Nearly-new buying guide: Peugeot 508

Next-step Allure trim is our pick of the range because it comes with active suspension, keyless entry, a 10.0in touchscreen, all-round electric seats, a reversing camera and active blindspot detection.

There’s also GT Line, which adds ambient lighting and self-levelling LED headlights among other features, and the top-of-the-range GT trim, which gains adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, 19in wheels and a Focal audio system.

From September 2020, the 508’s equipment levels were refreshed to, in rising levels of kit, Active Premium, Allure Premium, GT and GT Premium. With the changes came a few styling tweaks, including black door mirrors, a dark chrome grille for GT cars and full LED lights on all models as standard.

Need to know

The Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE) model features three-mode shock absorption, a slightly lower ride height, better brakes and 20in alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. Used prices start at £40,000.

At launch, new prices began at £25,000 for the Fastback and £26,845 for the SW estate. Today, used Fastback prices start from £16,000 for a model with around 60,000 miles on the clock. Less run-in Fastback models are priced from around £17,500, but estate cars kick off at around £18,000.

A five-star Euro NCAP safety rating for the 508 SW was underpinned by an impressive 96% score for adult occupancy, 86% for children, 71% for vulnerable road users and 79% for the safety assist systems.

Buyer beware

Now you see it: The 508’s rear visibility is compromised by the rear headrests and the small back window. The rear pillars and small mirrors don’t help, either, so you might want to seek out a car with parking sensors or a rear-view camera – standard on Allure trim.

PHEV eats spare wheels: If you choose the plug-in hybrid, you will lose your spare wheel, which usually sits under the floor of the boot. The space is taken up by PHEV-related hardware, but you do get a tyre repair kit.

Recall issue: A fault can occur on models built between 8 November 2017 and 29 January 2021 where fuel can leak due to cabling and software upgrade issues. Some 10,695 cars were recalled, with Peugeot’s 508 and Rifter both affected.

Our pick

1.5 BlueHDi 130: This particular diesel packs enough power and has ample refinement. You will save a few pennies to put towards a higher trim level, too.

Wild card

Peugeot Sport Engineered: Peugeot’s most powerful production car yet, the 355bhp 508 PSE plug-in hybrid has enjoyably rapid performance. It also has an official 26-mile electric-only range and is rated at 138.9mpg combined.

Our top spec

Allure: A larger touchscreen and active suspension are two key attractions but this well-equipped trim level offers many more, including value for money.

Ones we found