Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Peugeot 508 hatchback review

"Peugeot has upped its game with its latest 508, a big hatchback that could give premium rivals a fright"

Carbuyer Rating

4.0 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.4 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Arresting looks
  • High-tech interior
  • Engaging handling

Cons

  • Limited rear seat headroom
  • Few petrol engines
  • Occasionally choppy ride

Peugeot demonstrated that it hasn't lost faith in the large saloon car market with this new 508. In the face of falling demand for large family cars like the Ford Mondeo and Mazda6, the Peugeot 508 seems to have an uphill struggle on its hands. Can its sharp looks and high technology levels make it a viable alternative to its direct rivals, or even the ever-popular BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class from the compact executive class? Peugeot certainly hopes so.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The 508 slots into a range that includes the 2008, 3008 and 5008 for buyers who simply must drive an SUV, leaving it free to fulfil the more traditional family-car role with more than a little style. It's easily the most eye-catching large car to come from the brand in a very long time.

The latest 508 has more visual appeal than its rather forgettable predecessor. It's a confident-looking machine at a time when car-park prestige is all-important – and has a massive bearing on the residual-value figures that control Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) deals and are so crucial to fleet operators.

The 508's nose is dominated by a front grille that's either slatted or studded, depending on trim level, and flanked by purposeful-looking headlights. A mild suite of upgrades in 2022 made LED headlights standard, and saw the door mirrors and grille given a black treatment. Allure Premium, GT and GT Premium also get fang-like daytime running lights, which give the car an even more eye-catching look.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

It's sporty and distinctive, and fits well with the corporate style seen elsewhere in the Peugeot range. This family resemblance is also encountered at the rear of the car, where noticeable blisters top the rear wheel arches, and a dark panel that runs horizontally through the bootlid is pierced by the glow of three tail-lamps either side. The 508's sweeping fastback form is reminiscent of the Volkswagen Arteon, as are its frameless windows, and this gives the Peugeot quite an upmarket flavour.

Advertisement - Article continues below

A sportier model is now on sale, acting as a halo model at the top of the 508 range. Called the Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE), it has a 350bhp plug-in hybrid drivetrain and racy touches to match its performance. There are winglets on the bumpers, deep air intakes and lots of acid green flashes to distinguish it from the rest of the range.

The interior is no less bold in style. We've become used to cutting-edge cockpit design in Peugeot's SUV range and the 508 offers a similar look and feel. The dashboard has been styled to accommodate a driving position that's more low-slung and laid back than the one in the Peugeot 5008 SUV, but shares that car's small steering wheel, which is intended to be looked over instead of through when you’re glancing at the instruments. It makes it easy to see Peugeot's I-Cockpit electronic display, which is standard across the range and can be configured to display an array of information. Combine this with the row of piano-key buttons for minor controls and the 508 has a real hi-tech ambience.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Although the 508 is big on sporty appeal, not all versions have quite the power to live up to the car's muscular looks. The 508 is now only available with one petrol – a 1.2-litre engine known as the PureTech 130 with 129bhp. There’s also a 1.5-litre diesel engine badged BlueHDi 130 with the same power output. These are the sole engine options for the entry-level Active Premium, and all trims now come exclusively with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. A powerful 1.6-litre PureTech 180 petrol engine and a 222bhp version called the PureTech 225 were previously reserved for higher trim levels, but these have both been discontinued. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The 508 is now available with the choice of two plug-in hybrid versions. Aside from the high-performance 350bhp PSE model, the regular PHEV has a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 178bhp, along with a 108bhp electric motor. Combined, they can produce up to 222bhp and enable an electric range of up to 39 miles. It’s an impressive amount of power, but the additional motor and battery pack also makes the PHEV quite a bit heavier. The hybrid model is the most affordable version to run for company-car drivers, with just 29g/km of CO2 emissions bringing savings in some key areas. However, costing almost £38,000 in Allure Premium trim, it is a pricey car to buy privately.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Diesel buyers can look forward to fuel economy of up to 64mpg, but this engine will only appeal to high-mileage drivers, as it’s around £2,000 more than the similarly powerful petrol engine. The diesel emits a claimed 121g/km of CO2, for a reasonable Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax for company-car users. There was a more powerful BlueHDi 180 diesel engine but this is no longer available following a simplification of the line-up.

It’s a shame the most powerful petrol and diesel versions are no longer available, as the latest 508 has the handling to exploit the added power. It can't match the BMW 3 Series for sheer joy, but few will complain that the Peugeot is dull to drive, and it's more fun than a Volkswagen Passat or Skoda Superb.

