Peugeot

508 Fastback/SW

With a choice of body styles, trim levels and engines to choose from, the 508 is a feature-packed car that’s guaranteed to attract the attention of the fleet market and anyone who enjoys driving to the highest level. And the PSE version really raises the bar on the performance front.

The good

A perfect rival to the German marques

The bad

Prices have crept up

Tech Specs

Price from

£34,170

Combined Fuel up to

256mpg (PHEV)

0-62 from

5.2 seconds

max speed up to

155mph

co2 from

25g/km (PHEV)

Test Drive

Peugeot 508 Fastback PSE (2024)

So, Peugeot’s 508 comes in a variety of flavours with fastback or estate SW body styles, a wealth of powertrains and well-equipped trims to choose from. But the crème de la crème has to be the mighty PSE version.

That’s because PSE stands for Peugeot Sport Engineered and that means it really ups the ante when it comes to performance and handling.

Admittedly, it’s not cheap with our test car in fastback guise costing £53,975. But for that outlay you do get a rather stunning vehicle that can complete the 0-62mph dash in a very rapid 5.2 seconds and tops out at 155mph.

Powering the 508 PSE is a 1.6-litre petrol engine working in tandem with dual motors to deliver all-wheel drive. It boasts 360hp and 520Nm of torque which explains the impressive performance stats and, according to official WLTP-tested figures, can achieve a combined 158mpg with carbon emissions of 40g/km.

But like all plug-in hybrid models, that fuel efficiency could only ever be achieved if the car’s 12.4kWh battery was regularly charged and the EV-only driving range of 34.2 miles was used to the max. However the low emissions figure does bring with it a number of financial rewards, especially for business drivers thanks to its Benefit in Kind tax rating of just 14 per cent.

The 508 PSE is exceptionally quick out the starting blocks and it moves swiftly and smoothly through the eight-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddles for added driver engagement.

The road-holding is assured meaning you can really push on through tighter bends and its low centre of gravity makes the 508 PSE feel perfectly grounded. On motorways, it effortlessly eats up the miles cruising at 70mph and, despite stretching 4.75 metres in length, the car is even quite agile in busier town centres with all manner of parking aids to help you squeeze into a tight space.

Drive modes called Electric, Comfort, Hybrid, Sport and 4WD alter the reactions of the vehicle with Sport proving the most fun. But in all honesty, the handling is not quite as dynamic as the car’s bullet-like styling would suggest, especially if compared to some German rivals.

While the cabin is well-protected from outside noise, the suspension is lower and stiffer on this car, so expect to feel a lot more bumps and dips along the way.

But the 508 PSE is certainly a head-turner thanks to sleek coupe-like streamlining with beautiful curves and stunning 20-inch alloy wheels.

Eye-catching traits on this five-door, five-seater include a front grille with Nera black features such as floating blades and gloss black extensions flanked by new signature Matrix three-claw LED headlights.

There is a gloss black connecting strip at the back of the car with PEUGEOT lettering, along with a sunroof, Nera black mirror shells, small winglets that protrude from the front and rear and help with the aerodynamics, along with gloss black B and C pillars. Another feature that is pretty distinctive is the special PSE emblem featuring three bright green lines that Peugeot calls vibrant Kryptonite claws.

Moving inside, the car features Peugeot’s trademark i-Cockpit with its compact steering wheel, along with numerous carbon fibre trimmings, Mistral leather upholstered seats that are powered, can be heated and even offer a massage function.

Once again, those Kryptonite claws are evident throughout the cabin and there is a 10-inch infotainment screen with navigation, a high-end Focal sound system, full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, voice recognition and a DAB radio.

Behind the steering wheel, all the important driving data is displayed on a 12.3-inch screen, but some of the numbers are hard to spot due to the small wheel. That’s what makes Peugeot’s i-Cockpit layout a bit of a Marmite aspect to many.

