2011 Peugeot 508 Officially Unveiled

Peugeot has unveiled the 2011 all-new Peugeot 508 sedan, a replacement for two existing models, the 407 and 607 sedans. Previewed by the 5 by Peugeot concept and caught on camera recently, the 508 heralds Peugeot's new design language, appearing bold and modern without losing that touch of French uniqueness.

The 508 is positioned and sized between the D-segment 407 and the larger, more upmarket 607, utilising a platform shared with the Citroen C5. Peugeot says that the cabin has been constructed from higher-quality materials, and provides more interior and boot space than before.

Peugeot has been stingy on technical details, however, only confirming that the e-HDi stop-and-start system will be standard on diesel engines. And that the diesel-electric Hybrid4 powertrain, which pairs a turbodiesel engine at the front to an electric motor at the rear, will be joining the engine range sometime after launch.

Capable of operating in diesel-only, electric-only or diesel-electric modes, the Hybrid4 powertrain produces a combined 200 bhp and emissions of 99 grams/km in hybrid mode and zero emissions in electric-only mode.

The 508 will be unveiled in the metal at the Paris Motor Show on September 30, before going on sale across Europe in early 2011. Europe will get 508 units built in Rennes, France, while China will be offered exclusive made-in-China units.

Already assembling the 308 and 407, and the 408 from next year, Nasim will likely secure the right to locally assemble the 508 too, lowering the price point and providing Malaysians with an additional choice besides the established Japanese options.