Peugeot expects its significantly revised 508 to challenge the forthcoming new generation Ford Mondeo in the large family car sector.

Dealers will start selling the new 508 saloon, estate and extended ride-height RXH in September, several weeks before the long-delayed new Mondeo arrives in the UK. Prices have not yet been revealed but the brand has made clear its intention clear to move it upmarket.

Peugeot describes the new 508 as a “major evolution” of the model rather than a facelift with the revamp extending to new engine choices. The Euro 5 emissions-compliant 1.6-litre THP 156 petrol engine makes way for a Euro 6 model, the THP 165 Stop & Start. As well as offering a 9bhp increase, this unit when matched to a six-speed manual gearbox cuts CO2 emissions from 144g/km to 131g/km. The brand’s BlueHDi diesel engines reach the 508 in two variations of a 2-litre unit, a 150hp with CO2 emissions cut to 105g/km, and a 180hp saloon with 11g/km of CO2.

The diesel hybrid engine continues, but with significant improvements, in both saloon and RXH forms. The latter targets Audi and Volvo rather than Ford, the Allroad and Cross Country, large family cars that can negotiate a light off-road environment such as a muddy field.

A combination of the 163bhp 2-litre HDI diesel driving the front wheels and an electric motor of 37bhp propelling the rears has cut the hybrid’s CO2 emissions from 107 to 85g/km and extended official combined cycle fuel consumption figures from 68.9 to 85.6mpg.

The new looks follow the family styling language seen on recent Peugeot releases. The grille is more distinctive, with a bold, plunging design and the Peugeot lion badge moved onto its centre from the bonnet. The front and rear bumpers and bonnet are new, as are the now LED head and tail lights.

Dominating the completely revamped interior is a seven-inch touchscreen on the centre console, first seen on the recently launched 308. Functions through the screen replace many dash controls creating a cleaner, more minimalist cockpit. Joining the standard specification is a head-up display in colour, while the options list now includes a reversing camera and blind-spot mirrors.

Despite registrations climbing almost 6% in the UK, Peugeot struggled overall in 2013. However the brand describes 2014 as “a rebound year” and is already reporting European sales up by 14%, twice the rate of the market as a whole. UK registrations year-to-date are up 3%

Original Story Taken from Motor Trader News – http://www.motortrader.com/latest-news/revamped-peugeot-508-challenge-forthcoming-mondeo/