Peugeot has unveiled its new 508 range, a clear illustration of the brand’s move upmarket.

Building on the already elegant styling it is due to reach Ireland in late 2014. The new 508 joins the Peugeot stable at a time when the company is enjoying its youngest ever range in its 125-year history.  

Peugeot’s designers have built on the already elegant styling of the previous 508, the new models get a new grille framed by a distinctive light signature to include 100% LED daytime running lamps, direction indicators and front fog lamps. The rear end is more structured thanks to a more distinctive rear bumper and opalescent red 3-claw rear light for a strong identity.

The interior has changed as well. Similar to the thinking behind the 308, the dashboard now includes a 7 inch touch screen, grouping together most of the vehicles functionalities and as a result, the central panel now has fewer buttons.

The saloon and SW ranges will now have Euro 6 engines, including the 2.0 litre BlueHDi 150bhp 6-speed manual with CO2 emissions of just 105g/km, a best in class for this level of power. A new 2.0 litre BlueHDi 180 EAT6 saloon version has been type approved with CO2 emissions of 111 g/km.

As for the HYbrid4 technology, the new saloon and the RXH compriseof a 163bhp 2.0 litre HDi Diesel engine and the 37bhp electric motor coupled to the rear wheels operate either alternately or together to offer 200bhp 4WD.

The new Peugeot 508 will be produced at Rennes for the European market, and at Wuhan for China. Launches will start in Europe from 10 September 2014 and in China from January 2015.