Image Gallery

Exterior Styling

When it comes to family estate cars, and executive ones at that, there are a fair few to choose from. As a result, this is a hard segment to stand out in.

With that in mind, it’s hats off to Peugeot for the latest 508 SW, because it is a stunning piece of design. So much so, that it gets plenty of second looks as you drive through town. It’s not hard to see why; especially finished in rather sophisticated Amazonite Grey, which has a greeny-brown tint to it.

At the front, slim headlight units are a stark contrast to the enormous LED daytime running lights which stretch right down to the bottom of the bumper, and double up as indicators. The grille is almost concave in shape, giving the 508 SW a snarly and poised look.

At the side you get 19-inch alloy wheels, and our test car had the optional two-tone version. This blended well with the gloss black door mirrors, window surrounds and roof rails. Frameless doors are stylish, and the extra-dark privacy glass gives a premium feel.

At the rear, the focal point is the black bar running the full width of the tailgate. Incorporated into this are the taillights which, when illuminated red on black, are reminiscent of Knight Rider. They even do the sweeping left to right and back when you unlock the car.

Being the GT model you get two exhaust pipes – one at either side – and a subtle roof spoiler. A final premium touch is the word “Peugeot” imprinted under the rear window. It’s a refreshing alternative to the traditional badge.

Interior Finish

Climb on board, and it’s plain to see that Peugeot has put significant effort into giving the 508 SW GT a cabin as stylish as its exterior.

There are sculpted nappa leather seats featuring a geometric quilted design and contrast stitching. The same contrast stitching is featured on the centre console, armrests, steering wheel and even the dashboard.

One thing that’s become a Peugeot staple is the i-Cockpit. It wraps around the driver to give an immersive experience. There’s a 12.3-inch ‘head-up’ instrument cluster which sits higher than usual so as to be visible above the tiny steering wheel. The 508 SW has a two-spoke steering wheel with flat top and bottom.

Continuing the cockpit feel is a new gear selector – which resembles a joystick – and the toggle-style switches for the infotainment system. It’s also great how the 10-inch touchscreen is somewhat-integrated into, but also protrudes from, the dashboard.

The dashboard itself is almost split into two levels. The upper level is slim, and incorporates the air vents and instrument cluster. The lower level is finished in a carbon-effect, soft-touch material and is shelf-like in its design.

On the whole, the cabin materials are of high quality. And everything is screwed together properly. Look harder though, and you’ll find some plastics that leave a little to be desired. Thankfully they are mostly out of sight, but the steering wheel centre could have been finished in leather to really elevate the i-Cockpit.

Engine/Performance

The engine in our 508 SW GT was a somewhat unusual choice. There are three engines available in the GT; petrol, diesel and hybrid. Ours was the petrol, which is probably the one you will see the least on UK roads: expect the diesel to be the most popular choice.

So our petrol engine then? It’s a 1.6-litre, turbocharged unit pushing out 225PS and 300Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via an 8-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission (EAT). Performance figures make for an interesting read: 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.

But those figures only tell half the story. The 508 SW GT is quick, but in its own way. There’s no real urgency about it. Yes, it will happily be taken to the highest heights of its rev band. But it will sort of meander there at a seemingly leisurely pace; taking longer to reach the next gear than you’d expect of a car with eight ratios to choose from.

You may be thinking that 1.6-litres is not a particularly large engine in a car this size, but it never feels inadequate from behind the wheel. There’s more than enough grunt to overtake on the motorway, and with the EAT8 gearbox it’s a quiet and civilised place.

There are four drive modes: normal, comfort, eco and sport. In our time with the car we mostly swapped between comfort – on longer drives – and sport.

In sport mode, the throttle response is sharpened, the dials glow red, and the engine sound is amplified through the speakers. It’s nice for a fun A or B-road, but there are more thrilling cars out there for those who want that: a Skoda Octavia vRS for example.

Ride/Handling

The different drive modes are especially useful when it comes to the ride characteristics. The 508 SW GT comes with active suspension as standard, which means that the damping adjusts based on the road conditions; and also depending which more you’re in.

In sport mode, everything is firmer and more composed. That’s great for when you’re on an undulating B-road and wish to avoid wallowing over every bump.

In contrast, however, comfort mode is soft and relaxing. On a long motorway drive, the forgiving suspension is a luxury. Even on 19-inch alloys the 508 SW GT rides well.

Steering feel is lacking, but the Peugeot makes up for it with that dinky steering wheel. Small inputs are exaggerated, giving an enhanced sense of directness. In sport mode it has a nice weight too.

Gearshift paddles are fixed to the steering column, but to be honest there’s no real benefit to using them. They never seem to connect you to the gearbox in the way that they would with a DSG.

There is also no dedicated manual mode. Which means that even when you’re using the paddles the gearbox will change up of its own accord if you so much as venture near the redline. And given that you’ve probably pulled the ‘up’ paddle at the same time, you end up going up another gear. And that soon becomes tiresome.

So whilst the 508 SW GT doesn’t will you to get involved and drive like you’re on a rally stage, it does something much better. It manages to be brisk without breaking a sweat. It’s relaxing to drive and, like any good GT car should do, eats up mile after mile.

Economy

The major plus point of a smaller, 1.6-litre engine is the economy benefits over bigger, thirstier engines. And despite being a large family estate car the 508 SW GT is very economical indeed.

Fuel consumption, on the combined WLTP cycle, is a very respectable 37.4mpg. As is generally the case with WLTP figures, this is more than achievable day-to-day. In fact, on a longer motorway drive we saw figures north of 40mpg, and that’s extremely impressive.

That being said, it’s still short of the combined 45.7mpg offered by the BlueHDi 180 diesel engine also available in the GT. And in truth, that will most likely be the best-selling engine in this trim.

