From 4 to 5
- Published: 16/07/2010 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Motoring
Peugeot has revived an old badge strategy, which also is apt in bridging the gap between the now-defunct 407 and 607 saloons.
Styling & Packaging
Peugeot has revealed the first details of its all-new D-segment (mid-size) family car, ahead of its public debut at October's Paris motor show.
Interior is moving towards simple architecture.
The 508, first previewed in the 5 by Peugeot concept car in March this year, recalls badging of the 500 series (501-505) and has been developed to replace both the 407 and 607 four-door cars.
With an overall length of 4.79m, the 508 sits between the two outgoing saloons and will tackle traditional rivals like Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat and Volvo S60. The French also hopes to lure buyers of the Audi A4.
Since the 508 has been engineered with Europe in mind, the car isn't as rich in metal as the Honda Accord, Nissan Teana or Toyota Camry - all of which have bigger bodies aimed at pleasing Asians and Americans.
The 508 shares the same Platform 3 floorplan as the Citroen C5, an in-house rival. Peugeot hasn't mentioned anything about the suspension, although hydraulic system is most likely to be the preserve of its PSA partner.
Much of the styling has been carried over from 5 by Peugeot concept car.
Engine & Transmission
Peugeot hasn't disclosed the exact engine range, but only emphasises that there will be automatic stop and start technology to reduce CO2 emissions by 15% in the diesel lineup.
As well, it has been announced that the 508 will get a 200hp hybrid powertrain and four-wheel-drive that emits just 99g/km. This Hybrid4 system has already been highlighted periodically by both Citroen and Peugeot.
The obvious conventional motors are petrol and diesel ranging from 1.6 to 2.2 litres, many of which will gain on turbocharging tech.
Six-speed automatic transmission is expected to follow after the manual variant, a la French tradition.
It remains to be seen whether Peugeot will continue with V6 power shared with Jaguar and Land Rover. Hybrid-tech, however, could replace it in market position terms.
Market & Pricing
As the 407 predecessor hasn't been successful in Thailand due to its imported prices of between B2-2.5m, expect the 508 to do relatively fair too despite its new-found levels of design and interior.
The only option is to build it in Asean, which can't be visualised at this point. Just a day before Peugeot announced the 508 on July 13, the French said it has signed an agreement with its Malaysian partner to re-enforce its position in this region.
Towards the end of this year, Malaysia's Naza unit will produce a saloon version of the 207 to rival B-segment saloons like the Honda City and Toyota Vios. Peugeot says it will come to Thailand via Afta trade agreement.
And in the second semester of 2011, the Malaysia plant will assemble a high-end C-segment saloon. Although Peugeot hasn't been specific, the model is most likely to be Corolla-rivalling 408 - the upmarket four-door version of the 308 hatchback already been launched in China.
Peugeot added that the D-sized 508 will be made in China late next year, but it hasn't mentioned about it being assembled in Malaysia.
source : bangkokpost.com
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