Geneva show: Peugeot previews 508

LAST week Peugeot officially uncovered the Chinese-built, 308 Touring-based 408 sedan and now it has staged the equally surprising reveal of the ‘5 by Peugeot’ concept, which previews the car that will replace both its mid-size 407 and large 607 sedans.

Also previewing the diesel-electric hybrid drive system that will be launched globally and in Australia in the 3008 Hybrid4 in 2011, the 5 by Peugeot will make its global debut at the Geneva motor show on March 2.

As in the hybrid 3008 – which will be launched here within months with conventional petrol and diesel drivetrains, and should be joined by a plug-in version in 2012 – the 5 by Peugeot is motivated by the combination of a front-mounted 122kW 2.0-litre HDi FAP diesel engine and a rear-mounted 28kW electric motor.

The arrangement gives both the 3008 and the sleek new sedan concept an all-wheel drive configuration with a peak out put of 150kW, and is claimed to produce average CO2 emissions of less than 99 grams per kilometre – or zero when driven in all-electric mode.

“(The) ‘5 by Peugeot’ is further proof of Peugeot’s environmental strategy,” said Peugeot. “The modular technology of the Hybrid4 system can be combined with a range of naturally-aspirated engines according to market requirements, and can be fitted to different body shapes and different platforms, helping to ensure future driving enjoyment.” Biggest news with the ‘5’ concept, however, is the all-new sedan’s heavily sculpted body surfacing and the slinky new proportions of the latest interpretation of Peugeot’s trademark feline shape, including an overall length of 4860mm and width of 1880mm.

That makes the concept – and perhaps next year’s production 508 – just 11mm shorter and a whole 45mm wider than Peugeot’s flagship 607 sedan, which was discontinued in Australia in June 2008, as well as 65mm longer and 12mm narrower than the 407 sedan, which arrived here in September 2004.

Significantly, the 5 by Peugeot also rides on a rangy 2815mm wheelbase – 15mm longer than the 607’s and 90mm longer than the 407’s, and is claimed to have a kerb weight of just 1420kg with a full fuel tank – some 160kg less than the petrol V6-powered 607 and the most basic 407 sedan, the 2.0 HDi SR.

“The ‘5 by Peugeot’ concept car is another indication of the changing face of Peugeot and provides an insight into the marque’s future ambitions in the large luxury vehicle segment,” said Peugeot.

“Its dimensions, proportions and styling are a direct response to the changing trends in the large luxury saloon car market segment. It reflects the continual search for more status, quality and performance, combined with a modernity that encompasses the vehicle’s general efficiency in terms of architecture, engines and styling.

“(The) ‘5 by Peugeot’ expresses the marque’s vision and experience in the large touring car market. This concept car is designed and built to have both elegance and precision, but without in any way sacrificing the personality and dynamism so beloved of the Peugeot marque. The emotion aroused by its exterior design holds the promise of exceptional interior space, convenience and comfort.” Concept highlights include LED lighting all round, a new Lion badge on a ‘floating’ grille ahead of a long aluminium bonnet, bevelled brushed-aluminium window surrounds and door handles and sculpted 19-inch wheel trims.