Behold! the facelifted 2015 Peugeot 508, which I fear may pass much of the world by in the near-invisible manner historically common amongst many a larger Pug. Question is: should it?
Visually, it’s one of those updates where you can tell they’ve done something but at first you’re not entirely sure what. Click here for our first news story on the revised 508 saloon and estate range.
So what is new on the 2015 Peugeot 508?
Focus on the grille, now more upright than before and proudly centred by the Peugeot lion. It’s the first time the 508 has been seriously overhauled since it was first shown at the 2010 Paris motor show.
There’s also a ‘more horizontal’ bonnet, and all but the base spec get full LED lights. So, actually, it’s pretty swish. It’ll go down well in China, where 30% of all 508s are sold (they manufacture locally).
The test SW estate even carried off an audacious metallic sludge brown, improbably named ‘Bistre’, with a certain distinction.
What’s the latest 508 like inside?
In the cabin there’s a new seven-inch touchscreen to reduce the number of buttons – and though the slightly cartoonish graphics aren’t quite in keeping with the cool restraint of the rest of the dash, it’s at least responsive.
The cabin is either cocooning or claustrophobic depending on how much you like dark materials and high surfaces, but the detailing and quality feels classy.
But it’s good to see Peugeot persisting with high-tech flourishes such as the pop-up head-up display. Not many rivals can offer this tech. And if you plunder the options list even further you can now add blindspot sensors and a reversing camera for the first time.
Driving impressions
I’ll say the same about the driving experience. Ride comfort suits a motorway schlep and this 140bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel, while not one of the designated eco models, surges smoothly through the gears, emitting a modest 125g/km in the process.
Composed in the corners but hardly irresistible, it lends itself to relaxed but rapid progress that sees you arrived refreshed, if not invigorated.
You’ll also have time to play with the new Peugeot Connected Apps, which let you check fuel prices, traffic information and TripAdvisor recommendations. They’re designed to be seamlessly integrated in the new touchscreen for the smartphone generation. Just not while you’re driving now, folks…
Verdict
So the revised Peugeot 508 is pretty decent. Damning with faint praise? Possibly. The 508 won’t uproot many 3-series drivers but makes an affable alternative choice. If you care to notice.