Independent car safety organisation Euro NCAP awarded the 508 an impressive five-star rating. No doubt contributing to this achievement is the driver assistance pack, consisting of adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go function. Lane-positioning assistance is available, while autonomous emergency braking is standard across the range.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We can't vouch for the 508's reliability as it hasn't featured in our annual Driver Power owner satisfaction survey. Peugeot was the best-performing French brand in our 2022 survey, though, coming in eighth place out of 29 brands overall.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The Peugeot 508 has loads of appeal, with sporty looks and an imaginatively designed interior, and it drives at least as well as its Skoda and Volkswagen rivals. While it might prove difficult to persuade buyers away from their SUVs, the 508 might well attract sales from would-be BMW, Audi and Mercedes buyers.

2023 Peugeot 508 facelift

Peugeot 508 facelift

Peugeot opened orders for an updated version of the 508 in mid 2023, with deliveries expected by September of the same year. The facelifted 508 features an updated exterior and interior, and a simplified range of trim levels.

Trim levels are now simply Allure, GT and Peugeot Sport Engineered, and the car will still be offered in hatchback and estate forms, branded Fastback and SW.

The styling of the facelifted car has been tweaked with Peugeot’s latest updated shield logo, plus new matrix LED headlights including the brand’s ‘three-claw’ signature now standard on all cars. A similar signature also features as part of the rear lights, with scrolling directional indicators also upping the premium look. The range gets two new alloy wheel designs comprising updated 17-inch and 18-inch offerings.

Peugeot 508 facelift rear

The cabin has also had a redesign in line with similar updates to that of the 308 and 408 models, including a new e-Toggle gear selector and an extra control button to adjust regenerative braking settings on the plug-in hybrid models. Entry-level Allure models now get half-leather-effect upholstery as standard, with GT models adding Alcantara, while black Nappa leather is available as an option.

The 508’s interior now features the Peugeot i-Connect Advanced infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard on the 10-inch HD touchscreen, as well as ‘OK Peugeot’ voice commands. The car’s system will also continue to get over-the-air updates with further improvements coming over time. Wireless device charging will also be standard on all PSE versions – cars come with two USB-C ports in the centre console and two USB-A ports for rear passengers.

Peugeot 508 facelift interior

Front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera are standard on all models, with GT and PSE models getting a 360-degree camera.

The new 508 carries over just the 1.2-litre PureTech 130 petrol engine with 128mph and the plug-in hybrid 225 e-EAT8 system with 222bhp from the outgoing standard car, with PSE versions keeping the outgoing flagship’s plug-in hybrid 360 e-EAT8 four-wheel-drive system with 355bhp.

Prices start from just over £34,000 for the entry-level Allure with the 1.2-litre petrol engine, with the plug-in hybrid version commanding a £11,500 premium. GT models start from £2,500 more, while the flagship plug-in hybrid Peugeot Sport Engineered model costs from just under £54,000. SW estate variants cost around £1,200 more over equivalent hatchback versions.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Volkswagen T-Cross review – a well-equipped small SUV
Volkswagen T-Cross 2024
In-depth reviews
18 Mar 2024

Volkswagen T-Cross review – a well-equipped small SUV

SEAT Ateca review - good value SUV that's fun to drive
SEAT Ateca SUV front 3/4 tracking
In-depth reviews
14 Mar 2024

SEAT Ateca review - good value SUV that's fun to drive

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon
2024 Porsche Panamera front quarter dynamic
In-depth reviews
13 Mar 2024

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon

Toyota Yaris review - a frugal hybrid supermini
Toyota Yaris Carbuyer drive
In-depth reviews
12 Mar 2024

Toyota Yaris review - a frugal hybrid supermini

Most Popular

Hot car deal: stylish Peugeot 2008 small SUV for £120 a month
Peugeot 2008 front quarter
Deals
12 Mar 2024

Hot car deal: stylish Peugeot 2008 small SUV for £120 a month

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
15 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car
Skoda Superb Estate Carbuyer drive
In-depth reviews
15 Mar 2024

Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car

More on 508

Top 10 best hybrid estate cars 2024
Best hybrid estate cars
Best cars
15 Feb 2024

Top 10 best hybrid estate cars 2024

These hybrid estate cars could be the perfect choice for those wanting big space but small fuel bills
Top 10 best fast estate cars
Best fast estate cars
Best cars
12 Jan 2024

