Faults:

When I got the car, the fuel gauge didn't show the correct quantity.

Passenger side front door was making cracking noises while opening and closing.

General Comments:

I wanted to test the new Peugeot type cockpits. So, while I had my Alfa 159 in the shop for repair and maintenance, I rented a new 508 for a week.

1- Interior design: I am 190 cm tall. With the driver seat pushed back as much as possible + the steering wheel as low as possible and pulled back as much as possible, that was the best ever driving position that I have ever experienced in a civilian car. This cockpit in terms of driving position is very well executed. So much that when I had my 159 back, it felt like as if I was driving a minibus or a pickup truck. The instrument cluster is clearly visible and readable, no issues at all. My only two reproaches are the following:

a- The center console from the arm rest to the main dash does not really have to be that high. It isn't a problem at all the way it is, but I think it is to give a "more expensive look" to the whole thing and to have the short gear selector right there at easy reach while you still have your arm resting on the armrest. You select your gear by just moving your hand while the arm is standing still. However, if ever you park in a very tight space and want to get out from the passenger side, that's going to be mission impossible.

b- As stated above, the driving position was a dream for me, but the downside is when you get in and out of the car, you have to be quite flexible, specially if you happen to park right next to an elevated walk way along the street. A device to get the steering wheel out of the way quickly, like on the big lorries, would be very welcome!

2- Fuel consumption: I drove the car for about 1000 km in city and highway mixed to speeds up to 120 km/h. My average consumption was 4 liters to 100 km. I didn't specially push the car, I just drove the same way I drive all the time. The 8 speed auto transmission tends to keep the revs between 1500 and 2000 rpm as much as possible, and having 8 gears helps it in a great way in this feat. This consumption figure is about half of my 159 and 1/3 of my Saab 9-5!!!

3- Reliability: I do not have much to comment given that I drove the car for 1000 kms only. However, I should highlight that the car had only 12000 kms on the clock and had a faulty fuel gauge and a cracking passenger side door. Hmmmm.

4- General comfort and road handling: The suspension is perfect for winding roads, highways and in general terms for sporty handling, but just a tiny bit harsh for city and potholes. Seats are very good both comfort and ergonomic wise. As a matter of comparison, a Megane4 feels much comfier but much less stable; the 508 feels like a sports car in return.

5- Noise insulation is, I have to say, good. It didn't feel so much silent and insulated while driving it, but I only figured how good it was when I got my 159 back.

Given that I hadn't driven a single Peugeot in the last 15 years (and it was a 1997 model 306 the last time), that's a huge step forward. But still, small/non-vital but a bit irritating problems seem to be there and that's a bit of deception.

This car would not suit you if you prioritize easy access in and out, comfy ride, generous leg space at the back.

For the likes of me who are not interested in the legroom at the back or the luggage compartment capacity neither its inner form, that's a very good car.

It may be a very serious candidate of a car with this design inside and out for the future if only... it was built by Germans or Japaneses and sold for French prices!

Faults:

Integrated radio - which is also connected to the steering wheel controls, displays temperature and navigation data, the bluetooth telephony system and the parking sensors - has completely ceased working. Dealer says the problem could be linked to the CAN-BUS system or to the radio itself.

Starter failed at 1.5 years/12,000 km. Replaced under warranty.

235 45 18 wheels with Michelin Premacy tires are very prone to curbing and damage. 2 tires failed due to a puncture and all 4 had to be replaced due to the difficulty of finding the exact same size.

Swiveling main beam headlamps frequently experience errors - has to be reset at the dealer.

Multiple power window motor assemblies have failed.

General Comments:

The Peugeot 508 was a revelation when it first arrived in the Philippines - the first affordable executive car equipped with a modern common-rail diesel engine. At its price range, it could easily compete with Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys, and Nissan Teanas that could not offer a diesel at all.

When we first bought the car, it was highly impressive - fit and finish were exemplary, it had a smooth diesel with decent power and economy - paired to a 6-speed automatic, and loads of interior and boot space.

However, as time went on, it seemed that the 508 had closer links to its Citroen C5 cousin than it did to the Peugeots with improved reliability like the 3008 and 5008. Several times we experienced failures which were fortunately covered under warranty: 2 power window motors and the starter. The latter was a frightening experience because the car suddenly stopped running at a red light and all systems failed - the car's accessory system would not even light up!

Finally, with more power windows failing and the radio a goner - it may be time to fix the car up for selling. While these failures don't detract from that wonderful engine and transmission, having such critical components fail doesn't bode well for the longevity of the car.

I will say however that our other Peugeot - a 3008 - has fared much better over time and is highly recommended!