Peugeot 508 Active 1.6 HDi FAP 4dr Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
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List Price: £21,445
Tax Band: C
Insurance Group: 20
MPG: 64.2
CO2: 114
0-62 Mph: 11.3 secs
BHP: 115 BHP
Range: 1,017 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.75/5
The 508 Active 1.6 HDi is a very impressive car and one of the best models in the 508 range. You get a good looking, sharp handling saloon car for a shade over £20k. Impressive.

PROS:  The 508 is a great looking car and offers impressive fuel efficiency.

CONS:  The ride is a little firm and the performance figures are unspectacular.

Behind the Wheel

The 508's 1.6-litre diesel engine is the least powerful oil-burner in the 508 range, producing just 112bhp and 177lb-ft of torque. It does its job perfectly admirably although more enthusiastic drivers will want to opt for the 2.0-litre diesel or a petrol model. 0-62mph takes a distinctly average 11.3 seconds and flat out you'll be going 118mph.

The 508 handles surprisingly well for a big family saloon car and the steering is nicely weighted and direct. The ride is a little harsh - strange for a big French car - but the motorway miles are covered in relative comfort thanks to the smooth engine and the quietness of the cabin.

Looks & Equipment

The 508 looks great. It offers a certain Gallic charm that you just don't get from, say, a Mondeo or a Passat. The interior is also very luxurious and feels well made from high quality materials.

You get a good amount of equipment included as standard including alloys, climate control, electric windows, electric mirrors, cruise control, part leather seats, CD player with MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth. Rear parking sensors will cost you £330 and a Sat-Nav is priced at £910.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The 508 is not as big inside as some of its rivals such as the Mondeo and the Insignia. Although space in the front is good, there is a lack of rear legroom and, at 473-litres, the boot space is good but not class-leading.

The 508 scored the full five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests and should therefore be very safe. It is fitted with front, side and curtain airbags as standard.

Peugeot have an iffy reputation for reliability and the old 407 had a number of problems. However, the French firm seem to be upping their game. Only time will tell if the 508 is a reliable choice, though.

Value for Money

At £20,250, the Peugeot 508 Active HDi FAP is one of the cheapest cars in the 508 range and offers very good value for money considering the amount of standard equipment on offer.

It should also be very cheap to run: you should get 61.4 mpg (combined) and CO2 emissions of 119g/km mean cheap road tax under VED band C. Insurance should also be very cheap under group 21.

For a car of this size, the 508 really should cost a pittence to run, although it should be noted that resale values are likely to be poor.

Peugeot 508 Active 1.6 HDi FAP 4dr Car Review - by 
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