The brand new Peugeot 508 155 THP and the revised Renault Laguna 2.0 16V 140 keep currently the flags of the two French carmaker high, which has a long tradition in the bourgeois middle class. Test of the gasoline engine with around 150 hp.
More than 20 years ago Peugeot, a model in the five series sorted one last time with the 505. Connoisseurs of the mark have the wagon offered from 1979 to 1989 in good memory: solid and conservative, she earned the reputation as a "French Mercedes". Conservative presents also the new Peugeot 508 THP 155, at least when compared to its direct predecessor of 407. The oversized radiator throat is front thing of the past, instead of long and short rear overhang returns the Peugeot 508 THP 155 to the classic proportions of an elegant saloon.
When it comes to the body style, Renault is committed the tradition in the middle class also. Since the revolutionary R 16 from the 1960s the brand maintains the hatchback with large fold - in this segment now a rarity. Actually incomprehensible, because the practical benefits are undisputed: through the large opening also bulky cargo can be easy to pack, and with a folded rear seat of the Renault Laguna 2.0 16V 140 developed almost combined qualities. At the Peugeot the split rear seat back rest can be allocated also 508 155 THP, but because of the smaller the hatch opening section that only narrow or long and not bulky objects help.
Peugeot customers with such needs are likely to already more access to the combined model SW. In the space for the passengers, limousine buyers, however, also want to make no concessions. The roof line of Peugeot 508 155 THP is nestled closely to the heads of difficult Fund population, but remains in contact. Leg room is sufficiently available, the optional four-zone climate control allows an individual setting of the temperature back seat passengers.
In the rear of the Renault Laguna 2.0 16V 140, one feels, however, in the comparison as in economy class. Except for the head, he offers no less space as the Peugeot 508 155 THP, but on the deep mounted, little comfortable back seat passengers of a drab plastic atmosphere surrounded. It is also different: they take on the soft front seats in place of the Renault Laguna, can complain about lack of comfort not they. Yet more about the operation. The audio system resisted just as intuitive operation like the menu structure of the standard in the dynamique equipment TomTom navigation system.
Assistance systems are in short supply
The cockpit of Peugeot 508 THP 155 also radiates a class oriented sophistication and gives up little puzzle using - if left has been discovered the door next to the steering wheel, the adjustment of additional subject head-up displays hidden behind the. Who searches on the options list for advanced assistance systems, is still a dynamic and a Touran - for a brand new car of this class an generous offer. No consolation is that it still less are Laguna 2.0 16V 140 for the Renault.
A lane change Assistant would be highly desirable, because the wide B-pillar of Peugeot 508 THP 155 complicates the shoulder look. He does not need an Adaptive landing gear on the other hand, here the Peugeot developers have reached an attractive compromise by conventional means. The Steering reacts calmly and pleasantly directly, be strong body movements without having a too tight suspension is therefore expected to the inmates. Apart from strong Querfugen, the Peugeot masters 508 THP generally unobtrusive 155 bumps.
With a stressed comfortable voting as she did previously in French limousine, also the Renault not waiting 2.0 16V 140 Laguna. On this point, he moves on similar level as the Peugeot 508 155 THP and has to fight with Querfugen. Sporting ambitions are not connected with this interpretation, however. In addition to the synthetic acting steering, early onset pushing over the front wheels affect the joy of a dedicated driving - here you may leave not irritate of the dynamique equipment label. Handy the Renault feels Laguna 2.0 16V 140 only in the shunting - its turning circle is slightly smaller than that of the Peugeot 508 THP 155 with just under 12 metres.
Both also on the drive go different ways. Peugeot relies on downsizing and the implanted from smaller series of known charged 1, 1.6-litre with 156 HP. Typical of the turbo already, the maximum torque of 240 nm is at low-speed (1400 RPM) so that the four cylinder sufficiently powerful moves from the basement, always accompanied by a dull hum.
Surprisingly, who feels only 140 PS strong Renault Laguna 2.0 16V almost spritziger to, although his bright sounding sucker up to higher speed is dependent (195 NM at 3750/min). Thanks to cleverly chosen translation of easily switchable six-speed transmission, almost 100 pounds less weight and a similarly turned friendly as decreases cylinder, the Renault Laguna achieves 2.0 16V 140 itself in passing measurements barely weaker performance. Only in the consumption of the Renault lags behind Laguna 2.0 16V 140 significantly: 10.2 litres per 100 kilometres to 9.1 at the Peugeot 508 THP 155 bear witness to great thirst. Start stop systems? Here like there - wrong.
The impact on the fuel costs can be however dampen itself, because the engine of the Renault Laguna 2.0 16V 140 is in addition to Super bioethanol E85 the Germany available only at a few petrol stations, less expensive fuel grade (liter price: around one euro).
Sharp computer register, also, that at the Renault Laguna largely completely fails the standard 2.0 16V 140 as dynamique 25,900 euros. Auto navigation system and rear parking sensors are already on board, while the difference to the base price of Peugeot 508 THP 155 (26.150 euro) with these tools will increase to just under 2,000 euros.
As Renault on the Laguna granted three instead of two years guarantee, he clearly decided the costs chapter for themselves. On the overall victory of Peugeot, which does not 508 THP 155. With it, a solid, but not a surprising car succeeded Peugeot. But that has never been the intention in the big sedans of the brand.
