The second generation of Peugeot's large — often forgotten — 508 sedan has been officially released following a wave of image leaks.
The 2018 508 represents big change for the platform. Launched in 2011 it came with agreeable, middle-of-the-road styling. And since then it's only received one mild refresh, coming in 2015.
The 508 lobs all of that out the window, and then some. It debuts numerous design elements not found on the rest of Peugeot's range; including two large vertical LED DRL tusks that spawn from the headlight edges, and lights at either end that cross all the way from one side of the car to the other.
The platform's biggest change is that, like the Kia Stinger and the new Holden Commodore, it moves from a traditional three-box sedan form into a more streamlined liftback design. It comes as manufacturers try desperately to 'sex up' their sedan offerings, in order to try and take on the ever growing SUV and ute market.
Somewhat ironically, the 508 has actually shrunken compared to its current model — length getting reduced by 80mm and height getting the chop too.
Improvements to the interior are just as radical. The hulking dashboard and center console showcase matte woods, splashes of metal, the requisite leathers, contrast stitching, and mood lighting that outlines the whole cabin.
Rectangular vents and a steering wheel center that looks a little like Iron Man's head keep things looking new, while a second-generation version of Peugeot's i-Cockpit system is available in the car's 12.3-inch digital cluster complemented by either an 8.0-inch or 10-inch infotainment screen in the center (depending on trim level).
It's a trick-looking cluster, with these early renders showing the speedometer and tachometer turning on imaginary digital axis while sandwiching the car's infrared camera 'night vision' technology — capable of detecting creatures of the night in the shadows.
This is undoubtedly going to be one of the 508's lead catch-cry features as release dates approach, representing a first for the segment.
Will it come to New Zealand? The current 508 wasn't exactly a big seller, having since been removed from the company's website. Driven have reached out to Peugeot NZ for comment, and we await their reply.
UPDATE: Speaking to Driven, Auto Distrobutors NZ confirmed that they will perform a full product/market evaluation with the 508 in the coming months.
