for enhanced performance in the 508.

However, a crucial point of advice for owners is to disregard the "sealed for life" propaganda often associated with automatic transmissions. While these gearboxes are generally durable, routine maintenance is vital for their longevity. Gearbox repairs can be prohibitively expensive, often making them uneconomical to undertake. To prevent issues, it is strongly recommended to get an oil flush every 60,000 km (approximately 40,000 miles), or even more frequently (e.g., every 40,000 km or 25,000 miles) if you regularly undertake towing or engage in spirited driving. This proactive maintenance will significantly extend the life of the transmission and help ensure its continued reliable performance.

Comparative Overview of Peugeot 508 Engines

To help you choose the right Peugeot 508, here's a brief comparison of the main engine types:

Frequently Asked Questions About the Peugeot 508

Q: What is the official fuel economy range for a Peugeot 508?

A: The official figures for the Peugeot 508's fuel economy range widely between 50mpg and 275mpg, largely depending on the specific engine and whether it's a plug-in hybrid model.

Q: How much is the standard car tax for a Peugeot 508 in the UK?

A: The standard UK car tax rate is currently £195. However, higher rates may apply if the car's original list price exceeded £40,000 when new.

Q: What features do the different Peugeot 508 trim levels offer?

A: Trim levels start with Active (17in alloys, dual-zone climate, 8in touchscreen), moving to Allure (10in touchscreen, heated seats, half-leather), GT Line (18in alloys, LED headlights, sports seats), and top-spec GT (19in alloys, active suspension, full leather, electric tailgate).

Q: Is the Peugeot 508 SW a good tow car?

A: Yes, the Peugeot 508 SW is considered a very capable and stable tow car. With a kerbweight of around 1575kg and a legal towing limit of 1800kg, its strong diesel engines provide excellent pulling power and road control, even when towing heavy loads on motorways and tackling hill-starts.

Q: What type of automatic gearbox does the Peugeot 508 GT use, and is it reliable?

A: The Peugeot 508 GT typically uses the AM6 (TF-80SC) automatic gearbox, produced by Aisin Seiki Co. It is widely regarded as reliable and popular across many car brands. Regular oil flushes (every 40,000-60,000 km) are recommended to ensure its longevity, despite 'sealed for life' claims.

Q: How does the Peugeot 508 SW's boot space compare to rivals?

A: The 508 SW offers a practical 530-litre boot. While spacious, it is slightly smaller than some rivals, such as the Škoda Superb Estate, which boasts 600 litres.

Conclusion: A Compelling Choice for the Discerning UK Driver

The Peugeot 508, in both its saloon and SW estate forms, presents a compelling package for UK drivers. Its broad range of efficient engines, including impressive fuel economy figures from its hybrid variants, makes it an economical choice. The structured trim levels ensure there's a model to suit various tastes and budgets, from the well-equipped Active to the luxurious GT. For those requiring a vehicle with strong towing capabilities, the 508 SW particularly shines, offering stability and power that instil confidence on any journey. While its interior practicality might be slightly outdone by some rivals in specific areas like absolute boot volume, its stylish design, comfortable high-speed cruising, and reliable automatic gearbox (with proper maintenance) make it a strong contender. Ultimately, the Peugeot 508 offers a distinctive and capable option in the competitive UK automotive landscape, blending French elegance with practical performance.

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