29 July 2011
New car report; A new benchmark?
In the last 12 months we’ve seen a number of manufacturers bring new upper mid-sized cars to market, each priced within a stone’s throw of $50k.
Hyundai, Kia, Ford and Volkswagen have all launched fresh new product in this sector and they’re all pretty good. But Peugeot’s newcomer is a real force to be reckoned with and one which begs to be considered best in class. Of course, each of the competitors would contend that their product deserves that tag too, and arguably, each deserves to be in the frame.
For starters, launched mid-way through 2010, Hyundai’s i45 with its C Class Benz design cues and spacious interior make it a worthy contender. It has ISOFIX child seat anchors and a ton of spec. The styling might be seen as a bit OTT by some although no-one would argue that it doesn’t have a certain presence. But the glaring omission of Bluetooth can’t be overlooked and surprisingly for a brand that has built a strong reputation for diesel power, there’s still no oil burner offered.
Kia, with the recent launch of the new Optima has upped the ante with the inclusion of Bluetooth in a car which is built on the same platform as the i45, uses the same running gear and offers a similar driving experience. It’s just as roomy but seems to be a little noisier on the rough chip. And despite Kia telling us the 18 inch alloys are styled to appeal to a younger buyer, we can’t help feeling that they look like non-factory after-market items and it too, comes with petrol power only.
Ford’s Mondeo, particularly the Titanium diesel model we tested is unquestionably the best equipped, being absolutely loaded with gear. We loved the power-train and were impressed by the handling, ride quality and comfort. As good as it is, it still looks a little old-hat and we wonder about the blue oval’s premium-level brand equity when pitched against Germany’s Volkswagen Passat.
We found the Passat, (particularly the entry-level 118TSI), to be great value for money considering the high quality feel and outstanding driving experience. And Volkswagen’s DSG transmission would rate as one of (if not the) best there is. But the Passat is bland and like the Mondeo, nothing much has changed in the styling department.
So up until now, the two Koreans are good all-rounders but are not without their detractions. The driving experience, while enjoyable enough, doesn’t rate as highly as either of the Europeans and both have introduced some rather bright and shiny bling into the cockpit and some overly-styled exterior sheet-metal.
Ford and Volkswagen have taken the opposite approach. They’re nothing flashy, but they do both impress from the driver’s seat, however the conservative styling means that they blend in with the masses and there’s no real wow factor.
Enter the Peugeot 508. It’s fresh, modern, classically stylish, well put together and a dream to drive. It’s spacious, comfortable, powerful and economical.
Two common rail diesel options are offered, a 2.0 litre HDi in the 508 Allure and a 2.2 litre HDi in the 508 GT. Both drive the front wheels through an excellent 6 speed dual clutch auto. A petrol version is coming early in 2012.
Our test car was powered by the very same mechanicals as the Mondeo Titanium we tested earlier. The joint PSA/Ford developed 120kW/340Nm diesel engine is just as impressive in the Peugeot as we found it in the Ford and has a quoted combined cycle fuel consumption figure of just 4.9L/100km, although we dropped it back at Peugeot’s head office displaying around 6L/100km. Still not bad though.
Front and rear parking aid, cruise control with speed limited, electric parking brake with hill-assist, quad zone climate air, self-dipping bi-Xenon directional headlamps, 18 inch alloys and more than enough electronic safety aids to help you out of any tight spot.
Boot capacity, at 512 litres beats all but the Hyundai, which has 13 litres more and towing capacity is rated at 1,300kg for a braked trailer.
Priced at $54,990 for our 508 Alluure test car, Peugeot’s price tag level pegs it with Ford’s Mondeo Titanium and falls within the range of various Passat models. And with the i45 topping out at $52,990 and the Optima at $51,990, there’s nothing much between any of these mid-sized cars.
When the entry level petrol 508 arrives early next year, we’re told it will compete head to head with the entry level Passat’s $47,000 price tag. And the Mondeo, i45 and Optima all have sub-$50k models too.
Is it the best in class?
So, as consumers we’re spoilt for choice and none of these cars disappoint. But which one deserves to be called the best?
All things considered, the Peugeot 508 is the classiest looking, the most comfortable, it’s quiet, smooth, powerful and economical with a premium level build quality. So, for now at least, it gets the nod.