CO2 emissions are converted back to NEDC-equivalent figures for VED and BIK purposes. The THP 225 emits 124g/km of CO2, and that will be good news to both private and company car users alike.

For private individuals, that equates to a first year VED of £170, and subsequent years of £145. If you can avoid the options list then you can avoid the VED surcharge too!

As far as company car users are concerned, the fact that this particular model is doubly beneficial. Firstly, the BIK % is lower on petrol engines than it is diesel. At the time of writing, 124g/km CO2 on the petrol is 28%. The 110g/km CO2 on the diesel means BIK of 30%.

Secondly, it’s actually cheaper than the diesel, albeit not by much. So it’s a lower percentage of a (slightly) lower price.

Auto start/stop technology features on all models, and the eco drive mode helps to save fuel by reducing throttle response and being in the optimal gear for efficiency.

Practicality

If you want your family car to be a practical, then you will not be disappointed with a Peugeot 508 SW. The styling may be sleek, almost coupe-like in fact, but that doesn’t translate to the interior.

Space is generous throughout the cabin, but especially so when it comes to rear leg room. Tall adults – and we mean properly tall, 6-foot plus – will be extremely comfortable back there. The outer rear seats themselves have long leg cushions to provide good support, and feature the same geometric quilting as the front seats.

The middle seat is not quite as well-suited to adults; the transmission tunnel requires you to put your legs either side of it. Nonetheless, three adults can fit in the back, which is useful.

Front seat passengers will be even more comfortable, thanks to those contoured nappa leather seats. They even come with a lumbar massage feature with various intensity levels and massage patterns. On a long journey this keeps you relaxed, such that you will arrive at your destination feeling fresh.

Boot space is very much as you would expect from a large estate car. With the rear seats up, load space is 530 litres up to the rear window. Fold the rear seats down, and load to the roof, and this rises to a whopping 1,780 litres. More than enough for a haul at Ikea that’s for sure!

It is expected that a family car will have to deal with child seats. To do just that, the 508 SW GT has three – yes, three – ISOFIX mounting points. The outer rear seats, and the front passenger seat, can all take ISOFIX car seats. And that’s great for those with multiple children, or those who like their mini-me to ride shotgun.

Equipment

Thanks to manufacturers like Kia and Hyundai, we have come to expect more gadgets and goodies in even the most basic cars. When you get a heated steering wheel as standard in a Kia Picanto, it only makes you want more from an executive family estate such as the Peugeot 508 SW GT.

Thankfully the Peugeot obliges, with a standard specification that gives the Koreans a run for their money. The GT sits at the top of the range, benefiting from the most comprehensive specification. There was a First Edition model at launch, but these are now only available as stock dictates.

All 508 SW models have plenty of equipment to shout about. Frankly the list goes on and on, so we’ll focus on the most impressive.

The aforementioned i-Cockpit is standard across the range, as are heated power folding door mirrors. There’s a push-button start, one-touch electric windows, “magic wash” front wipers (which have washer nozzles incorporated into the blade), LED daytime running lights and rear LED lights.

On the safety front you get Emergency Brake Assist, speed limit recognition, electronic stability programme, eco-coaching, electric child locks and a driver attention alert system.

As you climb up the range you get a safety pack; advanced autonomous emergency braking, distance alert and lane keep assist. Atomatic dual-zone climate control creeps in, as does a navigation system, full phone integration (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink), keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera and wireless charging pad.

GT models feature active suspension, adaptive cruise control with lane positioning assist, FOCAL premium hi-fi system, nappa leather, electric front seats with massage function and driver memory and a foot-operated smart electric tailgate.

Value For Money

Finally we come to the notion of price. It’s surprisingly easy to spend £40,000 on a car nowadays. The rise of PCP and leasing as a method of car ownership somewhat negates the importance of list price. But it is relevant since the introduction of the VED surcharge, which adds £320 for five years.

The 508 SW range starts from a reasonable £27,630, for the 1.5-litre BlueHDi Active. By the time you get to the top-spec GT model –the 1.6-litre THP 225 petrol we tested here – the starting price is £38,605.

Yes, that may seem like a lot, but you have to consider the level of specification, and how that stacks up to rivals. You may not think of the Peugeot 508 in the same ilk as the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes C-Class but it has the style, the quality and – in GT specification especially – the technology to compete with these cars. And if you compared a similar spec 3 Series or C-Class you will find that it costs more than £40,000.

Naturally, list price is only half the story. It is not yet known what your £38,000 Peugeot will be worth in three, five or even seven years’ time. That would be a worry, because I suspect residuals would be less than they would for the German alternatives.

The final consideration is the options list. Thankfully the 508 SW GT is so well-equipped that you would be fine with a standard one. But there are some extras available, and costly ones at that. A panoramic roof is £870. Night vision is £1,300. Metallic and special paints are £575 and £725 respectively.

You could soon tip the 508 SW GT over £40,000 – our test car was – but you’d have to consider whether that’s worth the extra VED costs.

Facts and Figures

The post REVIEW – Peugeot 508 SW GT appeared first on Simply Motor.

Image Gallery

Exterior Styling

As a brand, Peugeot Sport is associated with serious motorsport. It has pedigree. For a road car to be graced with its name is an indication of something a little special.

However looks wise, it’s not too far removed from the standard car. It’s certainly nowhere near as striking as a Honda Civic Type-R or Hyundai i30N. It seems more reserved; perhaps more grown up and sophisticated.

The front bumper has venting in the corners, but you have to look hard to spot it. On our test car the centre lip was black, to contrast the Ultimate Red paint (£675 extra). If you opt for Magnetic Blue, the lip comes in red, which is slightly more aggressive-looking.

