Peugeot 508 SW estate

Drive

The engine line-up in the 508 SW is varied enough to find a unit to suit everyone's needs. Kicking off the range are two petrol engines – both 1.6-litre units but one turbocharged and one not – with a good range of diesel engines too. These come in 1.6, 2.0, and range-topping 2.2-litre guises. The latter is quickest, offering acceleration from 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds. This engine is only available in GT trim. Peugeot's optional EGC six-speed automatic gearbox aims to emulate Volkswagen's DSG system, but it's nowhere near as smooth, and it takes a certain technique to achieve smooth shifts. Whether this is fitted or not, all models handle extremely well, with body roll kept in check and a good amount of feedback delivered to the driver through the steering wheel. Keen drivers may find the handling is a little less sharp than the saloon.

Comfort

The Peugeot 508 is a step up from previous models in terms of comfort and luxury. Targeted sound-deadening and tweaks to the engines have meant that all units – diesels included – are barely audible from the driver's seat. Road and wind noise are also kept in check too. The suspension does a fantastic job of soaking up rough roads, but the extra weight over the saloon model ensures that the ride isn't quite as relaxing. Although, it's worth mentioning that the difference is incredibly subtle.

Reliability

Being such a new car, it's hard to make any predictions about the long term reliability of the 508. However, sitting in the cabin you get the sense that a lot of care has been put into ensuring that any electrical niggles and build quality issues that affected older Peugeots have been ironed out. The 508 had a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, with particular praise given to its safety features. This includes Peugeot's SOS system which alerts the emergency services to your whereabouts in the event of an accident.

Practicality

Interior space in the Peugeot 508 SW is good, as there's a fair amount of knee room for rear passengers. The trump card though is 660 litres of boot space – but thanks to one-touch controls mounted in the boot, the rear seats can be folded down to create a load area of 1,865 litres. That's a massive 224 litres more than the Volkswagen Passat Estate and 132 litres over the Ford Mondeo Estate.

Value for money

Trim levels begin with Access, which includes daytime running lights, air-conditioning and electric windows all-round. SR adds luxuries like sat-nav, cruise control and 16-inch alloy wheels. Allure sits just below range-topping GT trim and provides almost everything you'll need, including half-leather electrically adjustable and heated seats, rear parking sensors, keyless go and – for the SW model only – a panoramic sunroof. If you do go for expensive GT trim you get upgraded sports suspension, full leather upholstery, a colour heads-up display and directional xenon headlights. GT trim is only available with the powerful 2.2-litre diesel engine, though.

Running costs

The most efficient 508 SW in the line-up is the 1.6-litre e-HDi diesel engine which comes fitted with stop/start as standard. Emissions stand at 116g/km and fuel economy is 62.8mpg. Even the range-topping 2.2-litre diesel engine is surprisingly efficient, claiming 47.8mpg and emissions of 154g/km.