Peugeot 508 test, specifications, opinions and dimensions 1.6 Hybrid 225 CV GT e-EAT8

It’s time for rechargeable hybrids, the cars that, after the electric ones, represent the most effective weapon in the “war on CO2”; at least, according to the very low levels of official emissions, as they appear in the approval cycles. Here, then, that alongside the petrol and diesel versions of the Peugeot 508, now comes the 1.6 Hybrid e-EAT8, with the 181 bhp 1.6 turbo four-cylinder petrol engine combined with a 109 electric motor, housed in the eight-speed automatic gearbox, for a total power of 225 HP: the same hybrid system used for two other models of the PSA group , the Peugeot 3008 and the Opel Grandland X (here the first contact of the hybrid four-wheel drive version).

Elegant and sporty, thanks to its almost coupé line, seen from outside the Peugeot 508 1.6 Hybrid GT e-EAT8 it differs from the other versions only in the Hybrid writing that stands at the base of the rear pillar and for the double refueling hatch: the one on the right hides the petrol filler, while on the left there is the connection for electric recharging. And speaking of battery regeneration (which has a capacity of 11.8 kWh and is positioned under the sofa), according to the French company, it is carried out from 0 to 100% in about two hours by connecting the car to a 7 wallbox, 4 kW, while it takes seven hours by hooking up to a domestic socket, with the 3.4 kW charger.

Plenty of space in front; roof a little low behind

The cockpit of the Peugeot 508 1.6 Hybrid GT e-EAT8 it is elegant, without even losing its sporting imprint, which also distinguishes the 508 petrol and diesel engines. The “stepped” dashboard, which wraps the driver and front passenger, is original. In the GT of our test, we also appreciate the refined upholstery of the leather and Alcantara seats and the wooden finishes of the doors and dashboard. Too bad, that there are no handles on the ceiling, nor the height adjustment of the seat belts (a defect common to all 508). There is no lack of space for four adults; in front, in particular, one is well received in the large and comfortable armchairs with AGR certification (a body specializing in ergonomics), complete with precise electrical adjustments. Even behind you travel well, with considerable ease for the legs and shoulders; provided not to exceed one meter and 85 meters in height; otherwise, you touch the ceiling with your head. Even the trunk is identical to that of the versions with the thermal engine, and maintains the good capacity of 487 liters, thanks to the batteries that do not take up space in the compartment.

Multimedia revised

Change, but slightly the multimedia system of the Peugeot 508 1.6 Hybrid GT e-EAT8: the 10 ”capacitive touchscreen allows you to view new screens, accessing the driving parameter setting functions and the information of the hybrid system. In this way, it is possible to consult the real-time distribution of the energy flows, the petrol and electric consumption statistics, the setting of the battery parameters and the activation of the e-Save program, the one that allows you to save electricity, keeping it for use it later, perhaps for entry into a limited traffic zone. And by downloading the MyPeugeot app, you can also view information on the progress and recharge status of the battery, fuel consumption statistics, but also remote control of some functions of the car, such as programming and activation of charging , and configure the preconditioning for heating or cooling the passenger compartment.

Four driving programs

With a button next to the gear lever, you can also select one of the four driving programs of the Peugeot 508 1.6 Hybrid GT e-EAT8: electric, Hybrid, Sport and Comfort. In electric mode it is possible to travel with electricity, ie zero emissions, up to 135 km / h; in Hybrid the machine control unit takes care of dosing the intervention of the engines, electric and petrol, to maximize efficiency; in Sport the full power of the hybrid system is used, for a more lively behavior and in Comfort, all the mechanics (including controlled damping suspension, steering and gearbox) work together to make the car’s response softer and sweeter .

She can be very discreet

In the guide, the Peugeot 508 1.6 Hybrid GT e-EAT8 it is agile and comfortable, thanks to the “intelligent” suspensions (standard in the GT version), which smooth out road irregularities and effectively contain the lateral bed of the body when cornering. To contribute to the good level of comfort, there is the excellent soundproofing of the passenger compartment, which is appreciated especially when driving at zero emissions, with the car moving fast and snappy, almost without noise (only slight hisses are heard aerodynamic generated by the rear view mirrors). But taking advantage of all the 225 HP of the hybrid engine, the response of the car becomes more ready: as soon as you press hard on the accelerator pedal, the 1.6 turbo also starts operating, which makes its thrust heard (and also its voice), making the “0-100″ credible in 8.3 seconds and the declared maximum speed 240 km / h. The steering is precise, but the gearbox is not always smooth and the fixed steering wheel levers are uncomfortable when cornering (they do not turn with the crown).

Almost 40 km only on electricity

What about the consumption of the French sedan? In our test around the Spanish city of Barcelona, ​​starting with the charged batteries and 36 km of autonomy indicated in the digital dashboard, we were able to travel 38 electrically, therefore without consuming a drop of petrol (the route took place on roads state and highway). A slightly lower than expected result (the house speaks for 50 km), but still positive: if we consider, in fact, that the average daily movement of 80% of European citizens is less than 50 km, autonomy ” eco ”achieved with the 508 plug-in allows to satisfy the daily mobility needs of most users, without resorting to the thermal engine.

Obviously, when the batteries are exhausted, you start to consume petrol, and the advantages are those of a “normal” hybrid car, which recharges when braking and supports the thermal engine in acceleration. In these conditions, after a hundred kilometers of rather fast driving we read an average of about 10 km / liter on the on-board computer, but our instruments will have a more accurate check. There Peugeot 508 1.6 Hybrid it is already on sale in dealerships, starting at 46,980 euros from the Allure base, up to 52,980 from the GT in our test. The wagon costs 900 euros more.

In our opinion

ADVANTAGES
> Driving aids. As standard it has the most common ones. And, among the options, you can also have the night viewer.
> Comfort. The seats are comfortable, the interiors well soundproofed, and the active suspension (standard) are really effective on every bottom.
> Guide. This plug-in hybrid is agile and brilliant; it has precise steering and holds the road well.

DEFECTS
> Rear habitability. The roof that descends towards the trunk leaves little space above the head for passengers on the sofa.
> Details. On a car of this price, and so cared for, it is strange that there are no handles in the ceiling and the height adjustment of the seat belt attachment.
> Shift levers. They are small and fixed: when cornering, turning the steering wheel, they are difficult to use.