Ultimate Red is a lovely colour, but we prefer our hot hatches a bit more boldly-styled. For that reason we’d opt for the Magnetic Blue with Nera Black ‘Coupe Franche’ – it means ‘Fresh Cut’ in French.

19 inch ‘Carbone’ two tone finish diamond-cut alloy wheels sit on top of some rather large red painted Peugeot Sport brake calipers. Those front discs are 380mm with four-piston calipers, but we’ll come onto their performance later. Visually though; they’re massive.

At the rear, you’ll find a large twin exhaust, situated either side of a black rear diffuser. A large rear spoiler reminds people behind you that the car is rather special, as you disappear into the distance.

The longer you sit and stare at the 308 GTi, the more you start to appreciate the subtle styling touches. If it’s a big impact and unforgettable first impression you’re after; this may not be the car for you.

Interior Finish

Open the doors on the 308 GTi and you’ll be instantly drawn towards the rather large, bulky bucket seats, which are the stars of the show in the cabin.

Finished in a part-leather, part-alcantara and featuring the Peugeot Sport logo, they look fantastic. They’re not the hardcore, shell-style seat found in some hot hatches, but that fits with the grown-up nature of the 308 GTi.

The dashboard and centre console in the GTi maintains the standard 308’s minimalistic approach. In the middle, you’ll find a 9.7 inch multimedia touchscreen that controls most functions; including climate control.

The dashboard plastic is not the highest quality, but its textured appearance means it looks alright. In the rest of the cabin there is plenty of leather and contrasting red stitching to give a nice feel of quality overall.

You’ll find the small steering wheel, a popular choice in modern Peugeots, which is finished in perforated leather. Red leather is visible through the holes of the perforation, which is very effective. Peugeot have also added a red ‘centre’ mark at the top, with a GTi badge at the bottom to remind you it’s not an ordinary 308.

With the smaller steering wheel, the dials sit above the wheel. Depending on your height, it can take some jiggery-pokery until you get the right position to see and reach everything.
Interestingly, whilst the speedometer moves clockwise, the rev counter movers counter-clockwise. This takes some getting used to at first. Hit the ‘Sport’ button and those white dials turn into a devilish red.

Privacy glass makes the rear seats a little darker, but it is a nice premium feature to have. In the back it’s very much the same blend of leather, alcantara and red stitching as the front, minus the deeply-bucketed seats.

Engine/Performance

The 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport is unusual in this class of car. It’s powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Don’t worry though, because it puts out a monumental 276 PS and 330Nm.

This is the most powerful production engine of its size, and that is a credit to Peugeot Sport. All that power is delivered to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox with a Torsen limited-slip differential.

The 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport will go from 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds, and on to a top speed of 155mph. That puts the Peuge308 GTi up there with the 2.0-litre cars, thanks in part to a power-to-weight advantage of a smaller engine.

Put your foot down, and you’ll feel the punchy acceleration. In Sport mode the throttle response is sharpened and steering weight increased. You’ll also notice an amplified engine sound in the cabin. And then you’ll wish it would go away. It’s so artificial-sounding; it would be better left off the car.

Whilst there is no automatic option, the manual box is alright. The ratios were on point, balancing acceleration and cruising ability. However the actual gear box felt slightly vague and notchy.
Because the steering wheel is so small and precise, this emphasises a lack of precision in the gearbox. A short throw gear lever would be better.

There is actually a bit of turbo lag, which is a strange thing to experience these days. Having said that, if you keep the revs up you notice it less, and the 3080 GTi is chomping at the bit to get going.

The limited-slip differential helps reduce wheel spin, meaning you can use more of the power. Push too hard and you will still find a bit of understeer; not unsurprising in a 270PS front-wheel drive car.

Ride/Handling

If you’ve never driven a 308 GTi, then you’re missing out on one heck of an experience. Peugeot have managed to put the car on a strict lean diet, producing an overall weight of 1,205kg. That’s seriously lightweight for a car of its size, and boy does it make a difference.

Put simply, the car felt as direct and agile as a go kart. Lift off the throttle and you can feel the rear axle go light and the nose tucks straight in. It’s a car that invites you to find its limit in the corners, almost like its showing off to all its mates.

The car rides at 11mm lower than the standard car which minimises lean in the corners. The Torsen Limited Slip Differential limits understeer for the most part, and those beefy 380mm front brake discs can pull your face off. Put them all together and you have a car that will take the fight to most others on a testing B-road.

After a bit of adjustment, I eventually found the perfect driving position. The bucket seats are as supportive as they are attractive, holding you firmly in place and giving you the confidence to push on.

With the four-piston front brakes you can leave your braking late too, and thanks to its lightweight frame the 308GTi is composed under heavy braking. However when driving round town they take a little getting used to. With a sharp bite you can expect a jerky affair if you get a bit heavy footed.

Put the car into “normal” and cruise down the motorway, and you’ll find the Peugeot 308 GTi is quiet and smooth. Surprising given the car has no adjustable dampers, but also showing that this is, after all, a grown up hot hatch.

Economy

Although some people will miss the extra torque of a 2.0-litre engine, Peugeot’s choice to use a 1.6-litre engine has its own merits. For the most part you will drive it sensibly, and in doing so the efficiency benefits far outweigh the performance ‘loss’, if you can even call it a loss.

The lightweight 308 GTi has start/stop technology which helps save fuel in traffic and around town. The resulting CO2 emissions of 139g/km mean that road tax is £205 in the first year and £140 thereafter. You could even call that cheap to run.

The same can be said for fuel economy. Combined fuel consumption is 47.1 mpg which is remarkable for a car with this performance. What’s more, I saw that figure, so I can believe it is capable of it. Your wife would struggle to say that this is a ‘silly’ car when you can show that on the trip computer.

