The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 43: June/July 2019 | Page 34

REVVED UP The Exciting New Peugeot 508 GT With the rise of the ubiquitous SUV the motoring world has witnessed the slow decline in popularity of the large family hatchback and saloon. Whether with a traditional boot or a rising hatch this sector of cars, once so familiar on our roads, are something of a rare breed now and in many ways that is a shame. Therefore it is good to see that the French manufacturer Peugeot has not yet given up on this type of model and have introduced the 508 Fastback, seen here in range-topping GT guise. French ‘je ne sais quoi’. The front features a striking set of vertical LED daytime running lights, a sharp grille and slim headlamps. From the side the Peugeot 508 Fastback appears more compact than some competitors belying the roomy interior. It has to be said though that for very tall people the back seats lack headroom thanks to the exterior design. For those who prefer more space and practicality, there is also an estate car variant available. At the back the simple, modern design has ‘claw-effect’ rear lights that sit in a black bar that runs the width of the car. Twin tail pipes hint at the performance potential. Our featured car had special paint in Celebes Blue, which costs extra, as always. The Style The Peugeot 508 has moved with the times and now features a sleek coupé-like fastback body style and a very classy interior and with technology to match. As a premium car, it is similar in concept to the Kia Stinger. The latest 508 certainly looks the part with cool frameless doors and a grown-up design that competes with and in some cases improves upon some of its prestige German rivals with an added touch of On The Inside The inside of this car is of a very high quality. Peugeot have put a strong focus on the interior design. The car featured here costs around £38,000 but this interior looks more expensive than that, especially with those superb leather electrically-adjustable @DriveWrite seats. Prices start at just over £25,000 and for business users BIK is currently running at 29%. Peugeot’s now familiar i-Cockpit dashboard design with the small steering wheel is driver focused. With its piano-key main switches, you either like it or you don’t. As with most premium vehicles most of the functions are accessed via the multi-media touchscreen or the steering wheel controls. There is the full complement of safety equipment on the GT Fastback that includes Night Vision (extra cost), Park Assist, Park Drive Assist Plus, Security Pack, infra-red camera and sensors & radars. The power The 508 is powered by latest-generation PureTech (petrol) and diesel BlueHDi engines complaint with the latest Euro standards. Two petrol variant power outputs are available, based on a 1.6L unit, the most powerful of which offers the sporting driver 225bhp. Three diesels are also available, either 1.5L and 2.0L. Our test car had the 2.0L diesel which offered both power and economy. Driving This is where this car truly comes into its own. Most models offer active suspension which is standard on all petrol models. It drives beautifully with outstanding body control and remaining very comfortable even at motorway speeds. There’s virtually no noise from the engine, the mirrors or the road. The small steering wheel makes the 508 nimble to manoeuvre making for an enjoyable driving experience. In short, this is a very refined car. Written by Geoff Maxted www.drivewrite.co.uk Coate Couriers going the extra mile • Sameday delivery • Personal service • Secure dedicated vehicles Coate Couriers insured up to £50,000 • Goods fully going the extra mile (much higher than most independent couriers) • Offering you peace of mind Call us to discuss your requirements on 07981 004392 or 07941 573379 www.coatecouriers.co.uk 34 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2019 [email protected]