Thanks to its lengthy dimensions, there is bundles of room in the front of the 508 PSE where a couple of six-foot-plus adults can stretch out in style. Unfortunately, back seat passengers do not fare quite so well, especially if the front seats are pushed right back. The dynamic styling of the car, with its sloping roof, means head room is somewhat compromised too, but there is an SW (estate) version if passenger space is a priority.

The boot on our fastback model could hold 487 litres of kit, increasing to 1,537 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. And elsewhere there is a deep central cubby with USB-C ports, a split-level glovebox, front and rear cup holders, seat back nets, a wireless charging pad, door pockets with room to store a bottle and some handy trays.

Charging the 508 PSE’s 12.4kWh battery to 100 per cent via a 7.4kW home wallbox takes 1 hour, 40 minutes or 5 hours, 30 minutes if using a 3-pin plug.

Like all Peugeots, this car is packed to bursting with safety systems and driver assistance aids to help protect occupants and other road users alike.

So, while there are more dynamically appealing models out there, especially from the German marques, the Peugeot 508 PSE will certainly appeal to anyone who wants something a little bit different. And it certainly delivers for the fleet market too with its attractive BiK tax rating.

Test Drive

Peugeot 508 SW GT BlueHDi 180 automatic (2020)

The once rather unfashionable and somewhat obsolete estate car has made quite a comeback in recent years and now offers a truly viable alternative to the numerous SUVs that are flooding the scene.

That’s because estate cars, despite being lower than high-sided SUVs, still have all the practicality bases covered and also have the X factor of delivering great driving dynamics along the way.

They look refined and very easy on the eye thanks to their streamlined styling and the perfect example of this is the latest Peugeot 508 SW.

It’s a car that’s guaranteed to turn heads with sleek lines and dynamic curves. Eye-catching features include the instantly-recognisable chequered front grille, frameless doors, full LED headlights with cornering function, stainless steel door sill scuff plates, twin exhaust pipes, 3D rear lights with the claw-effect LEDs, Nero black door mirror caps and 19-inch diamond cut Augusta alloy wheels that are excusive to the range-topping GT model.

Move inside and the 508 SW oozes class and premium styling with all the creature comforts and on-board technology you could dream of. The Nappa leather quilted seats look stunning and offer plenty of support – they can also be fully adjusted to find the perfect driving position behind the compact steering wheel.

The model features Peugeot’s i-Cockpit dashboard design which centres around the steering wheel with its flat top and bottom. This makes it simpler to see the information displayed on the digital readouts and all the controls are ideally positioned for ease of use.

The smart 10-inch touchscreen is easy to operate on the fly and there are quick keys for shortcuts to many of the car’s systems. Features include MirrorLink with Apple CarPlay, a Focal premium sound system, 3D navigation, Bluetooth and plenty more besides.

On the downside, it is case of hunt-the-USB-ports when you first get into the car as they are tucked away from view beneath the central stack next to a wireless charging pad. These would easily be spotted by a front seat passenger or on left-hand drive cars as there is a label showing where to plug in your devices – shame that’s not the case on the right-hand drive model. But that was our only gripe after a week living with the test car.

Our high-end 508 SW in GT trim level carried a price-tag of £38,830 (£42,235 with options fitted) and was powered by a 2.0-litre, 177hp diesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It could sprint to 62mph from a standing start in a very respectable 8.4 seconds and topped out at 144mph while delivering a combined 45.0-50.6mpg with carbon emissions of 124-125g/km.

The 508 SW measures almost 4.8 metres in length but the latest model is 5.6cms lower than its predecessor and that makes for a more balanced all-round performance. It proved deceptively nimble and coped well when faced with busy city centre traffic where the light steering and 10.8 metre turning locks were instantly noticeable as it manoeuvred its way through the crowds.

Then, out on the faster country lanes, the road holding impressed with no sign of any body sway into tight bends. There are drive modes called Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Manual that alter the manner in which the car reacts and steering wheel-mounted paddles offer extra driver engagement too as the Peugeot fires its way along the quieter B roads.