Admittedly, if you get a bit enthusiastic behind the wheel – and it is our job to do so from time to time – then you can expect a figure maybe in the low to mid 30s. That’s still impressive for a hot hatch. On a balanced diet of country road blasts and motorway slogs you’ll never feel aggrieved at the fuel usage.

Practicality

The Peugeot 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport is, in most respects, as practical as the regular 308. Only available as a – door, getting in and out of the back is easy for even tall adults.

Once sat inside adults will be comfortable in the back, but it is apparent that those bulky front seats have eroded some of the standard car’s generous rear legroom. When you consider the 308 GTi against the likes of the Skoda Octavia vRS, you can really tell the difference.

For children, there are absolutely no issues in the back of the 308 GTi. There are two ISOFIX anchor points on the outer seats for car seats. There’s also enough lateral room so the kids aren’t sat on top of one another, which hopefully will keep the fighting at bay for a little while.

The 308 GTi does have a generous boot. With a good opening and reasonable depth to the boot, bulky items are not an issue. And, at 470 litres, it’s more than ample space for the shopping, the family dog or a few suitcases.

That little steering wheel means in normal mode (when it’s lighter) makes manoeuvring a doddle, and visibility is good. You won’t struggle at the supermarket or in a tight multi-storey car park.

Equipment

The 308 GTi comes with a fair bit of kit as standard. Keyless entry and go. 9.7-inch touchscreen multimedia system including Bluetooth, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cruise control with speed limiter. Dual-zone climate control. Reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors. Auto lights. Auto wipers. You get the idea.

Those lovely front sports seats also come with a massage function. Okay, a ‘massage function’ might be over-exaggerating a little bit. It pulses the lumbar support. But on a long drive, this little touch can go a long way to keeping you refreshed and feeling great when you arrive.

The touchscreen responsiveness wasn’t as slick as other systems. Moreover, I am still not completely sold on the minimalistic cabin. Adjusting the dual-zone climate control via a touchscreen is no easy task, and can be quite difficult to do while driving.

The biggest omissions from the equipment list come in the form of driver aids and assistance systems. The likes of blind spot monitoring, lane keeping aid, autonomous emergency braking, collision warning and speed sign recognition. You can get these on the 308 GTi as optional extras or packs, but we like for these to be standard on the range-topping cars.

Value For Money

So the real question is ‘would you buy one’? Peugeot Sport has done an excellent job at creating a practical hot hatch with the 308 GTi. With the car weighing just 1,205kg, and with a fruitful engine given its size, the car feels like one of the fastest, nimble hot hatches on the market.

For me, the Peugeot provides the ability to own an everyday family hatchback with the sporty, rally edge for a starting price of £28,595. On top of that, with the smaller engine and lighter car, the running costs make the Peugeot a more viable option in the mid to long term.

Despite its reasonably recent facelift, the 308 GTi still feels like it needs further freshening up, especially when you look at the I-Cockpit Peugeot is now fitting to newer models.

Whether or not the 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport is the car for you will depend largely on whether or not you want the bold, in-your-face type of hot hatch or this quieter, more unassuming one. The 308 GTi packs a hell of a punch, but it doesn’t brag about it.

Other complaints are that while the starting price is reasonable, some kit is extra, and you can soon get to the wrong side of £30,000. Whilst that doesn’t represent bad value in itself, it becomes hard to ignore the Hyundai i30 N. We reviewed that recently and, at £28,595 as tested, it really is the hot hatch to beat.

Facts and Figures

The post REVIEW – Peugeot 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport appeared first on Simply Motor.

Image Gallery

Exterior Styling

The Peugeot 5008 SUV utilises the same platform as the smaller 3008 SUV, and so it’s no surprise that there are similar styling cues.

Take the concave front grille, with its funky ‘bumpy’ finish and sleek Peugeot writing at the top. It sits between angular headlights that look like they were beaten into shape at some point. LED daytime running lights sweep up the top of them in a way reminiscent of how air flows over cars in wind tunnel testing.

At the side the optional 19-inch alloys sit nicely in the arches, and a strong body line runs from the front wing, fades over both doors and then reappears at the rear quarter panel. The side profile is a little boxy given that the 5008 SUV has to have room for two more seats in the back.

At the rear of the car I really like the gloss black light bar, running across the with of the car. The tail lights themselves are also very sleek. By using an angular, almost 3-sided rear spoiler Peugeot has managed to hide some of the true squareness of the rear window, but it still lacks the sleek sloping lines of the 3008 SUV.

Plastic lower panels aim to give the ‘SUV’ aspect a bit of credit, whilst twin exhaust trims at the back nod to the ‘GT Line’ aspect. The flashes of chrome dotted around the exterior and privacy glass make for a premium appearance.

As for making this out to be a GT Line? Well there are a couple of badges finished in silver and copper, and the roof and wing mirrors are finished in black. Park next to another 5008 SUV and you will note the more aggressive front bumper design too. But in truth the level of sportiness projected by the 5008 SUV is somewhat hampered by a lack of bold, sporty colours.

There are some great choices but, like the ‘Emerald’ of my test car, it’s more sophisticated understatement than the sporty ‘Ultimate Red’ or ‘Magnetic Blue’ as available on the 308 GTi.

Interior Finish

If you thought the exterior was modern and stylish, then just wait until you see inside the 5008 SUV. It’s a masterpiece. I would happily say that it, like the 3008 SUV, is up there with my all-time favourite interiors.

At the centre of it all is the i-Cockpit. Featuring a 12.3-inch TFT configurable instrument cluster which sits above the small steering wheel, it is a triumph. The switches on the centre console are toggle-like, and would look at home in an aircraft. The 8-inch multimedia screen, along with the rest of the centre console, is angled slightly toward the driver, encapsulating them to give an immersive driving experience.

