Friday, February 18, 2011

Peugeot 508 2.2 HDi GT, wellness and sportsmanship

From 407 to 508. Evolution is not only numerically, but substantial. While this acronym is an obvious choice given that in China, the largest market potential sale of the newborn model, there is already the name 408, it is equally true that the evolution between the two models is such that the "jump up "the first digit of which, remember, the model identifies the location within the range.

And among the 34 versions in the list that best summarizes the evolutionary leap is the 2.2 HDi GT. We tested the sedan variant. To detect the mutation with the past are the new aesthetic codes, now more stylish. The front is dominated by the inverted trapezoidal grille with chrome surround, which reappears on the word "Peugeot" under the logo, and the elongated headlights that can aim to make the slender and curved bonnet top.

A dynamic design that covers the entire side to link up with harmony with the rear floor is enclosed by the horizontal top and chrome extractor with dual flush less. The result is a "coupe" from the soul quite refined with a touch of sportiness. And efficiency: the drag coefficient is 0.28.

The same "character" is found in the divalent bridge clean lines, but with "grafting" sports, such as red needles of the instruments and levers behind the steering wheel F1 style. The environment is flagship compact with materials and finishes to the touch and pleasing to the eye, albeit with some exceptions in the most hidden.

The space, as one would expect from a 4.79 meter long model (10.1 in more than 407) and with a wheelbase of 2.82 meters, is also abundant for a starting lineup of basketball players. The controls are where you expect them to find, except on the console that you have to mentally store to avoid taking your eyes off the road to operate it.

A situation made by the rare presence of the multifunction steering wheel and comfortable head up display that shows the windshield in front of translucent lid on information about speed, cruise control (with five memories) and navigator. The driving position seems tailor-made, on the seat electrically adjustable in all directions and with extended seat to ensure proper posture to different "sizes" human.

From point out the presence of appropriate deductions side for sporty driving and for the welfare of two options: the heating and lumbar massage. Good for size and handle, a leather steering wheel adjustable. Pleasure on board is missing from the long list of devices dedicated to the comfort available on the sample being tested.

Just to name a few: quadrizona automatic climate control, hi-fi amplifier with 10 speakers and 500 W with effect surround, "Jack and USB jacks to connect your smartphone, PC or other digital mischief, Bluetooth, navigation system with 7" screen with camera-risk areas. To avoid the risk of fatigue are well set the parking brake, electric wipers and automatic headlights.

These are xenon, executive option with cornering and automatic high / low beam function of the traffic. Many compartments for storing items that add to the available 515 liters in the trunk, which become fully breaking down the rear seat 1,581 be divided into 1/3-2/3. Pressing the Start / Stop button starts the engine, a 2.2-liter variable geometry turbocharger, titanium, piezoelectric injectors and eight holes of the alternator control system (Volt Control), which recovers energy during deceleration yielded acceleration.

Technologies that allow a power of 204 hp and get a great pair: 450 Nm available between 2,000 and 2,750 rpm. These numbers translate into a great driving flexibility and performance of about (234 km / h top speed and 8.2 seconds for the classic 0-100 km / h) higher than the 2.7 V6 HDi engine that equips the 407.

More than the dynamic, benefiting from the downsizing and to point out the leap in technology are fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The first run down from 8.4 to 5.9 l/100 km of the 407 of 508, the second from 223 to 150 g / km. Improvements of no small importance in times of rising fuel prices and repeated blocks traffic in excess of smog.

The merit of the results is shared with the 6-speed automatic transmission that alone, according to Peugeot, is responsible for a cut in CO2 of 13 g / km. What is certain is the accuracy and speed of change, whether you use the most comfortable mode "drive" is more fun if you choose the sequential option.

Mode for which you can select reports by acting in or out, on the classic shift lever or on those behind the wheel. For sports is available the "S", speaking on electronics, reduced by another 200 milliseconds of the gear changes. For the GT Peugeot engineers have developed a specific structure that, unlike other versions of the range, favors stability and roadholding.

The difference, in addition to stiffer damper settings, the layout of the front suspension is a double triangle pin decoupled, and the multilink rear suspension remains unchanged. The result is a dynamic fine, thanks to the precision electro-hydraulic steering and tires from 18 sports, providing a good sense of security in both winding sections, is addressed in the highway at high speed corners.

Equally reassuring is the braking system with discs 340 mm in the front and rear and 290 in the presence of the ESP system that includes advanced ASR (Traction), CDS (stability control), EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) and REF (electronic brakeforce distribution). Among other electronic devices include assistance to start up (Hill Assist) and Intelligent Traction Control (ITC) that provides better traction on slippery surfaces.

The GT is at the top of the list 508 (the entry level 1.6 VTi 120 bhp Access, costs € 23,400) with a price of 37,350 €, to which you must add € 1,350 to Heaven SW with panoramic roof. The standard equipment includes a long list of devices, so that the options available are only twelve, like the leather interior, the heating program to assist the park with an indication of the level of handling difficulties.

Recall that the other features included are Access, Active, Allure and the Business.

No comments:

Post a Comment