Category Archives: Vehicle type

Electric/hybrid, Executive saloon, Family hatchback, Peugeot

Chic and sleek 508

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Peugeot 508 Hybrid

By Bill McCarthy

TALKING about French chic could be described as a cliche, if you’ll pardon the French pun. But Peugeot’s sporty saloon really does deserve that definition.

Sleek, with almost predatory styling, the company seems to have cracked it with its latest intake of designers, as even from the 108 upwards, each model offers something to attract passing attention.

While the current craze for crossover/SUVs continues, this saloon, with It’s low-slung, almost coupe-like lines make it a head turning proposition both on the road and an attractive alternative executive choice on the car park.

Interior space is compromised somewhat by the styling, but it is still a big family saloon with adequate, if not class leading, boot space of 487 litres. Although shallow, it is wide and long.

The car offers sporty performance, while this plug-in hybrid version delivers excellent economy. In addition, the excellent handling makes for an entertaining drive.

“Bucking the crossover trend, this is a real alternative in the executive vehicle class, and a smart looking family saloon to boot.”

It is also packed with high-end equipment, even the entry level model, with the interior offering premium quality finish to fixtures, trim and fittings with a combination of soft touch finish and harder plastics.

While the exterior is classy and features the firm’s signature i-Cockpit control  and now familiar, small steering wheel, piano-style control switches and powered, leather-effect front seats on this model.

It is dominated by a new 10-inch colour touchscreen and Connected 3D Navigation with Tom Tom live updates available, and controls major functions in the car like connectivity and infotainment.

 The central console houses a stubby gear lever and drive selector, which allows three driving modes, from economy to sport. This Allure specification includes front and rear parking sensors and 180˚ reversing camera, 17-inch alloys active and ambient interior lighting.

Safety features include cyclist and pedestrian detection, full LED headlights, automated parking, adaptive cruise control, lane and blind spot assistance.

 The hybrid combination of a 110 hp 1.6 litre petrol engine and 11.8kW electric motor deliver a combined 225bhp for rapid acceleration. On the road, it feels quick and sporty, powering to 60mph in just over eight seconds.

The hybrid combo gives a theoretical combined fuel efficiency of up to 235mpg and CO2 emissions of up to 39g/km under the latest WLTP tests and is capable of up to 39 miles of fully-electric driving at a speed of up to 84mph.

 The firm recommends using a wallbox charger, so the car comes with a Mode 3 Type 2 cable as standard, unless taking up the option of a booster charge cable which will give 80 per cent charge in around 30 minutes at certain charging points.

The standard three-pin plug connector can take up to 14 hours. Economy is further enhanced by stop/start technology and regenerative braking. If on a longer journey, and soon to enter a congestion charge zone, the petrol engine can be used to charge the battery. The vehicle can then run on electric within the  zone, thus negating the cost, but with a downside on fuel consumption. 

Driving the car is a pleasure. It delivers sharp handling and feels balanced, agile and assured when cornering while the ride is firmest but comfortable enough for a family on a long trip, even dealing with the worst of our potholed roads, where lumps and bumps are soaked up with relative ease. It is a particularly comfortable place to be on long motorway journeys.

For ease of charging, customers can also download the MyPeugeot app, which will allow them to manage their vehicle charge remotely, precondition the temperature of the vehicle and receive ‘e-Coaching’ on how to benefit most from their vehicle. 

Bucking the crossover trend, this is a real alternative in the executive vehicle class, and a smart looking family saloon to boot.

Factfile

Peugeot 508 Allure hybrid 225 e-EAT8 S&S

Price: £35,945

Mechanical: Combined 225bhp 1598cc, four cylinder petrol engine and 11.8kW electric motor driving front wheels via CVT auto gearbox

Max speed: 155mph

0-60mph: 8.6 seconds

Combined mpg: 235 (WLTP)

Insurance group: TBC

CO2 emissions: 28-39 g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

electric, Peugeot

208 powers ahead

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Peugeot e-208

By Bill McCarthy

Peugeot has a proud record with small cars. The 205 GTi, which  became an icon of the British roads back in the 1980s, the most notable example.