The use of grey fabric on the dashboard and door cards is a stroke of genius. Because it provides a contrast to the black plastics, it really lifts the cabin. I also think it is a premium look. In fact, it’s the reason I wouldn’t choose the Nappa leather seats: instead opting for the matching cloth trim to really bring the whole cabin together.

The shape of the seats in the GT Line creates a sporty feel. Being body-hugging and nicely bolstered, they are inviting when you open the door.

The stitching is a contrasting copper/brown colour, which matches the GT Line badging on the exterior. A nice touch. Blue ambient lighting also enhances the interior.

If you opt for the panoramic roof – at £870 – then the cabin is a light, airy space. The electric sun blind is always a crowd-pleaser too.

I took a few people out in the 5008 SUV, and all were impressed with the cabin quality. It’s hard to argue with what Peugeot has done, creating a premium interior based around their hugely successful i-Cockpit. And it takes the fight to rivals with high-end materials and solid build quality.

Engine/Performance

There are many engines available in the 5008 SUV GT Line, in both petrol and diesel variants. My test car had what I imagine will be the popular oil-burning variety: the 2.0-litre BlueHDi 150 diesel. Offering 150PS and 370Nm of torque, it sends its power to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The on-paper performance figures don’t exactly excite: 0-62mph takes 9.6 seconds and the top speed is 129mph.

But, you can rest assured that the GT Line badge is well earned, because from the driving seat the 5008 SUV felt like it had a lot more than 150PS. It feels decidedly nippy.

I have never experienced a boring diesel engine with so much character. When you put the car in ‘sport’ mode, it even features an electronic sound symposer which feeds a throaty engine note into the cabin. Admittedly it’s a little bit silly, but it does put a smile on your face. The throttle response also sharpens to further liven up the engine.

As with most diesel engines, the BlueHDi is best kept in the 1,500rpm – 3,500rpm rev range, as it starts to run out of puff after that. But with the 6-speed manual gearbox this is easily done, and you can work it to get the most out of the engine.

On the motorway there is plenty of overtaking oomph in 6th gear, and at 70mph the engine is quiet and composed.

Ride/Handling

So the engine in the 5008 SUV was rather lively, but how would it fare once the roads got a bit, well, bendier? For starters, this is a large car with a relatively high centre of gravity. It is only natural that there is a little bit of pitch when cornering at speed.

On the whole, I think the 5008 SUV GT Line was composed. My test car had the optional 19-inch alloy wheels, and this meant lower profile tyres with less sidewall to lean on. I never noticed the ride being overly bumpy, and the Peugeot handled my pothole-ridden commute to work with ease.

All modern Peugeots have a sense of nimbleness about their drive. This is down in part the little steering wheel, which I rather like. Even small movements are exaggerated, giving a greater sense of response. Stick the 5008 SUV in ‘sport’ mode and it even gets a nice weighty feel to it too.

The problem with the 5008 SUV is its size. The ‘GT Line’ gives you encouragement to have a B road blast, but it is far too big. Sure, you can get up to a decent speed, but then when you meet oncoming traffic on exiting a corner you will lose years off your life.

Where the 5008 SUV is more at home is on the motorway. It will carry 7 people on a long drive without crippling them. The sports seats are comfortable, and whilst I found the £1,990 Nappa leather option a bit pricey, I did enjoy the massage function.

Advanced Grip Control is an optional extra on the 5008 SUV. So here you have a ‘SUV’ that, in standard guise, won’t be much use when the conditions are a bit tougher. Which will make you look a berk on the two days a year when half an inch of snow brings the country to a standstill.

Economy

You would expect that a large, seven seat SUV would be a little harsh on your wallet. But with the Peugeot 5008 SUV you will be pleasantly surprised. All the engines – from the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol to the 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel – are reasonably efficient. Combined fuel consumption ranges from 46.3mpg to 68.9mpg, and CO2 emissions from 106g/km to 133g/km.

My test car had the 2.0-litre, 150PS diesel with a 6-speed manual gearbox, claiming figures of 58.9mpg and 118g/km.

With prices under £40,000 it avoids the supplementary VED rate, instead being £165 in the first year and £140 thereafter. And with a 56-litre fuel tank giving a theoretical range of 725 miles, you can go longer between fill-ups.

All models have start/stop technology to save fuel around town and in traffic. And despite its large stature, my test car had a kerb weight of 1,490kg. That will certainly help improve fuel consumption, and highlights the benefit of utilizing a platform from a smaller car.

Practicality

In 5008 SUV, ‘U’ is for ‘Utility’ so it is imperative that this car offers a lot of practicality. Happily, it doesn’t disappoint.

Crudely speaking, this is a 3008 SUV with a larger body on it. But the reality of that ‘bigger body’ is significant for those with larger families. Space inside the cabin is generous; seven independent seats ensure everyone has plenty of room.

With the third row seats in place, there’s still some boot space left to place shopping bags. When not in use they fold into the boot floor and leave a cavernous load space, more than adequate for prams, nappy bags and the endless other accompaniments family life requires.

On the flip side, you will certainly notice the vastness of the 5008 SUV when you get into a car park. Multi-story set ups can become claustrophobic, and those supermarket bays will feel especially narrow. The standard front/rear sensors and rear-view camera can be upgraded to a full 360-degree surround camera for £450, and I think that’s a worthy investment.

Family life can also be full of distractions, namely those of the human kind sat behind the driver. Suddenly features such as automatic headlights and wipers become a godsend.

Equipment

Peugeot has given the 5008 SUV a decent amount of standard equipment. All models get ISOFIX anchor points on all 3 middle row of seats. Speed limit recognition and recommendation combines with a gear shift indicator provide useful information to the driver as part of the brilliant i-Cockpit.

