Peugeot's 508 Hybrid 225 delivers plug-in tech from a brand keen to play the long game when it comes to electrification. Jonathan Crouch drives the revised version.

Ten Second Review

The only remaining version of Peugeot's 508 medium range model is this Hybrid 225 PHEV version. There's a price to pay for the convenience of limited fuel-free mileage, but you'll gain some of the outlay back in lower taxation payments and petrol savings. Fastback and SW estate variants both feature with this set-up and there's premium packaging and appealing design to sugar the asking figures.

Background

Stricter emissions regulations have forced every brand to invest in electrified engine tech and it's been interesting to see how different brands have prioritised the different technology options the industry currently has to offer. For this Peugeot 508, the Stellantis Group chose to ignore the two self-charging options (mild and full-hybrids) and instead install a Plug-in Hybrid engine in the top versions, creating this Peugeot 508 Hybrid. The same set-up is offered in the Lion brand's 3008 mid-sized SUV. With the 508 Hybrid 225 model, the idea is to address a primarily business-orientated clientele attracted by the low taxation opportunity that models of this kind offer. People currently considering cars in this class like the Mercedes C300 e and the BMW 330e.

Driving Experience

The PHEV tech adds a portly 280kgs to the kerb weight of the 508. The first generation 508 design was available in electrified form too, but that was a self-charging set-up mated to a diesel engine. In this 'R83'-series model, a 181hp 1.6-litre turbo petrol powerplant combined with an 8-speed auto gearbox is mated to a 110hp electric motor on the front axle powered by a 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery. When fully charged, this allows for up to 42.3 miles of WLTP-rated all-electric driving range. There's a 225hp system output. You get four driving modes, with the ones you'll be using most of the time being the 'Hybrid' and 'Comfort' settings that choose the best mix of electric and petrol propulsion to suit the driving style whilst optimising efficiency, the latter softening the standard adaptive damping. The alternative settings are either 'Sport' (where the car combines the power of the electric and petrol motors to offer livelier performance). And 'Electric' (battery power only), in which guise the car is apparently able to run at up to 84mph. With the engine chiming in, 62mph from rest occupies 7.9s and top speed is limited to 149mph. The hybrid system's extra weight slightly blunts the handling but refinement is exemplary (even with the PureTech engine working) and the ride is superb.

Design and Build

If you were familiar with the original version of this second generation 508, you'll immediately notice that the front end of this updated model has a considerably sleeker look. There are now three lighting 'fangs' and a redesigned grille, similar to that which features on the smaller 408, has gloss and textured black features, as well as the latest Peugeot emblem. Plus the narrow beady LED headlights now have standard-fit matrix tech. As before, there's a choice of either a 4.75-metre-long five-door hatch model (which the brand wants us to call a 'Fastback') or a swoopy 4.79-metre SW estate variant. Hybrid-specific features include a special dichroic version of the Peugeot lion brand logo, some additional Hybrid badges stuck on the front wings, an extra left-hand filler flap for voltage charging and a cyan light that shines from the interior mirror when the car is in all-electric motion. As before, the unusual style-led exterior looks are mirrored by an original interior, with a redesigned dashboard and centre console. The fascia's still highlighted, as mentioned in our drive section, by the usual Peugeot i-Cockpit dashboard design, plus there's a large 10-inch capacitive infotainment touchscreen angled towards the driver and a 12.3-inch head-up digital instrument display. The centre screen benefits from updated media tech, allowing for wider customisation options. The auto gear shifter's different too, switching from the previous olf-school 'trigger' to the more discreet finger-pull selector that now features on other Stellantis Group models. As before, the cabin can also feature the brand's 'i-Cockpit Amplify' system, which enables the driver to choose between two levels of ambience - 'Boost' and 'Relax'. Because this design was created from the outset to accommodate battery power, there's no compromise in rear seat accommodation with this Hybrid variant and a couple of adults will be quite comfortable. Boot space is unaltered too, 487-litres in the hatch and 530-litres in the SW estate, with load capacity in the latter case extendable to 1,780-litres with the rear bench flattened. There's also a helpful compartment beneath the boot floor where you can store the charging cables, though you do lose the convenience of a spare wheel.