But this is a vehicle that really excels on long motorway journeys where it cruises effortlessly at the national speed limit. The comfort levels are excellent and barely a sound from the engine or road surface filters into the cabin. And, unlike most SUVs, the streamlined nature of the estate car means wind noise is non-existent. Another plus point is the cushioned ride quality with the highly-effective suspension system smoothing out all but the harshest bumps and dips in the road.

The five-door 508 SW also has the practicality bases covered with a powered tailgate and a boot capacity ranging from 530 to 1,780 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. In addition, there are plenty of handy compartments scattered throughout the cabin to store bits and bobs, including an illuminated central cubby box, wide door pockets, a glovebox, front and rear cup holders, deep trays and a wireless charging pad.

And finally, when you factor in the maximum five-star safety rating the car was awarded when tested by Euro NCAP, the 508 SW really is the complete package for someone looking for a car that drives beautifully, covers all their practical needs, is packed with technology and is still very easy on the eye.

Test Drive

Peugeot 508 SW – first drive (2019)

There was a time when business drivers clocking up the motorway miles whilst lugging all their goods and wares were fairly limited when it came to choosing a suitable car. But thankfully these days, the options are plentiful.

The traditional estate car lacked any style and rather resembled a bulky box on wheels, but it was at least practical. Then we got the multi-purpose SUVs that not only looked more stylish, but were perfect for active families and that sector is still growing all the time.

But more recently the estate car has become a fashionable ‘go-to’ option once again and the latest Peugeot 508 SW is a fine example of just why the segment is gaining momentum.

The car is very easy on the eye with beautiful lines and curves, and styling features include an instantly-recognisable grille with chequered chrome detailing. There are twin chrome tail pipes, LED daytime running lights and 3D rear lights with the signature ‘Claw’ effect, gloss black B and C pillars, aluminium roof bars, Nero black door mirrors and smart alloy wheels. And just like the recent 508 Fastback model, the estate car boasts frameless doors that help accentuate its coupe styling.

Buyers can select from generously equipped trim levels called Active, Allure, GT Line and GT. There is also a First Edition launch model that is limited to just 75 models in the UK and prices for the 508 SW range from £26,845 to £40,944.

Driving the car is a number of efficient powertrains. Two new petrol units based on the PureTech 1.6-litre engine deliver 180hp and 225hp and there are four diesel units based on the BlueHDi 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre engines with power outputs ranging from 130hp to 180hp. All models come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox although the entry-level diesel-powered car is also on offer with a six-speed manual transmission.

Peugeot believes the GT Line models will be the most popular so we put a petrol and diesel-powered car in that trim through its paces and both had their own individual appeal.

First up was the PureTech 180 turbocharged petrol model in GT Line delivering 180hp and 250NM of torque. This car, costing £33,245 (£33,970 with Pearlescent paint) could sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 8.0 seconds, maxing out at 140mph. It delivers combined fuel economy of 41.8-38.0mpg (WLTP) with carbon emissions of 127g/km.

The comfort levels within the car are very high and there’s a wealth of technology to explore via Peugeot’s innovative i-Cockpit set-up. There is a configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, either a ten-inch or eight-inch touchscreen and a compact multi-function steering wheel with flat top and bottom as standard. MirrorLink with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also included as standard across the range.

Other technology on our test car included a 3D navigation system, full climate control, a FOCAL premium sound system, Bluetooth handsfree and media streaming system, heated seats and lots more besides.

The interior of the 508 SW is very premium in its design and layout with plenty of soft-touch surfaces, piano black finishes, chrome trim plus leather upholstery.

Out on the open road, the 508 SW performs beautifully. It’s not quite so aggressive as some rivals from the German marques, but it boasts sharp handling and there’s a constant stream of power on tap. The acceleration is rapid and the ride quality is cushioned even over rougher road surfaces.