Other creature comforts include ambient lighting, fabric-trimmed door cards , Bluetooth/USB connectivity, electric parking brake and ‘Magic Wash’ front windscreen wipers.

The GT Line is a sportier trim, benefiting from full-LED headlights for greater visibility, a wireless charging plate for your smartphone and two configurable ‘ambiances’ for the i-Cockpit. This goes as far as having two different fragrances to really distinguish between the two. The choices are ‘Boost’, for a dynamic drive, or ‘Relax’ if you want a more chilled-out experience.

With such a large car, drive aids are particularly useful. The GT Line models feature front and rear parking sensors, along with a reversing camera, which helps maneuvering in car parks. On the road, the Safety plus pack looks after you. It features blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, driver attention alert and Smartbeam Assistance, and does wonders to turn the 5008 SUV into an effortless motorway cruiser.

Value For Money

Prices for the Peugeot 5008 SUV start at £25,020, and £28,720 for the GT Line. For this size of car, with the level of equipment on offer, that represents decent value for money.

There is, however, one problem. Remember how I said earlier that the 5008 SUV is based on the 3008 SUV? Well the equivalent models of that smaller, more-manageable sized car are around £2,000 cheaper.

If you need all seven seats, then this won’t really make a difference to you. But if you don’t, then paying £1,000 for each one doesn’t really make sense. And given the cars are so similar, the 5008’s worst enemy could be its own little brother.

You need to be careful with the options list too. Some items are great value, like the 360-degree surround camera for £450 or 19-inch alloy wheels for £300. Others are a little less so: I’d struggle to justify £1,990 for the Nappa leather seats or £750 for a smart electric tailgate.

Another gripe, albeit a small one, is that despite this being the ‘5008 SUV’, you have to pay extra for the Advanced Grip Control. Sure, at £470 it isn’t a lot of money, but for a car on the dear side of £30,000 it should be standard fit.

Facts and Figures

The post REVIEW – Peugeot 5008 SUV GT Line appeared first on Simply Motor.

You will by now have seen the TV advert in which that chap knocks over a glass of water, as a new 3008 SUV drives around. The thinking behind this is to highlight the new i-Cockpit, which is the centrepiece of the new car. I have to admit, I wasn’t much of a fan of the previous 3008. But then I have been impressed with the new cars in the Peugeot range. So it seemed only fair to give it a chance. Before long I had a shiny new 3008 SUV GT Line on the driveway, and boy am I glad I gave it a chance…

Looks – 10/10

I said some pretty harsh things about the looks of the old 3008. I think I may have likened it to the frog-looking Ford Scorpio, which is without doubt one of the ugliest cars ever made. Happily the new 3008 SUV is far removed from that image, and in fact sports a futuristic, almost concept-esque look. The model I tested was a GT-Line, which meant it had a sporty edge to the styling. At the front there are some striking, angular lines. I love the corners of the lower grille, which sweep up and separate the headlights. Between them a concave grille gives a shouty appearance. At the back the lines a generally a little softer, but for the stick-out taillights with gloss black trim in between them. The plastic bumper has the appearance of twin exhausts, so it’s a good combination of sporty and rough-and-ready.

Inside the cabin is an absolute triumph. Peugeot call it the i-Cockpit, and I can certainly see why. The centre console seems to wrap around the driver. There are toggle switches for the main functions that would not be out of place on an Airbus A320. The steering wheel is small, as we have come to expect from Peugeot. The flat bottom of the steering wheel is synonymous with sportiness these days, whilst having a flat top as well makes the instrument cluster more easily visible. And that’s important, because the instrument cluster is delightful. It’s a configurable 12.3-inch display, and can show anything from traditional dials to a satellite navigation screen or a trip computer. The standard trim on the GT-Line is a leather and cloth combo, and I love the use of the same cloth fabric on the dashboard and door trims. Being a light grey it makes the cabin feel fresh, and also brings it all together.

Handling/Performance – 8/10

There are several choices of engine for the GT-Line, ranging from the BlueHDi 120 (which I tested) to the e-THP 165 petrol which has a bit more performance to it. The top-spec GT model gets a 180PS diesel engine. The 1.6-litre diesel engine I tested offered 120PS and 300Nm of torque. Through the 6-speed manual gearbox it will reach 0-62mph in 11.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 117mph. It will hardly set the tyres alight, but with the added ‘Sport’ mode it actually feels rather lively. Part of this is that despite its stature the 3008 is actually quite light at 1,300kg. Power delivery is typical of any diesel, with the most available between 1,500rpm and 3,000rpm. The 6-speed gearbox allows you to make the most of this limited range.

The 3008 SUV is a nice car to drive. On the motorway it is comfortable, with a reasonably soft suspension and well sound-proofed cabin. Admittedly that softer suspension does translate into a little bit of lean in the corners, but it’s not enough to make it a problem. The small steering wheel makes every input feel quick and sharp. In ‘Sport’ mode it gets a little weightier, such that on a country road you really feel like this is a responsive, sporty car. And that’s when you’ll probably find the BlueHDi 120 a little underpowered, wanting that little bit extra to propel you between the corners.

Economy – 10/10

Peugeot has put a lot of effort into making its engines more efficient, and the BlueHDi range is testament to that. Take the 1.6-litre engine in my 3008 test car. It emits a mere 104g/km CO2. That means that road tax will cost you £140 in the first and subsequent years. Hardly a great expense for what is a sizeable family car. Combined fuel consumption is a whopping 70.6mpg, and that means you’ll spend far less time at the pumps. The start/stop technology, and the surprisingly low kerb weight of 1,300kg, both help the 3008 SUV sip less fuel, and the 6-speed gearbox keeps revs down on the motorway.

