Used 2012 Peugeot 508 Sedan Review & Ratings

Since the heady days of the ultra successful 504, Peugeot have failed to come up with a luxury sedan that can conquer anything like the global market share that this now classic car, which was in full production from the late sixties till the mid eighties, succeeded in doing. Trade reviews report favorably on the Peugeot 508 Sedan, unveiled by Peugeot at the 2010 Motor Show in Paris, replacing the 407 which was far from being a success story. The 2012 Peugeot 508 Sedan, is built on the same platform as Citroen's C5 Sedan with both being either produced in France as well as at the Citroen-Peugeot's Chinese plant, always on the same assembly line.

The four door, five seater 2012 508 Sedan has the new Peugeot look written all over it, especially on its front end, emphasized by oversized bi-xenon head lights, against a trademark matt black grille and circular LED daytime lights. The rear of car has three (claw like) red tubes in the tail lights shelter three rows of LEDs. The vehicle sports a refined side and is set off by satin chrome glazed surfaces.

The 2012 Peugeot 508 Sedan comes with a choice of either two petrol engines or four diesel powered versions.

The petrol engined versions begin with a 1.6 liter VTi engine creating 120 horsepower, paired with an electronically controlled six speed manual transmission with the other petrol engine on offer, while also being 1.6 liter turbo-charged version ups the horsepower to 156, making for a much higher torque. This engine also comes with a six speed manual transmission.

The diesel engined versions of the Peugeot Sedan for 2012 start off with a 1.6 HDi liter offering 112 horsepower on a five speed manual transmission. The next one up in the diesel range is a more powerful 2.0 HDi generating 140 horsepower and generous torque rates, paired with Peugeot's well known six speed manual transmission. The next diesel on the lineup is again a two liter, this time producing the power of 163 horses and matched up with a six speed automatic transmission. Top of the top for the diesel engined 508 Sedans is the 2.2 liter HDi that generates a powerful 200 brake horse power, that again comes matched with a six speed automatic gearbox. This engine earns rave reviews for its winning combination of efficient fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions.

Standard on the 508 is Macpherson double wishbone front suspension with a Multi-arm with a helical springs and multi valve dampers rear suspension configuration designed to provide increased directional stability, making for a very special driving experience.

At 170 inches long by around 70 inches wide by 51 inches high, the Peugeot 508 Sedan has space and plenty to spare for its three back seat passengers. The 2012 Peugeot 508 sedan provides more than adequate baggage space at 39.6 cubic feet, for ease of access the trunk through the 508's smart key or by pressing a button on the fascia.

Peugeot's 508 Sedan ideally combines the comfort of a family saloon with the flexibility of a cargo carrier, with luggage space far superior to the bulk of its rivals. Driver and passenger comfort have been well taken care of and standard fittings are both generous and of a very high level. While the 508 has been generally well received in most trade reviews, there are always a few pros and cons that will crop up.