There are different drive modes called Eco, Comfort, Normal and Sport that alter the car’s responses, but even in Eco mode the reactions are still instant. Steering wheel mounted paddles mean you can control the gear changes manually whenever you want.

The latest 508 SW is 5.6cms lower than its predecessor so looks more dynamically styled, and it’s also shed 70kgs in weight which is beneficial to both the handling and running costs.

Despite its larger-than-life dimensions measuring 4.77 metres in length, the 508 SW is easy to manoeuvre and proved quite agile with a turning circle of just 10.8 metres.

The driver has ample seat adjustment so getting comfy is a simple process and while the visibility is great looking ahead or sideways, the narrow back screen and wide door pillars rather limit the rear and over-the-shoulder vision.

All controls, buttons and readouts are perfectly positioned for driver usability and the infotainment system is ultra-modern with quick keys to access certain functions such as the climate control and seat heaters.

There’s bundles of room in the back of the car for two, or even three adults to travel in style and the generously-sized boot can swallow between 530 and 1,780 litres of kit with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats folded flat, making the 508 SW a very practical choice.

It can also tow a braked trailer weighing up to 1,600kgs, so is ideal for family breaks. A tow bar complete with Trailer Sway Mitigation adds £800 to the asking price.

Next up was the BlueHDi 130hp diesel model costing £31,495. This car had a raft of optional extras and packs fitted that saw the price climb to £37,860. They including night vision detection, a smart electric tailgate, upgraded sound system, a drive assist pack and fine Nappa leather upholstery.

Once again the car was a pleasure to drive and the diesel engine, despite being a little raspy when pushed hard, was quite punchy and had plenty of power. The road holding was assured and the all-round handling difficult to find fault with.

The acceleration times and top speed were slightly lower than the petrol version, but the fuel economy was more impressive at a combined 58.6-51.4mpg with CO2 of just 101g/km, making it a more attractive buy for business users.

All in all, the 508 SW is an elegantly styled, highly specced estate car that  is competitively priced. And when you factor in a maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating it seems to have all the bases covered.

Test Drive

Peugeot 508 RHX BlueHDi 180 automatic

Peugeot’s 508 line-up is not only gaining momentum in the popularity stakes, it is also growing in model options with the introduction of a highly-efficient six-speed automatic RHX model.

The car comes complete with many of the French manufacturer’s stylish design cues, including the company’s new upright grille with the Peugeot Lion at its centre.

Then there are the very distinctive light clusters that make the vehicle instantly recognisable at night from the front or rear thanks to the feline claw-shaped LEDs.

But it’s not all for effect because these outstanding lights are perfect for illuminating bends when cornering – they are economical, fast and very effective.

The test car also boasted privacy glass, roof rails, 18-inch alloys and a massive panoramic sunroof that seemed to defy gravity by stretching the entire length of the cabin allowing light to flood in.

Step inside the 508 RHX and you are greeted by a modern, stylish, clutter-free interior with a whole host of premium quality features to be explored.

Techno treats are plentiful and include a DAB digital radio, CD player, Bluetooth connectivity, a 7-inch multi-function colour touchscreen, sat nav, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, heated electric seats with memory settings on the driver’s side and a very effective colour head-up display system.

The car is practical and spacious with ample room for five adults to stretch out in style. And luggage restrictions will not apply as the massive boot has a capacity of 512 litres which can be increased to 1,598 litres with the rear seats dropped flat. There is also room beneath the boot floor, but the absence of a spare wheel is a little disappointing.

Elsewhere there are numerous other storage compartments scattered throughout the car, such as good-sized door pockets, handy trays, a glovebox, a deep central bin and cup holders that conveniently pop out from the front of the dashboard.

The 508 RHX was powered by an efficient 2.0-litre HDi 180bhp diesel engine which helps it sprint from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds and onto a top speed of 136mph. According to official figures, it can achieve combined fuel economy of 61.4mpg and carbon emissions of 119g/km. And all for the very competitive price of £30,895 (£31,765 with options).