Practicality – 10/10

The 3008 SUV is, as a family car, perfectly sized. It’s not much bigger than most hatchbacks, but has extra height which helps in many ways. Firstly, the cabin is vast, with plenty of head and leg room front and back. The boot is a generous size, and with the rear seats folded down you could transport just about anything you’d need to. Since becoming a father, I have found myself obsessed with ISOFIX. What pleased me about the 3008 SUV was the mounting point on the passenger seat, which meant I could easily keep an eye on the little one even when it was just me in the car. The GT-Line is also very well equipped, including full-LED headlamps, satellite navigation, smartphone charging plate, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, reversing camera and keyless entry/go.

Fun – 8/10

The old 3008 was about as much fun as standing out in the rain in your underwear. But the new one is totally different. The car now feels like it’s been designed for the driver, with the i-Cockpit bringing a harmonious blend of ergonomics and style that makes you happy to sit behind the wheel. The range of engines on offer ensure that those looking for more oomph have a bit of choice (the e-THP 165 is certainly a poky engine) whilst the driving dynamics are enjoyable. The 3008 SUV has become a plethora of gadgets and gizmos. It feels like a concept car, and it looks like a concept car. There’s a futuristic aurora about it, and people I showed it to were impressed with the equipment on offer.

Concluding Remarks

So there you have it, the new Peugeot 3008 SUV. The exterior styling is bold and futuristic, and the i-Cockpit is an absolute gem. There are a host of engines available, with the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine being a popular choice. Equipment is generous, and as far as a family car goes, the 3008 SUV is up there with the best of them. As a new dad myself, I found it brilliant, and certainly a car I’d consider buying. Speaking of buying, prices start at £22,495. The BlueHDi 120 GT Line starts at £28,025 and with a few options my test car was £31,330. Admittedly, that is the wrong side of £30k, but then the 3008 SUV is a lot of car. To find out more visit your local dealer or head over to the Peugeot website. The compact SUV market may be crowded, but the Peugeot 3008 SUV just upped the ante. i-Cockpit? i-Like-it.

Total Score – 46/50

The post REVIEW – Peugeot 3008 SUV GT-Line appeared first on Simply Motor.

Having recently tested the RCZ R and 208 GTi PS, I have decided that Peugeot Sport are doing the business. They are drawing on all that past pedigree and creating cars that are a credit to themselves and Peugeot as a whole. The marque is now making stylish cars, and the hot models are back in force. I therefore couldn’t wait to try out another Peugeot Sport offering; the 308GTi. Mechanically it is similar to the RCZ R, and that’s no bad thing. So would it be a good all-round hot hatch; that perfect blend of performance and practicality? I had to find out…

Looks – 9/10

Peugeot has deliberately understated the styling of the 308 GTi. There are no lairy arches or axe-wounded panels here. At the front you get LED headlights with integrated daytime-running lights. There are subtle air intakes to cool the brakes and a slightly lower, sportier front bumper. But that’s about it. At the side 19-inch “Carbone” alloy wheels are finished in satin black with silver flashes. Gloss black wing mirrors and privacy glass offer contrast to the wonderful Ultimate Red paint (£675). At the back you barely notice the subtle roof spoiler, or the diffuser in the rear valance. Twin exhausts are about all that give a nod to this being a hot hatch, and by the time you’ve seen them it’s too late. There is some appeal to the subtle approach, although I know some will find it boring.

Step inside the GTi and you will find a set of delightful, sculpted bucket seats. Finished in part-leather, part-alcantara and brandishing the Peugeot Sport logo they look fantastic. The way the shoulder supports meet the headrests is very fluid. The dashboard has a similar feel to it, and it appears to have been sliced away in the middle to reveal the 9.7-inch multimedia touchscreen. The small steering wheel is becoming a familiar sight in Peugeots now, and this one is perforated with red beneath black. There’s a red ‘centre’ mark at the top, and a GTi badge at the bottom. The dials in the 308 both start from the outside and move in opposite directions, with the rev counter going counter-clockwise. The dashboard looks pleasantly uncluttered, as even the heater controls are operated via the touchscreen.

Handling/Performance – 9/10

The engine is a 1.6-litre, turbocharged petrol engine. It comes with 250PS as standard, but I was testing the more powerful version. It has 270PS and 330Nm of torque. Power goes to the front wheels, via a 6-speed manual gearbox. There’s a Torsen limited-slip differential to help use that power, and the GTi will hit 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph. To say this is a smaller engine than other hot hatches in this class, I think it performs rather well. Power delivery is punchy, and you can easily forget this is only a 1.6. The gearshift is lacking a little precision for me; I would have preferred a more precise short throw gearstick. That being said you can work it to keep in the power band, and yet it is civilised in 6th gear on the motorway. There is a sport button too, which sharpens the car up and adds an induction sound symposer. It’s not the best system, but does add a little bit of character.

At 1,205kg the 308 GTi is rather lightweight; a Focus ST is 1,437kg for comparison. That makes a lot of difference to how it drives. It feels nimble, darting from corner to corner on its tiptoes. The steering is direct, and with that small steering wheel the GTi feels particularly ‘chuckable’. The driving position is great, and those bucket seats keep you firmly where you should be. There are no adjustable dampers here, but the 308 doesn’t need them; the standard suspension setup is a lovely compromise between performance and comfort. On motorway drives the 308 sleeps, with a smooth, quiet drive. Once you wake it up on a B-road, it feels planted and composed. The Torsen differential helps reduce understeer, and the whopping 380mm front brake discs with 4-piston callipers provide more than enough stopping power.

