Let’s face it, you do not buy an estate car, station wagon, or sports wagon for its good looks. However it might be designated, in Peugeot’s case as an SW, it is the space out back that is important and the 508SW provides wide and easy bumper-height access to a completely flat and carpeted floor and 580-litres of space (up to the window line), before folding forwards the rear seats. When needed, they flop down easily and reveal no less than 1,780-litres of load space, a volume matched by Volvo’s enticing V60.
While the hatchback version of the latest 508 is undoubtedly attractive, to my mind the purpose of the 508SW is Peugeot’s strength. I am also a fan of the firm’s latest cabin décor. It is ‘blingy’, without being self-conscious, its minor controls spread keyboard-like above the centre console and a nice blend of detail finish to the soft-touch mouldings and applications of contrasting shiny trim. However, for the first time in a while, I found a Peugeot’s driving position to be very cramped for my two metres of height, with the seat on its lowest setting forcing my cranium to clash with the headlining, while the ‘in-yer-lap’ steering wheel ensured that I also suffered legroom issues. As much as I love Peugeot, I am not enamoured by its quite silly steering wheel and the strange reverse sweep of its rev-counter needle, when in driver-adjustable ‘dials’ setting. It simply makes no sense and leads to unnecessary compromises.
Powering the test car is the latest 128bhp turbo-diesel engine displacing 1.5-litres. It is a strong unit, kicking out a very useful 221lbs ft of torque, which allows a modest 9.5s for the 0-60mph sprint and a top speed nudging 125mph. Thanks to a low 104g/km CO2 rating (£170 year one, £145 annual road tax thereafter) and a superb 67.7mpg fuel return, it is immensely affordable and, once again, underscores that diesel technology is far from deceased. It pulls stridently throughout the rev-range and never feels overwhelmed by the car’s relative bulk. The speedy reactions of the 8-speed automatic transmission are perfectly matched to the engine’s power delivery.
Priced pre-discount at £31,495 in GT-Line trim, which also means 19.0-inch diameter alloy wheels (optional), semi-active suspension, foot-operated tailgate, electric seats and a full complement of driver aids and connectivity options, it is probably the best model from a range that starts at £26,845 and rises to a costly £40,944, as it offers the ideal balance between on-costs and superior driveability. The other trim levels are from entry-level Active, Allure, GT-Line and GT, to a typical, fully-laden ‘First Edition’.
The 508SW’s handling is helped by firm but controlled suspension, fairly quick steering and a satisfying ‘loping’ quality to the car’s gait. The long wheelbase enables easy cabin access, while the car’s cosy build quality is exemplary and makes an equivalent Audi seem overpriced and just a touch too clinical.