Market and Model

Tis Hybrid 225 PHEV model is the last remaining version of the 508 and it's only available in top 'GT' trim, though you do still get the choice of Fastback or SW estate body styles. The top 360hp high performance PHEV 'Peugeot Sport Engineered' model is sadly no longer available. All 508s have EAT8 auto transmission. 'GT'-spec includes plenty of equipment; 18-inch 'Epherra' diamond-cut two-tone wheels and part-faux leather upholstery paired with Alcantara and 'Aikinite' stitching extended into the dashboard, doors and steering wheel. Other 'GT'-spec additions include aluminium pedals, blue ambient lighting, Nera Black door mirrors, a 360-degree 'Visio Park' camera system and heated front seats that are ergonomically approved by the AGR organisation, who campaign for healthy backs. Plus there are various drive assist features and the SW version gets aluminium boot rails. Plus there's Connected 3D Navigation with voice recognition, automatic dual zone climate control and the 'Peugeot i-Cockpit' digital instrument binnacle screen. Options include a superb 'FOCAL' surround sound Hi-Fi system, night vision and a wireless smartphone charger. The wrap-around seats can be specified with five multi-point massage programmes, there's a range of premium and sophisticated trim and upholstery materials and you can have a panoramic opening glass roof. All the usual drive assistance elements are included - and you can have level two semi-autonomous capability. Expect to find features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane assist, rear parking sensors, a rear reversing camera and an automatic high beam.

Cost of Ownership

Let's get to the figures. We've covered the 42.3 mile WLTP-rated all-electric driving range; it's actually more like around 30 miles in real-world use. And we also ought to apply real-world thinking to projections of likely fuel economy because the fantasy-land official combined WLTP figures (up to 274.8mpg for the Fastback) clearly aren't likely to be replicated by the average owner. As a feather-foot, we suppose 80-90mpg might theoretically be possible but your realistic average is going to be much less than that - and certainly less than you'd get from an equivalent diesel model. Rely on the petrol engine alone and you'd struggle to average 35mpg. WLTP emissions are rated at up to 23g/km. These stats will mean attractively low BiK figures. Or they will for the mainstream Hybrid model anyway. Bear in mind that you'll need to find £500 extra to upgrade your 508 Hybrid to a model incorporating a 7.4kWh fast charger that would be capable of accepting charge from anything faster than a domestic three-pin socket. This halves charging time when charging with a typical garage 7kW wallbox. And it really ought to be standard. Charging the 12.4kWh battery takes 1 hour 45 minutes from empty to full using a 7.4kW garage wallbox. You can use a provided smartphone app to set low-tariff charging times. Insurance is group 36E.

Summary

Peugeot has to produce cars like this 508 Hybrid. It doesn't necessarily have to sell a lot of them. Most of the brand's profit comes from small cars and LCVs: if models like the 508 can also sell, then so much the better. But they can't drag down the brand's across-range collective CO2 performance in a way that would these days deliver eye-wateringly high EU fines. So plug-in tech needs to be offered in this 508 model, even if high pricing means that the market for it is still quite small. But we can see why you might want one, especially if you're seeking a stylish business conveyance and the current market trend for various flavours of SUV has passed you by. The taxation arguments are difficult to argue with and the attraction of mostly fuel-free commuting mileage is considerable. With the practicality of the SW estate body style, we think that this car starts to make some sort of sense. But if you don't agree, Peugeot won't worry too much. C'est la vie.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Rear wiper

Dark tinted rear side windows + tailgate window

Front and rear electric windows with one touch/anti pinch

Heated rear windscreen with integrated antenna

Front windscreen wiper with magic wash cleaning system

Heated tailgate window

Safety glass

Brakes

Electronic Stability Programme

Anti-lock Brake System / Electronic Brakeforce Distribution / Emergency brake assist

Electronic parking brake + Hill assist

Front and rear disc brakes

Carpets/Rugs

Front and rear carpet mats in black with aikinite stitch

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive suspension

Communication

Voice recognition

Bluetooth telephone facility

Driver Aids

Electronic power assisted steering

Eco coaching

Visio park 2 with 360 degree colour front and rear camera

Event data recorder

Intelligent speed assistance

Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)

Reversing detection with sensors

Cybersecurity measures

Driver Convenience

Push button start

Driver Information

Multi function trip computer

PEUGEOT SOS and assistance

Mirror screen with mirror link, apple carplay and android auto

Exterior temperature indicator with ice warning

3D connected navigation

PEUGEOT i-Cockpit with configurable 12.3" Head-up digital instrument panel

PEUGEOT i-Cockpit with 10.0" high definition (HD) capacitive touchscreen

Driving Mirrors

Electric adjustable heated door mirrors

Nera black door mirrors

Electric folding door mirrors with blind spot detection

Memory function for door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Intricate stitch dashboard facia

Carbon effect front and rear dashboard and door panel finish

Engine

Ultra high efficiency alternator

Decreased idle speed, increasing fuel consumption optimization

High acceptance battery

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Radio/CD with MP3 compatability