That has continued with the latest 208 and particularly the e-208, the first all-electric car in the Peugeot range. It is already challenging the best on the market as more and more people start looking at electric cars seriously, battery range improves and charging infrastructure widens.

It needs to be good as it is up against challengers like the Honda E, Corsa-e, Renault Zoe and Kia e-Niro and MINI electric.

It features an electric 50kWh, 136bhp powertrain with a claimed 217 miles range (WLTP) from a single charge. While never working on a full charge, three-quarter charge showed a range of 161 miles, there was never the range anxiety associated with earlier electric cars and I always felt there was power to spare.

 The firm recommends using a wallbox charger, so the car comes with a Mode 3 Type 2 cable as standard, which will charge the vehicle in 7.5 hours with a 7kW charging point. There is also an optional facility for a booster charge cable which will give 80 per cent charge in around 30 minutes at certain charging points. The standard three-pin plug connector can take up to 14 hours for a full charge.

The latest 208 is a very stylish car and while the  e-208 is essentially the same as its combustion siblings, it adds some neat little touches to distinguish it, including body coloured chequered front grille, a bespoke ‘e’ monogram and a clever innovation to the signature Peugeot Lion badge, which changes colour from different angles. This version also featured gloss black wheel arch extensions, and a diamond black roof. 

Prices start at £28,100 for the Active model, rising to more than £33k for the the GT driven here.

The inside, which features the latest ‘3D i-Cockpit’, has a real premium feel, with high-end soft touch finish to dash and doors and neat chrome touches, piano-style control switches and heated, leather-trimmed front seats on this model.

It is dominated by a new 10-inch colour touchscreen and Connected 3D Navigation with Tom Tom live updates available, and controls major functions in the car like connectivity and infotainment.

 The central console houses a a nifty little drive selector and the car features the now familiar compact steering wheel.

This GT specification is exclusive to the electric car and includes front and rear parking sensors and 180˚ reversing camera, 17-inch alloys active and ambient interior lighting.

Safety features include cyclist and pedestrian detection, full LED headlights, automated parking, adaptive cruise control, lane and blind spot assistance.

 On the road, in true electric style, it is very nippy indeed, the instant torque powering it to 60mph in just under eight seconds, after which acceleration slows considerably, before reaching a top speed of just over 90mph, where permitted.

 It handles well, feeling stable and assured, even if the GT suspension and larger wheels make it feel firm, sometimes uncomfortable over poor road surfaces.

As with all electric cars, you are constantly monitoring the range and the regenerative braking. It is selected via the B on the gear lever, and puts charge back into the battery as it the car slows. It also means you are inclined to drive more economically to maximise power recovery.

But when the power is needed, however, it is instantly on tap.

Being a relatively small car, space is at a premium. But both head and legroom is decent for front passengers, but is more cramped in the rear.

As a hatchback, it also pretty practical with boot capacity ranging from standard 311 litres, stretching the 1,106 litres with the rear seats folded. In addition there are number of stowage areas and compartments.

 For easy of charging, customers can also download the MyPeugeot app, which will allow them to manage their vehicle charge remotely, precondition the temperature of the vehicle and receive ‘e-Coaching’ on how to benefit most from their vehicle. 

 As a first all electric effort, this is an impressive debut and should set a high standard across PSA brands. It also looks good by not falling into the trap of making electric power look slighty weird.

Factfile

Peugeot e-208 GT 136

Price: £33,150

Mechanical: 136bhp, 50kWh electric motor driving front via CVT auto gearbox

Max speed: 93mph

0-60mph: 8.1 seconds

Range: 211 (WLTP)

Insurance group: 31E

CO2 emissions: 0 g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles