Updated Peugeot 508 range starting from $37,990

Peugeot has released pricing and specification of its updated 508 range.

The range commences with the 508 Active sedan in petrol form, priced from $37,990 plus on-road costs, with a six-speed automatic the sole transmission on offer. This is only $1000 more than the previous model, despite Peugeot offering $4000 of additional value.

Chief among the additions is the updated 1.6-litre, turbocharged petrol engine with stop-start technology. It produces 121kW/240Nm and is claimed by Peugeot to be 'the most frugal' in the large sedan under $70,000 segment, consuming only 5.8L/100km. No diesel or Touring Active variant is offered.

Fitted as standard is a 7.0-inch touch screen that controls all major cabin functions, also doubling as a reversing camera. Satellite navigation is also standard across the range. Paddle shifters for the auto, dual-zone climate control, electronic boot release for the sedan, an 8gb 'Jukebox', cloth/leather interior trim, rear sunblind, rear armrest with two cup holders, an LED lighting package, 17-inch alloys and revised rear lights and bumpers are further highlights of the entry-level 508 Active's equipment list.

Moving up to the six-speed automatic Allure diesel sedan costs $45,990 (plus on roads), while opting for the Allure 'Touring' (wagon) body style requires an additional $3000, priced from $48,990.

The 2.0-litre turbo diesel is familiar, producing 120kW/340Nm and consuming 5.7L/100km. The Allure adds to the styling enhancements with 18-inch wheels and optional full LED lighting that incorporates 44 individual LEDs. Blind spot monitoring and quad-zone climate control are also standard, as is leather trim. The Touring body style gains an additional 12-volt power outlet in the rear compartment, along with a retractable rear cargo net that drops from the roof and attaches to the rear seat.

The top-grade 508 GT diesel is $58,490 plus on roads in sedan form, or $61,490 in Touring form. It rides on 19-inch wheels and is exclusively powered by an enlarged 2.2-litre turbo diesel generating 150kW/450Nm, though it sips the same 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.

The GT model reflects the range in terms of updates, but also adds the full LED lighting system. Leather sports seats with contrasting red stitching are also standard, with a massage function added for the driver. Colour heads-up display is included in the entry price (it's also optional on Allure).

Despite the sedan's 38mm in added length (broken down to 16mm front and 22mm rear overhang; the Touring gains the front extension too) boot space remains as before, at 497 litres. The 508 Touring's luggage capacity is also unchanged, at an expansive 612 litres.

"Currently the 508 Active makes up around 15 per cent of the 508 sales mix," said John Startari, Peugeot Australia general manager, at the local launch of the facelifted model. "With our focus on boosting value and specification on the entry-level model, we think that number could increase to 25 per cent.

"If the demand was there, we'd also look at a Touring [Wagon] Active variant," Startari added.