The new 508 surprised me Dominik Hrbatý combined its world-class tennis player image with the latest Peugeot 508, which also has supreme ambition. How happy is one of the first owners of the new 508 in Slovakia with a new steed? New Peugeot 508, which was recently launched in Slovakia, is characterized by values such as quality, style purity, effectiveness and dynamism. Such values can be assigned to one of the best Slovak tennis player Dominik Hrbatý of Slovakia as well. It is your first Peugeot 508? Either I or in the family, we have owned several Peugeots. I think the very first was the version of the Peugeot Roland Garros. It was a very nice car and always reminded me a tournament in Paris. Next we have now. Older Peugeots weren’t so solid and comfortable like 508, but it‘s difficult to compare because it is a completely different category of car. As the biggest move forward seems to me a very good sound absorbency. The fact that 508 is heavy
and stable, you don’t hear and feel for each pit road in Bratislava. Every driver will appreciate it. What do you value most in a car? So certainly it‘s trunk. For tournaments or league I have to carry several bags. But I must say that now we will take the largest part of the luggage and stroller for our little baby. How do 508 space suits you? Peugeot 508 surprised me and I’m excited. It also has a great engine. While this is only a two-liter diesel, but compared to other cars that I drove, it seems to me more vibrant and faster. Already I am looking forward to the 508 SW, because the station wagons are for me the most beautiful and also multipurpose cars.
Do you require an automatic transmission or you like struggling with manual shift? I love the manual, but because of my wife I give up. She feels more secure when she has both hands on the steering wheel. She drove in her life three times as many as I did and completely without incident. It shows something. Would you like to drive with the 508 for some interesting trip? I don’t have lot of time for trips, but I suppose to drive in the summer at least 10 to 15,000 km after the competitions in different countries. Otherwise, my annual mileage is around 20 to 30,000 km, depending on where I play. Can you relax in the Peugeot 508 while traveling? I think it depends on the driver, but if you feel comfortable inside the car, so definitely yes. It is very comfortable, spacious and particularly well soundproofed. So if you like to drive on long trips, I recommend certainly the Peugeot 508. Talked to Martin Ruisl (PHOTO) Paner
jar | spring 2011
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