Road Test - Peugeot 508 SW

Author: Ian Strachan

The Peugeot 508 has broken the mould in the upper medium sector. This is a car that looks great, in particular its striking cat-like front end. And the estate version – or SW as Peugeot prefers to call it – looks even better.

This Peugeot estate is as a breath of fresh air. Here's an upper medium sector family sized estate car which still manages to look sleek and sporty.

From the front you have the 508's feline headlights and smart grille. From the side the 507 SW has sculpted, flowing and well-balanced lines, and from the back the nicely designed light cluster and huge rear window looks very impressive. Whichever way you look at it, this car is a stunner.

The inside is nice too. The electrically adjustable, heated front seats are extremely comfortable with a good range of adjustment. There are plenty of storage spaces around the interior, and all instruments are clear and accessible. The whole interior is illuminated by a huge glass panoramic roof with an electric sunblind.

I drove the 140 brake horsepower 508 SW Allure powered by a smooth two litre direct injection diesel engine. It's supremely quiet, even when worked hard, with good acceleration and flexibility. Mated to a six speed box you also get superb economy. The sixth gear is little more than an overdrive, but helps you get more than 56 miles to the gallon in mixed driving.

Ride and handling are excellent thanks to a lightweight chassis and good suspension. 

Load capacity is impressive, with a generous 660 litres of carrying space with the rear seats up, and a cavernous 1865 litres with rear seats folded down. There are additional storage compartments under the boot floor.

Specification on the Allure trim level is generous. Standard equipment includes electrically folding heated door mirrors (they fold automatically when you lock the doors - clever) automatic windscreen wipers and headlights, remote central locking with keyless entry and ignition, cruise control, rear parking aid, automatic air conditioning , airbags all round and 18 inch alloys. On the road price for this spec is £24,325. 

There's also a high spec radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility and steering wheel controls.

I found this French estate car pleasing in every way. C'est bon.

Road test by Ian Strachan Communications Ltd

Ian Strachan is a motoring and business writer and PR consultant. He can be contacted on 01543 490932 or 07949 202596 or via email: ian@strachan13.freeserv