Out on the road, the 508 RHX was an absolute pleasure to drive in both busy traffic and on faster lanes and motorways. The acceleration was smooth and responsive through the six-speed automatic gearbox and there was a constant supply of power on tap at all times. Steering wheel-mounted paddles mean the driver can take a little extra control if so desired.

Comfort levels proved high for all occupants with lots of leg, head and elbow space in the back and there was next-to-no engine, road surface or wind noise to speak of. In addition, the vehicle’s efficient suspension system ironed out any road creases or potholes along the way.

In fact my only real gripe after clocking up almost 500 miles during the week-long test was some irritating glare on the windscreen caused by the speaker on top of the dashboard and the head-up-display mountings.

Safety specifications on the car are comprehensive with anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, blind spot detection, traction control, numerous airbags and lots more besides.

All in all, the Peugeot 508 RHX is a fabulous piece of kit offering premium quality styling along with state-of-the-art technology, excellent driving dynamics and good economy – quite the all-round package in fact.

Test Drive

Peugeot 508 SW Allure 2.0 BlueHDi 150

Flexibility and practicality are vital factors for many potential car buyers and the larger-than-life yet beautifully crafted Peugeot 508 SW has it in spades.

In fact anyone looking for a stylish car that is ideal for the active family who enjoy a fun-packed weekend in the country but is classy enough to double up as a business car should seriously consider taking the 508 SW for a test drive – I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

The 508 SW looks fabulous from any angle thanks to its sleek streamlined body, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights, 18-inch alloys, roof rails, plus automatic lights and wipers.

The car also features a massive panoramic glass sunroof that stretches the length of the car and can block out the wintery showers or let in all the summery rays.

And once inside, it’s difficult not to be wowed by the cars classy interior.

It has a truly premium feel to it and there are techno treats to be explored at every turn.

These include heated seats with three settings, part-leather upholstery, a 7-inch multifunction colour touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, sat nav, a great audio system with CD player, a DAB digital radio, keyless entry with start/stop button, a soft-touch dashboard, parking sensors and plenty more besides.

Because of the 508 SW’s abundance of space, five adults can travel in comfort with bags of leg, head and shoulder room in the back. And luggage restrictions need never apply either as the generously-sized boot can accommodate 512 litres. This capacity can be increased to 1,598 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats in a flat position. In addition, a cargo net helps to stop items rolling round in the boot and there are hooks and side pockets to keep shopping in an upright position. The boot lid can be opened and closed automatically which is another plus point especially if approaching the car laden down with shopping bags.

The test car in mid-range Allure trim was priced at £27,795 (£28,795 with optional extras fitted) and it was powered by a smooth 2.0-litre diesel-driven engine. According to official figures it can reach 62mph from a standing start in 10.1 seconds and has a top speed of 130mph.

But the really eye-catching feature in the stats is the economy, because the 508 SW can deliver combined fuel economy of 67.3mpg with carbon emissions of 110g/km.

Despite its large dimensions, the car was also very nimble and easy to manoeuvre. The excellent all-round visibility is a real bonus in busy city centre traffic and then out on the open road, the car cruised effortlessly alongside faster moving traffic moving smoothly through the six-speed manual gearbox.

Another bonus was the car’s highly efficient suspension system which somehow managed to iron out many of the road surface’s bumps and dips along the way.

And as one would expect from Peugeot, the car is kitted out with a comprehensive range of safety specifications, such as blind spot detection, anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, electronic stability programme, traction control, numerous airbags and lots more.

All in all, the 508 SW may not suit everybody’s driving needs, but it is practical, stylish, comfortable, affordable and efficient, plus it’s an absolute dream to drive.

Test Drive

Peugeot 508 RXH

The problem is we want it all, we want it now and we want it as cheap as possible.