2x USB sockets in front

2x USB sockets in rear

Exterior Body Features

Body colour door handles

Body coloured front grille

Body coloured bumpers

Gloss black B and C pillar and aerodynamic deflector trim

Gloss black rear cluster connecting strip

Aluminium longitudinal roof bars in Gloss black

Model designation badges front and rear

Rear lower bumper diffuser effect trim in gloss black

Gloss black side window trim

Smart electric tailgate

GT model designation badging

Radiator grille chrome chequered and chrome edge trim

Flank guard

Rear side wing doors

Aluminium front door sills with black peugeot lettering

Exterior Lights

Automatic self levelling headlights

Automatic activation of hazard warning lights

LED daytime running lights

Rear fog lights

Headlights left on audible warning

Door mirror mounted LED courtesy approach lights

LED front indicators

LED side indicator lights integrated into door mirrors

2 X Rear number plate lights

Rear reversing lights

3rd brake light

Peugeot matrix LED headlights with 3 claws lighting signature and adaptive lighting

Rear full LED 3d Peugeot signature claw effect light with daylight function + scrolling indicators

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Rear centre console ventilation system

Thermal preconditioning of the vehicle

Interior Features

12V socket

Aluminium pedals and footrest

Aluminium boot rails

Roof lining - Mistral black

Flocked glove box interior with illumination

Automatic gear lever in full grain leather and satin chrome

Central front armrest with butterfly wing opening and illuminated storage compartment

Electric power steering with reach and rake adjustable steering column

Front central console with two cup holders

Rear armrest with ski flap and two cup holders

Piano keys chrome plated toggle switches to access touchscreen functions

2x Rear coat hooks

Flocked front door pocket interior

Half leather/Alcantara upholstery

E-toggle automatic gear selector

PEUGEOT i-Cockpit : compact multi-function steering wheel

Tramontane contrast stitching to armrest, front centre console, door panels and dashboard facia

Mistral full grain perforated leather steering wheel with tramontane stitch

Interior Lights

Blue ambient lighting to front door panels and front centre console

Ambient lighting to storage compartments

Packs

Drive assist plus pack - 508

Safety pack - 508

Interior LED lighting plus pack - 508

Visibility pack- 508 GT/GT Premium

Driver and passenger seat pack - 508

Safety Plus Pack with road sign recognition - 508

Safety

Seatbelt warning

Front and rear curtain airbags

Driver and passenger side/thorax airbags

Active bonnet

Adaptive driver and front passenger airbags with passenger airbag deactivation function

Electric child locking functionality on rear windows and doors

Indirect tyre under inflation detection

Front three point retractable seatbelts height adjustable with pre tensioners and force limiters

Rear three-point retractable seatbelts (x3) with pre-tensioners and force limiters in the outer rear seats

Front optimised safety headrests and rear retractable headrests (x3), height adjustable

Passenger airbag deactivation switch to allow for child seat fitment

Seats

Front seat back map pockets

1/3 to 2/3 split folding rear seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

3x Isofix child seat fittings in the front passenger and outer rear seats

Single front passenger seat

Security

Locking wheel nuts

Remote central locking with 2 remote folding keys

Peugeot open and go system with keyless entry/stop start button

Perimetric and volumetric alarm with lift and tilt sensor

Driver plip action with isolated unlock function for drivers door

Automatic door locking when moving off

Vehicle Charging

Mode 3 type 2 cable for wallbox charging

7.4 kW monophase on board charger

Wheels

Safe and longer lasting tyre perfomance

Wheels - Alloy

18" Epherra diamond cut two tone alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre puncture repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 309

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 190

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 3.7

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 11.8

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City - TEL: 76

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City - TEH: 60

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 68

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 55

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 18.1

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 20.6

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.4

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City - TEH: 37.2

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City - TEL: 47.2

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 34.2

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 42.3

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: N

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 3.7

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 67

CO: 0.291

HC: 0.014

NOx: 0.004

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0001

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 37

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 28

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 41

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 77

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 85.8

CC: 1598

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Engine Code: EP6FADTXHPD

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 1

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 1.5

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 274.8

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 193.6

General

Coin Series: GT

Coin Description: Hybrid

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 36E

Service Interval Mileage: 20000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Badge Power: 225

Badge Engine CC: 1.6

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8

Top Speed: 149

Engine Power - BHP: 225

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 165

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 266

Engine Torque - NM: 360

Engine Torque - RPM: 3000

Engine Torque - MKG: 36.7

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/45 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 235/45 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: EPHERRA

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4778

Width: 1859

Wheelbase: 2793

Width (including mirrors): 2079

Height: 1420

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1771

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2300

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 62

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1300

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 529

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 530

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1780

Exterior Body Features

Additional metallic paint

Packs

Sensation pack - 508

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Eclipse blue

Metallic - Nera black

Metallic - Cumulus grey

Metallic - Selenium grey

Metallic - Okenite white

Trim - Part Leather

Half leather/Alcantara - Mistral black with tramontane stitching