Peugeot Takes Aim at Mondeo with Updated 508 Lineup

The 508 is one of Peugeot's most vital products, positioned against (but selling in fewer numbers than) the Volkswagen Passat, Opel Insignia, Ford Mondeo and Skoda Superb. Naturally the company is keen to take on these major players (and further extend its lead over the likes of the Mazda6 and Toyota Avensis) in the European market and abroad, and to that end has revealed the revised model line you see here.

Available in sedan, wagon and RX soft-roader body-styles, the new 508 benefits from reshaped front- and rear-end styling with a new grille, lights and re-sculpted hood, bringing it more in line with the styling of the latest 308 hatchback. The more refined and upscale interior has been upgraded as well with new equipment including a seven-inch touchscreen, head-up display and blind-spot monitoring system.

A new array of engines is on offer, including a 1.6-liter turbo four with 165 horsepower and (what's sure to be the more popular choice in Europe, though not in China) a 2.0-liter turbodiesel with either 148 or 178 hp. There's even an all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain available on sedan and high-riding wagon.

The new 508 is set to debut at auto shows in Moscow and Chengdu.