Peugeot 508 I (W23) — complete buyer's guide
The complete reference for the first-generation Peugeot 508 (W23, 2010–2018): the PF3 platform, dimensions, every petrol and diesel engine, the 2014 facelift, known issues and a used-buyer checklist.
Production and platform
First-generation 508, internally coded W23. Produced from 2010 to 2018. Built on the PF3 platform (shared with the 407 and related models). Mid-size saloon (also available as SW estate and RXH crossover). Front-wheel drive (some HYbrid4 AWD variants). Facelifted in 2014 (updated styling, lighting and equipment). Available as petrol, diesel and diesel-hybrid. Related to the 407 in the range; a more modern and refined successor.
Dimensions and practicality
Length about 4,792 mm (saloon); about 4,813–4,830 mm (SW). Width about 1,853 mm. Height about 1,456 mm (saloon); about 1,476–1,487 mm (SW). Wheelbase 2,817 mm. Boot about 473–545 litres (saloon; up to about 1,500+ litres with the rear seats folded); the SW is larger. Fuel tank about 72 litres. A practical mid-size saloon/estate. The boot is good for the class. The rear seat is usable for adults. The cabin is functional with a conventional driving position. The ride is generally comfortable; higher-spec versions on larger wheels can be firmer.
Driving experience
The W23 is the 508 that replaced the 407 with a more settled, comfortable feel. Built on the PF3 platform, it stays reasonably light for its size, so the front axle turns in cleanly and the long wheelbase keeps it planted and calm on the motorway. The conventional driving position is easy to live with, and most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that irons out broken tarmac. The 1.6 THP is eager, the 2.0 HDi pulls strongly and quietly, and the 6-speed automatic shifts smoothly when working correctly. It is a comfortable, easy saloon, not a sporty one.
Engines
Petrol
| Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 VTi 120 | 1.6 L · 4-cyl (Prince) | 120 hp88 kW | 160 Nm | ~11–12 s |
| 1.6 THP 155 / 156 / 165 | 1.6 L · 4-cyl turbo (Prince) | 155–165 hp114–121 kW | 240 Nm | ~8–9 s |
Diesel
| Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 HDi / e-HDi / BlueHDi 110 / 112 / 115 / 120 Common · DPF/EGR issues | 1.6 L · 4-cyl diesel | 110–120 hp81–88 kW | 240–300 Nm | ~11–12 s |
| 2.0 HDi / BlueHDi 136 / 140 / 150 / 163 / 180 Stronger | 2.0 L · 4-cyl diesel | 136–180 hp100–133 kW | 320–400 Nm | ~9–10 s |
| 2.2 HDi 200 / 204 Bi-turbo | 2.2 L · 4-cyl diesel | 200–204 hp147–150 kW | 450 Nm | ~8 s |
Transmissions and drive
Front-wheel drive; some HYbrid4 versions are all-wheel drive. 5/6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic (EAT6), or automated manual.
Common issues and weak points
1.6 THP (Prince)
- Timing-chain tensioner wear on earlier units. High-pressure fuel-pump issues. Oil consumption. Carbon build-up. Prefer post-2014 examples with revised components and full history.
1.6 VTi (Prince)
- Timing-chain tensioner wear on earlier units. Oil consumption. Carbon build-up. Prefer well-serviced examples.
1.6 HDi
- Turbo issues on some early units. Injector problems. DPF clogging on short-journey cars. EGR issues. Prefer well-serviced examples.
2.0 HDi / BlueHDi
- Generally more robust. DPF and AdBlue issues on neglected high-mileage cars. Dual-mass flywheel wear.
Other
- Suspension components (control-arm bushes, anti-roll-bar links) wear with age/mileage. Electronics and sensor issues reported. The automated manual can be jerky. Some VIN-specific recalls (chain, fuel lines, etc.).
- Prefer later examples (post-2014 facelift) with full history, especially well-serviced 2.0 HDi/BlueHDi diesels. Avoid high-mileage THP without chain attention. Diesels need DPF/AdBlue verification.
What to check when buying
- Confirm the exact engine, year (pre- or post-facelift) and powertrain. Full service history and Car-Pass essential.
- Verify all recalls have been completed (VIN check), especially chain and fuel-line campaigns.
- On THP/VTi: check for cold-start rattle (chain) and any oil consumption or fuel-pump issues.
- On HDi/BlueHDi: check DPF regeneration history, turbo condition and any AdBlue (if fitted).
- Inspect the suspension for knocks. Check tyre wear and brakes.
- Test all electronics, the air conditioning and gearbox smoothness.
- Listen for unusual engine noises (cold-start rattle, chain noise). Prefer unmodified cars with complete history.
- Take a test drive and watch for chassis feel and any warning lights.
Running costs
Indicative costs for normal Belgian/EU use (approximate 2026 figures). Actual figures vary by region, driving style and service location.
Fuel consumption
- Petrol (1.6 THP / VTi): typically 7–9.5 L/100 km mixed.
- Diesel (HDi/BlueHDi): typically 5–7 L/100 km mixed.
Maintenance
Low to moderate for a mid-size saloon when well maintained. Timing chain, DPF/EGR/AdBlue and suspension are the main potential cost items. Independent specialists help keep bills down. Budget higher on high-mileage or neglected examples.
Road tax / registration (Belgium)
Varies by engine, power, CO₂ and region. Lower-powered and later diesel versions are generally more favourable. Calculate for the specific variant.
Insurance
Reasonable for the class. Higher-powered versions cost more.
LEZ / low-emission zones
Later Euro 6 versions are unrestricted in Belgian/EU low-emission zones. Earlier Euro 5 cars may face restrictions in stricter zones — check the exact Euro norm.
Market position
A plentiful and affordable used mid-size saloon/estate. Well-maintained later diesel examples (especially 2.0 HDi/BlueHDi) are the most sought-after. Early high-mileage petrols (THP/VTi) and problematic diesels are cheaper but riskier. The best examples have full history, moderate mileage and evidence of careful ownership. A sorted W23 offers good practicality and comfort for the segment, but engine selection is critical.
Summary
This generation is a practical, comfortable and efficient mid-size saloon/estate when the right powertrain is chosen and service history is complete. The 1.6 THP and VTi need careful attention to the timing chain; HDi/BlueHDi diesels need DPF and AdBlue monitoring. Post-2014 cars with full history (especially well-serviced 2.0 HDi/BlueHDi) are preferred. Ownership costs are generally moderate, but neglected examples can become expensive.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