It’s a fact that the consumer demands on the motoring industry are increasing by the second.

The more advanced the technology gets, the more we expect and that means ever-growing pressure to produce vehicles that look great, handle superbly, are frugal to run and boast an economical price-tag. That’s quite a big ask!

But with the introduction of its stylish diesel-hybrid model – the 508 RXH – it appears Peugeot has achieved the impossible.

The car looks amazing, can achieve 68.9mpg on a combined cycle, it handles beautifully and costs a very reasonable £33,695.

Estate cars rarely look as good as the 508 RXH with its commanding stance, sweeping lines, roof rails, tinted glass, 18-inch alloys, HYbrid4 badging, panoramic glass roof and distinctive rows of LED daytime running lights that look like a lion’s claw each side of the car’s floating grille.

And the quality is just as apparent inside the cabin where it’s impossible not to be impressed with the technical wizardry that surrounds you. There is a premium quality feel to this car and that has been achieved by using the finest materials and combining them with a feast of techno treats.

The part-leather seats can be heated and the driver can utilise the back massage function if so desired.

Creature comforts are plentiful and include cruise control with speed limiter, a multi-function leather steering wheel, sat-nav, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic lights and wipers, a great audio system, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking aids, a head-up display and plenty more besides.

The cabin is bright and inviting with light flooding in through the larger-than-life panoramic sunroof.

And Peugeot has given plenty of thought to back seat passengers as they benefit from excellent leg room and even have their own heating controls.

Luggage limitations will never be an issue either because the boot can easily accommodate suitcases for all the family and elsewhere there are numerous smaller storage compartments throughout the car.

So the 508 RXH look amazing and is packed to bursting with great features, but how does it handle? Once again, this Peugeot is a winner. There are four driving modes to choose from depending on the weather, road conditions and even your mood. These are changed quickly and simply by turning a dial.

First up is the auto mode whereby the car does all the brainwork for you and delivers the most economical performance for the conditions.

Next is the ZEV mode or to put it simply zero emissions mode. If selected, the car can be driven for 2.5 miles at speeds up to 40mph – this could save money when approaching a congestion charge area.

Then there is the 4WD mode which means you will never be caught out by one of Mother Nature’s bad moods.

And finally, the sport mode. This delivers a more dynamic, edgier driving performance with a much more rapid acceleration through the automatic transmission.

Sport mode was my personal favourite although not the most economical. But in fairness, the car performs excellently in all modes.

The 2.0-litre diesel engine provides plenty of oomph and cabin noise is virtually non-existent even on busy, faster motorways and country lanes.

Road-holding is exceptional for a car of its size and in busy city centre traffic it proved deceptively agile and easy to manoeuvre.

The parking aids are a real bonus when squeezing into tight spots.

Peugeot has packed a comprehensive list of safety features into the car, including anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme and traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency braking assistance, dynamic stability control, numerous airbags and plenty more besides.

And, of course there is an alarm system to keep away any uninvited guests.

All in all, the 508 RXH is a great all-rounder. It offers all the versatility and flexibility modern families want with a vehicle without compromising on performance and comfort.

Test Drive

Peugeot 508 Active e-HDi 112

Boasting a blend of eye-catching good looks, state-of-the-art on-board technology, excellent handling and outstanding economy the Peugeot 508 is the ideal vehicle for anyone who likes a touch of style in their lives.

First impressions are vital and the 508 is an instant winner with its beautiful streamlined body, Peugeot’s distinctive “floating” grille design, 17-inch alloys, daytime running lights, distinctive rear light clusters, privacy glass and plenty more besides.

The Peugeot 508 simply oozes class and the build-quality is just as apparent once you take your seat behind the multi-function leather steering wheel. The mid-trim Active model boasted a whole host of top notch creature comforts and technical wizardry such as a very efficient stop and start system, automatic lights and wipers, a great sound system compatible with all today’s media devices, Bluetooth connectivity dual zone air conditioning and cruise control with speed limiter.

