Peugeot is making its most determined bid so far to break into Britain’s modern executive sector with the introduction of the 508RXH.
It was first to bring the hybrid diesel/electric drivetrain to market with their 3008 Hybrid4 crossover SUV models in February this year and is moving this technology upwards into the D-segment with the larger 508 series. First to arrive in May is the 508 RXH Hybrid4 SW estate priced at £33,695 which offers two and four wheel drive and with a higher ground clearance.
Next in July will be the 508 Hybrid4 Saloon priced at £31,450. Each version comes with 163bhp 2.0 litre engine and six speed manual box, one high level of specification but an extensive extras list.
The RXH Hybrid4 estate has CO2 emissions of 107g/km so this means a low 12 per cent in Benefit-in-Kind company car tax, VED road tax is £0 in the First Year rate and then only £20 a year after that. The official Combined Cycle fuel economy is 68.9mpg.
The Hybrid4 Saloon costs £31,450, also has the two/four wheel drive facility but with the conventional ground clearance of the 508 four door large saloon. Because it is a little lighter CO2 emissions are lower at 95g/km, BIK company car tax is still a very low 12 per cent and road tax remains at £0 for every year.
This model is also free of the London Congestion Charge and the official Combined Cycle fuel economy is 78.5mpg.
Because of the low taxation, including a 100 per cent company Write-Down Allowance against taxable profits, it is estimated that 85 per cent of sales will go to fleet and company car users, around 1,000 units a year for the RXH Hybrid4 estate and double that for the Hybrid4 saloon.
Sales of other stylish 508 SW and Saloon models with conventional petrol and diesel engine options and two wheel drive will continue to be the main sellers accounting for up to 8,000 UK sales each year and 75 per cent of these sales go to fleet and business users.
The RXH is based on the 508 SW estate but with higher ground clearance for added capabilities off road, although it isn’t a full off-roader and intended to cope with wintry roads or slippery paddocks and slipways, and has SUV-style body cladding for added protection It’s well equipped but if you need more there are extra cost options. But its what is under the bonnet and loadbed that is the real benefit to potential buyers.
The Hybrid4 system has a 2.0-litre, 163bhp turbodiesel engine driving the front wheels while a 37bhp electric motor is mounted with its battery pack under the boot floor and drives only the rear wheels. Combined torque of the two power sources is 450Nm (331lb ft) and it is very progressive from zero rpm because of the electric motor.
Top speed is 132mph and zero to 62mph takes 9.5 seconds. Officially the fuel economy is 68.9mpg but during testing on and off road this week the result was a more realistic 42.1mpg. It’s the low CO2 rating which leads to low taxation that most impresses.
The twin power sources lets the driver choose between front wheel drive, all electric drive when zero emissions are dictated and four wheel drive. Or the driver can just select Auto and the car’s brain decides how best to optimise fuel economy and performance.
It is simple but very impressive, with its seamless action and you can sometimes wonder what is pushing you along. The diesel engine is strong and responsive but it does get noisy under hard acceleration even though the estate’s cabin is generally a quite place to travel in and as a result highlights other noise sources.
This included noticeable road noise from the 18-inch wheels fitted and chunky tyres while the suspension is on the firm side because of the off-road capability and can be unsettling on-road over poorer road surfaces. Peugeot’s engineers have not overcome the jerkiness often commented upon in the EGC six-speed electronically controlled and automated clutchless manual gearbox.
Even when they are smooth, they are not quick. Steering is very well balanced and the turning circle is good but you will have to get use to the strong deceleration when you lift off and the kers system rolls in to boost the powertrain’s future potential.
Over a mixture of main roads and country lanes along the Welsh Marches, the Peugeot 508RXH was an easy and usually comfortable drive.
Fully exploiting the diesel engine and electric motor produces 200bhp and that gives it strong acceleration for overtaking, but other times you ease off and it silently rolls along in EV model entirely.
The sweeping roofline mean you have to duck your head quite a bit on slipping into the car but the loadspace is easy to use and a good size up to 423 litres and it can tow 1.1 Tonnes.
Seats are comfortable and well shaped, visibility is aided by sensors and wipers are very big. Handling is safe and surefooted and you feel you could cover big distances without getting tired.