Economy – 10/10

IF anybody thinks that the 1.6-litre engine puts the Peugeot at a disadvantage in terms of performance, then I will swiftly add that it gives a hefty advantage when it comes to economy. Start stop technology and the smaller engine mean CO2 emissions of 139g/km, putting the 308 GTi in VED band E. Road tax is £130 in the first and subsequent years, which will feel kind to your wallet for the performance on offer. It’s a similar story with fuel consumption; refrain from hooning around and the 308 will return a combined 47.1mpg. Not too bad at all for a hot hatch; suddenly opting for a 1.6-litre engine makes sense…

Concluding Remarks

The post REVIEW – Peugeot 308GTi 270 appeared first on Simply Motor.

I drove the Peugeot RCZ R last year, and it’s fair to say I was rather impressed with it. I know what Peugeot Sport are capable of, given that our rally car is built to 106 Cup spec. But there hadn’t been much coming out to the mainstream products until that point. Well, there is now. Joining the RCZ R is the 308 GTi and the 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport. I grabbed the latter (don’t worry, the former will be here in April) and hit the road with high expectations of an exceptional hot hatch…

Looks – 10/10

When I reviewed the standard 208 GTi I scored it a 9/10 for looks. I didn’t think the seats were sporty enough and the exterior didn’t have that special something to it. The GTi by Peugeot Sport absolutely does. I will at this point mention the textured, matte-look paint. This will undoubtedly split opinion, but I am definitely in the ‘love’ camp. Finished in Ice Grey, my test car looked evil. This car means business, and with the contrast satin black wheels, skirts and mirrors it shows that from the off. At the front I liked the subtle red accent to the grille. The red flashes on the wheels and Peugeot Sport logo on the rear quarter panels set this apart from any other GTi, and the twin exhaust pipes at the back are larger. As well as having LED daytime running lights at the front, this car also has ‘claw’ rear lights which provide a unique signature.

Inside I love the Peugeot even more. The red floor mats are a brilliant nod back to the 106 Rallye, which had a full red carpet. And the red doesn’t stop with the floor mats either. The seatbelts have a red line down the middle of them. There is red stitching throughout the cabin. The steering wheel ‘straight ahead’ marker is, you guessed it, red. And one of my favourite touches was the red lighting around the dials. I say ‘one of’ because the best feature in the cabin comes in the form of two huge, body-hugging front seats. Brandishing the Peugeot Sport logo, they are bold, macho and above all else, inviting. The whole car feels more pumped up than the standard 208 GTi, and that was exactly what it needed.

Handling/Performance – 10/10

The guys over at Peugeot Sport have also pumped up the performance. The 1.6-litre, turbocharged petrol engine offers 208PS and 300Nm of torque. Sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox, this car is properly quick. 0-62mph is dealt with in a swift 6.5 seconds. The top speed is 143mph. And it actually feels faster than it is. You see the GTi PS has a limited-slip differential. And that drastically reduces the amount of wheel spin. As a result you are not scrubbing away power, and a stab of your right foot translates quickly into a forward surge. When you start the car there is a lovely rumble from the exhaust, and when you give it the beans this turns into a bark. The audible highlight is the noise it makes when you lift off after hard acceleration. Whilst it is hard to describe, I can tell you it is addictive.

That limited-slip differential transforms the handling too. Ordinarily a front wheel drive car will understeer when cornering too quickly. This can be referred to as ‘pushing on’, when the car continues straight despite the lock applied to the wheels. With the differential the car actually pulls tighter to the apex. Push really hard and the front will actually out-grip the rear, such that you get oversteer instead of understeer. It’s fantastic fun, and means you can really attack the twisty roads. The suspension is 10mm lower than the standard car and suitably stiff, and the steering is responsive, resulting in a car that is not only capable but inspires confidence in the driver too. The PS model gets 4-pot front brakes, and stamping on the middle pedal results in the removal of your face.

Economy – 10/10

I realise that at this point I’m making the 208 GTI sound like a bit of an animal. To a certain extent, it is. But there is a more civilised side to it as well, and once you stop driving like Ken Block you will find that the 1.6-litre engine is rather clean. It has start stop technology, which cuts CO2 emissions to 125g/km. That’s VED band D, with annual road tax being free in the first year, and £110 thereafter. Fuel consumption of 52.3mpg on a combined cycle is pretty impressive too, although you would be sacrificing some fun to get near this figure.

Practicality – 9/10

Okay, so the 208 GTi is a 3-door car. That naturally brings some practicality issues, but there are no unexpected surprises. Once clambered in the back two adults can be seated in relative comfort; although they will struggle to see past those huge front seats. The boot has plenty of room for the weekly shop. If you are considering a hot hatch then clearly 3-doors is plenty, and you will enjoy life with the 208. The problem I have is that I live with the Fiesta ST-3. I enjoy heated seats, keyless entry, a start button and satellite navigation. None of this is standard on the GTi PS, and only the satellite navigation is available as an option (£450). You still start this car with a key, and that just spoils it somehow. It should have a button not dissimilar to a nuclear launch pad. It does however come with a touch-screen multimedia system, dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter and rear parking aid as standard.

Fun – 10/10

If there’s one thing a hot hatch simply has to be; it’s fun. And the 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport is probably one of the most fun cars I have ever driven. It reminds me of our rally car, but in a (slightly) more civilised way. It is styled aggressively, and performs that way too. From behind the wheel you will find yourself taking the scenic route quite often. You’ll turn down the radio, wind the window down a little and just listen to that exhaust note. You will deliberately find tight roundabouts and effortlessly throw the 208 around them, and through all of this you will be smiling. And that is the raison d’être of the hot hatch. That, and embarrassing some bigger, more expensive cars around a country lane.

Concluding Remarks

Total Score – 49/50

The post REVIEW – Peugeot 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport appeared first on Simply Motor.