Peugeot 508 – due in Australia mid-2011

Peugeot has just released these images of their new 508 saloon and wagon. The 508 will be launched in 2011 and Peugeot say this is the first of their models to take styling cues from the SR1 Concept (well, they both have four wheels I suppose).

A mix of petrol and diesel e-HDi engines will be offered with the 508. Also joining the range will be a HYbrid4 option. This eco-warrior model has headline specs of 200bhp, all-wheel drive and a CO2 figure of just 99g/km.

Peugeot reckon the interior of the 508 is pretty flash saying, “Every detail has been chosen to offer indisputable perceived quality, both visually and to the touch.” The interior does look quite nice at first glance, although a closer inspection shows there are a lot of buttons and it could be a bit fiddly.

Outside, we’re being told the look is “timeless” and typical “French chic”. To be honest, it’s a bit hard to tell from these pics. More than usual, the 508 is one of those cars that needs to be judged in person and not from images. In the photos supplied the 508 looks svelte and smooth, while at the same time looking bloated and not quite right.

Take a look at the pics after the break and judge for yourself.

UPDATE 14 July: Peugeot Australia has just sent out the following info, “The 508 is being developed for a local market release by mid 2011… [it] will be unveiled to the public at the 2011 Melbourne International Motor Show.” Full release below.

THE PEUGEOT 508

Peugeot reveals details of the new Peugeot 508 to be launched in 2011

• New design look
• Benefits from e-HDi and HYbrid4 technology
• Available in Saloon and SW body styles

The Peugeot 508 introduces the Marque’s new design look which has evolved from the stylistic codes first unveiled on the SR1 Concept Car.

Combining both a stylish and strong design with cutting-edge technology; quality, purity and efficiency have been the watchwords that have guided the Peugeot designers and engineers during the creation of the 508.

The stylish exterior design is elegant and timeless and full of ‘French chic’, equally at home in Paris or London. The interior of the car combines hi-tech with the use of high quality materials and every detail has been chosen to offer indisputable perceived quality, both visually and to the touch. An exceptional interior space, a very generous boot, and a level of standard specification provide interior comfort and convenience of a very high level.

In line with Peugeot’s strategy to produce vehicles that emit low levels of CO2 and optimise fuel efficiency, the 508 has been designed to optimise the performance of its engines, enhance environmental efficiency, reduce weight and improve aerodynamics, matched at all times to a broad range of highly efficient engines.

The Peugeot 508 will be powered by a range of engines all well positioned in their categories in terms of performance and driveability, but also fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. All engines will benefit from the latest engine technology including Peugeot’s new e-HDi stop and start system. This is the first of the new generation of stop and start systems which offers improved driveability and economy enhancements of up to 15%.

After launch, Peugeot’s HYbrid4 technology will become available on the 508 and will provide 200bhp performance with all-wheel drive and emissions of 99g/km of CO2 or zero in electric mode.

The Peugeot 508 will be available in two body styles: a Saloon (with a length of 4.79 m) and a SW (4.81 m). Both models will be revealed to the public in October at the Paris Motor Show, and will go on sale at the beginning of 2011.

Utilising the PSA Group’s platform 3, the 508 will be produced in Rennes in France, for the European market and in 2011 in China, for the Chinese market.

Peugeot 508: Bound for Australia in 2011

14 July 2010 – Automobiles Peugeot today previewed the all-new 508 ahead of its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, with an anticipated on-sale date in Europe at the beginning of 2011. Peugeot Automobiles Australia also announced today that the 508 is being developed for a local market release by mid 2011.

As a successor to the 407 sedan and Touring – both of which are now in run-out since the cessation of production – Peugeot Automobiles Australia has announced that the new 508 will be unveiled to the public at the 2011 Melbourne International Motor Show and will feature EURO 5 standard HDi turbo-diesel engine derivatives. Furthermore, the innovative Hybrid4 variant – with 147kW of power, emissions of just 99 gm/km of COâ‚‚ and all-wheel drive potential – is also under consideration for this market.

With the 508, Peugeot reaffirms its ambitions for one of its traditionally strong market segments – the large touring car segment. Each model in the “40X” and “50X” series has left an indelible mark in its time. Through its elegant exterior design – reflecting great strength, balance and timeless grace – the 508 reveals the evolution of the Marque’s stylistic codes first unveiled on the SR1 Concept Car.

Under the bonnet, the 508 benefits from engines that are particularly well positioned in their categories in terms of performance and responsiveness, where they meet tough fuel consumption and COâ‚‚ emission targets.

The 508 will available in two body styles: the sedan (with a length of 4.79 m) and the Touring wagon (4.81 m). Peugeot Australia anticipates that the 508 sedan will be launched ahead of the Touring version, with the latter extending the range towards the end of 2011. Pricing and specification will be confirmed at the time of local launch.

“At this stage we are unable to confirm pricing for Australia, however we remain confident that the new 508 will be highly competitive and represent a compelling proposition for the discerning luxury car buyer” said Ken Thomas, General Manager / Director at Peugeot Automobiles Australia. “It will deliver a suite of advanced technologies, powerful and efficient Euro 5-compliant HDi diesel engines, high standards of safety and an unprecedented level of standard equipment. Peugeot has a proud tradition of excellence in this segment and the new 508 will not disappoint”, he said.