508 GT Sportwagon PHEV here soon

PEUGEOT’S electrification transition continues with the imminent arrival of the mid-sized 508 Sportswagon plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in Q2 of this year.

Pricing for the newcomer is yet to be disclosed but is likely to closely mirror that of the existing 508 Fastback PHEV model which sells from $81,610 plus on-road costs. The PHEV Sportswagon will join the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol-powered 508 GT Sportswagon currently available in Australia and priced at $65,657 plus ORCs.

The 508 GT Sportswagon PHEV has some potentially strong competition from within the Medium passenger car segment, ranging from the fully electric Tesla Model 3 (from $64,900 plus ORCs) down to the ICE-powered Mazda 6 wagon (from $36,840 plus ORCs).

However, as Australian buyers overwhelmingly choose to go down the SUV path, the Medium passenger car segment is going into something of sunset phase which could hinder sales of vehicles the forthcoming Peugeot.

Despite miniscule 508 sales last year – amounting to just 130 vehicles in total – Peugeot Australia has adopted a bold online and dealership focused pre-marketing strategy for the new 508 GT Sportswagon PHEV, offering prospective buyers the opportunity to lodge an online expression of interest in the model even before pricing is announced.

As is the case with the 508 Fastback PHEV, only one variant of the new PHEV wagon will be available here, presumably equipped with the full suite of luxury and safety features available from the French brand.

Adding credence to this, Peugeot’s Australian arm says the 508 GT Sportswagon PHEV “will offer the striking style, dynamic driving experience and wagon practicality that 508 owners love with the addition of electric motor benefits”.

The new wagon follows a little more than a year after the arrival here of Peugeot’s 508 GT Fastback PHEV giving buyers a choice between sedan and wagon body styles.

Thanks to the electric boost motor, the newcomer gains in both efficiency and performance compared with the non-hybrid model. It also has a claimed substantially superior driving range.

Despite weighing in at around 1800kg, strong performance is almost a given from total combined power output calculated at 165kW from the 508 PHEV’s 133kW PureTech 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine combined with an 81kW electric motor.

Maximum torque is rated at 360Nm (combined) with drive to the front wheel via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The battery is a lithium-ion unit rated at 11.5 kWh.

“The 508 Sportswagon appeals to discerning customers who appreciate characterful and emotive style as well as the versatility and practicality afforded by the wagon design,” said Peugeot Australia managing director Kate Gillis.

“We believe the additional benefits of plug-in hybrid technology will further enhance the local appeal of our Sportswagon.”