There were a few optional extras such as sat nav and Pearlescent paint, but I was still amazed that you could buy so much car for just £22k.

The vehicle was fitted with a semi-automatic electronic gearbox – an unusual concept that takes a little getting used to. In reality it has a six-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox.

Basically, that means you can let the vehicle change gears for you although initially it may prove a little jolty – the key here is to ease off the power when a gear change is imminent.

Alternatively, you can control the gear changes manually via steering wheel-mounted paddles or the gear stick.

In and around town, the vehicle was a pleasure to drive although pull-away speed was a tad sluggish. But out on the open road, the 508 is a true beauty.

The acceleration is excellent, road-holding brilliant and the engine and road surface noise virtually non-existent.

Comfort levels are extremely high and there is ample leg, head and elbow space for rear seat passengers.

In addition, there will never be any limitations on luggage thanks to the generously-sized boot compartment and an array of other options throughout the vehicle.

Peugeot is pushing ahead with its clean, green motoring principals and this vehicle is a shining example of that with combined fuel efficiency figures of 67.2mpg and carbon emissions of just 109g/km.

The vehicle features a comprehensive list of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency braking assist, dynamic stability control, traction control, numerous airbags and plenty more besides.

All in all, this Peugeot looks the business, is packed with quality specifications and once you get a hang of the transmission, is a real beauty to drive too.

Test Drive

Peugeot 508 2.0 SW Allure Hdi 140

Quality, purity and efficiency – that’s how Peugeot describes its latest luxury car – the sublime 508.

With a range of five trim levels and seven engine types there is plenty of choice and this is a car that is going to take the fleet market by the scruff of the neck and drag it into the 21st Century.

It’s believed the 2.0-litre HDi will be the most popular model initially with sales split equally between the saloon and station wagon. But Peugeot firmly believes its eco model will be snapping at their heels.

Boasting bags of spec and some dazzling design features, the 508 has plenty of first impressions appeal thanks to its beautiful streamlining with elegant contours, tinted windows, smart light clusters with LED daytime running lights, eye-catching roof rails and door trims, body-coloured mirrors, floating front grille housing the Peugeot logo and plenty more besides.

The SW model I tested boasted a luggage compartment that goes on forever and this is increased even further thanks to the split-folding rear seats.

There is a panoramic roof stretching the length of the vehicle which allows light to flood the cabin from all directions.

The interior features some top-of-the-range technology with all buttons, levers and dials perfectly positioned for ease of use and practicality purposes.

Creature comforts include cruise control with speed limiter, a great audio system, keyless entry with push button start/stop, excellent air conditioning system, heated seats (part leather), a multi-function three-spoke steering wheel, an SOS button that automatically calls the emergency services if the vehicle is involved in a severe accident and loads more.

The 508 range is priced from £18k and the model tested was a little under £26k including a few added extras such as front parking aid with parallel assist (£255) and a top quality lighting package (£715).

I mentioned that the 508 is likely to take the fleet market by storm, but there is plenty of family appeal too, and with excellent comfort levels throughout, drivers and passengers will always arrive at the final destination refreshed.

And when it comes to performance, the 508 is certainly no slouch.

Admittedly, 0-62 stats of 10.1 seconds mean it’s not the fasted kid out the blocks, but for a smooth, responsive, safe and comfortable ride, it really ticks all the boxes.

The test model boasted a six-speed manual transmission which glided through the gears and the 2.0-litre diesel-driven engine provided plenty of power.

Cabin noise was minimal and the ride very smooth even on rougher road surfaces. Parking in tighter spaces was made simple thanks to the excellent all-round driver visibility.

Peugeot has packed plenty of top notch safety specifications into the 508, including anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability programme, numerous airbags, dynamic stability control and lots more.

All in all, the 508 seems to have it all. And with such an impressive line-up of vehicles there has to be one to suit any budget or remit.