Top 10 best fast estate cars

Got stuff to move and no time to waste? You’ll want to take a look at these fast estate cars
Top 10 best saloon cars
The best saloon cars 2023
Best cars
17 Mar 2023

Top 10 best saloon cars

The saloon may be one of the oldest types of car around but it can still be the perfect match for the needs of many buyers. We show you 10 of the best…
Skip advert
Advertisement
Peugeot 508 SW estate review
2021 Peugeot 508 SW PSE
In-depth reviews
7 Mar 2023

Peugeot 508 SW estate review

"The Peugeot 508 SW is a stylish and practical estate car”
2023 Peugeot 508 facelift arrives to revolutionise the rep car
2023 Peugeot 508 - front 1
News
24 Feb 2023

2023 Peugeot 508 facelift arrives to revolutionise the rep car

Facelifted Peugeot 508 arrives with a new look and updated tech
New 355bhp Peugeot 508 Sport Engineered PHEVs unveiled
News
24 Sep 2020

New 355bhp Peugeot 508 Sport Engineered PHEVs unveiled

The Peugeot 508 hatchback and estate will soon be available as fast PHEVs
Carbuyer Best Car Awards 2020 - the winners
News
31 Dec 2019

Carbuyer Best Car Awards 2020 - the winners

The winners of the Carbuyer Best Car Awards 2020 have been announced, celebrating the best cars on sale across 21 categories
Peugeot 508 plug-in hybrid revealed
Peugeot 508 and 3008 hybrid models
News
5 Sep 2019

Peugeot 508 plug-in hybrid revealed

Peugeot has confirmed 222bhp Peugeot 508 PHEV in hatchback and SW estate form
Skip advert
Advertisement
New Peugeot 3008 plug-in hybrid arrives
News
29 Aug 2019

New Peugeot 3008 plug-in hybrid arrives

The Peugeot 3008 GT Hybrid4 has a 296bhp petrol electric powertrain offering up to 36 miles of electric driving range
Skip advert
Advertisement
Peugeot 508 SW estate prices and specs
Peugeot 508 SW
News
3 Jun 2019

Peugeot 508 SW estate prices and specs

Prices start at £26,845 and UK gets 75 First Edition launch models
New Peugeot 508 HYbrid pre-production car review
Peugeot 508 HYbrid front driving
News
26 Feb 2019

New Peugeot 508 HYbrid pre-production car review

We’ve sampled the plug-in hybrid version of the new Peugeot 508 before it goes on sale in autumn 2019
Peugeot 508 prices
News
12 Jun 2018

Peugeot 508 prices

Deliveries of sleek, hi-tech 2018 Peugeot 508 'fastback' to commence in October
Peugeot 508 saloon (2011-2018)
In-depth reviews
23 Mar 2018

Peugeot 508 saloon (2011-2018)

“The Peugeot 508 is a handsome saloon car that’s relaxing to drive, but it’s showing its age against more rounded rivals and looks pricey”
Peugeot 508 RXH estate (2012-2017)
In-depth reviews
4 May 2016

Peugeot 508 RXH estate (2012-2017)

“The Peugeot 508 RXH estate features an increased ride height, longer equipment list and higher price than the standard 508 SW, while the hybrid model…
Peugeot 508 SW estate (2011-2018)
In-depth reviews
4 May 2016

Peugeot 508 SW estate (2011-2018)

"The Peugeot 508 SW is a comfortable and well-equipped estate car, but its rivals offer bigger boots and better value"
Skip advert
Advertisement
Revised Peugeot 508 revealed
News
10 Sep 2014

Revised Peugeot 508 revealed

Major changes made to the Peugeot 508 aim to keep it fresh in the face of renewed competition
Major revisions for Peugeot 508 revealed
News
18 Jun 2014

Major revisions for Peugeot 508 revealed

The new Peugeot 508 gets revised styling, improved engines, and new equipment
Skip advert
Advertisement
Peugeot EXALT pictures and specs
News
22 Apr 2014

Peugeot EXALT pictures and specs

Peugeot EXALT hints at tech that will feature in the new Peugeot 508
Peugeot 508 RXH deals: Car deal of the week
News
7 Mar 2014

Peugeot 508 RXH deals: Car deal of the week

Save more than £3,000 off the price of a four-wheel drive Peugeot 508 estate
Peugeot 508 now with more equipment
News
23 May 2013

Peugeot 508 now with more equipment

The Peugeot 508 saloon and SW estate now with enhanced levels of standard equipment

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
19 Dec 2023

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
12 Apr 2023

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024