Production versions of Peugeot’s replacement for the 407 saloon and SW have made their public debuts at the Paris Motor Show.

The 508 is larger than its predecessor and has a more spacious cabin and luggage compartments.

It will come with the latest generation petrol and diesel engines, along with Peugeot’s e-HDi technology, incorporating automatic stop-start.

Although the range will launch in 2011 with a version emitting less than 120g/km of CO2, a few month into its life, an e-HDi model will offer 109g/km.

However, in 2012 Peugeot will launch a diesel-electric hybrid version with a power output of 200bhp (using a 163bhp 2.0-litre diesel supplemented by an electric motor) but CO2 emissions of 99g/km.

Peugeot will also offer a powerful twin-turbo 2.2 HDi version using a standard six-speed automatic gearbox, but with CO2 emissions of 150g/km.

The 508 SW will have a greater luggage capacity than the outgoing 407 SW, with a maximum capacity of 1,598 litres with the rear sears folded, compared with 1,365 litres for the current model.

The SW will also feature a full-length panoramic glass roof.

The 508 Hybrid4 will be beaten to market by the same Hybrid4 powertrain in the Peugeot 3008 in autumn 2011.

Peugeot is also investigating introducing diesel-electric hybrid commercial vehicles using less powerful versions of the 2.0 HDi engine.

Also making its public debut in Paris is the Peugeot Ion battery electric vehicle. Based on the Mitsubishi i-Miev, Peugeot plans to least the Ion to customers over four years/40,000 miles as an all0inlusive package for £415 per month.

More articles on: