Peugeot 508 hatchback - Interior & comfort

We've been impressed by the futuristic look of interiors elsewhere in the Peugeot range – the 3008 and 5008 SUVs in particular. The 508 channels the style of its bulkier sister cars, but introduces a look all of its own. It's impressively upmarket inside, too, giving away little to rivals from BMW and Audi.

Peugeot 508 dashboard

The driving position is set low and provides a sporty, hunkered-down feel which is emphasised by a steering wheel that's almost go-kart sized. This is intended to be looked over, rather than through, and affords a clear view of the 508's instrument cluster if you do it right.

The instruments take the form of Peugeot's i-Cockpit system, which is a fully configurable 12.3-inch digital display that can portray several forms of information in full, high-resolution colour. It's clear and easy to read, and can be switched to display analogue information if you prefer. The navigation mode, meanwhile, shows 3D mapping in its centre section, with speed and other driving information shown at the outer edges.

The i-Cockpit system is standard across the range, but only Allure Premium and above get a 10-inch central infotainment touchscreen in place of the standard eight-inch system. Bluetooth and MP3 compatibility are standard, as are TomTom navigation, DAB radio, MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.

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Equipment

There's no such thing as a poorly equipped Peugeot 508. Every model boasts the i-Cockpit system and infotainment mentioned above, as well as dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and start, automatic headlights, wipers and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. A set of 16-inch alloy wheels is standard with the entry-level Active Premium.

Allure Premium adds the upgraded infotainment screen, ambient lighting in the storage compartments, cupholders and footwells, and full-electric seat adjustment. There’s also a powered tailgate and a safety pack that includes active blind-spot monitoring, driver attention alert, road-sign recognition and adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane positioning assistance.

Stepping up to the GT brings a more aggressive look, with a studded 'chequered' grille, gloss-black trim for the rear diffuser and window surrounds and 18-inch alloy wheels. Full LED headlamps and front indicators are fitted, as are 3D-effect LED rear lights. Inside, buyers get an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, privacy glass and the door mirrors gain position memories.

GT Premium brings active suspension, a 360-degree camera with automated parking assistance, both front seats are heated and the whole interior is trimmed in Mistral leather effect and alcantara. An upgraded Focal stereo and an electric tailgate also come as part of the package.

The hybrid powertrain is available in all trims except the entry-level Active Premium model.

Options

If none of the above quite match the specification you want, you can choose selected options on every model. Option prices range from just over £50 for a TomTom Live services subscription, to almost £2,000 for a Nappa red leather interior with massaging electric seats.