Peugeot 508 SW 2.0 HDi

The family car sector has been under fire in the last few years, with crossover and compact executive models all aiming to steal a slice of the action. Peugeot clearly hasn’t given up on it yet, and is aiming to build on the successful introduction of its 5008 and RCZ models with the new 508.

It replaces the outgoing 407, which arrived in 2004 and failed to make an impact in this hugely competitive market. The 508 could hardly be more different, and looks bang up to date. The old car’s elongated nose and gaping grille have been ditched, as the French manufacturer has taken the opportunity to show its new styling direction.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Peugeot 508

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It takes its inspiration from the firm’s SR1 concept car. The prominent grille has an Audi flavour, but a small lip at the top shadows the thin Peugeot badge at the front, and forms the start of a bonnet bulge than runs back towards the windscreen.

The SW looks best in profile, where its curved roof and bold shoulder line give the car a sleek appearance. Although its looks will grab lots of attention, it’s the interior that really impresses. 

The quality of the cabin is immediately obvious. It represents a big shift upmarket for the maker – materials and switchgear are now comparable in quality with the class leaders.

Its simple layout is also far easier to live with than in the past. However, it lacks the final attention to detail that marks cars such as the Skoda and VW out as the best in the business. For example, the audio controls are mounted low on the centre console, so passengers will struggle to make adjustments without interfering with the driver’s gearchanges. And when you put the key in its drop-down tray – the 508 has keyless starting – it won’t close.

Still, the multifunction steering wheel and large chrome-ringed dials add a welcome touch of quality, and the standard panoramic glass roof delivers a wow factor that’s missing from all of its rivals. Rear legroom is no match for the Superb or Passat, which is a shame, because the 508 makes a decent fist of long-haul comfort. 

Road noise is muted, and well equipped Allure trim includes stress-relieving features such as auto lights and wipers. Half-leather upholstery is also included. 

The 508 drops marks for practicality, though, as it has the smallest boot on test. Think of it as a five-door hatch, to complement the saloon version, and it makes more sense. On the plus side, the 512-litre boot offers a long load floor with the seats in place. Unfortunately, the rear bench doesn’t fold fully flat, and a maximum capacity of 1,598 litres trails the Skoda by 267 litres. 

On the road, there are no such worries – the Peugeot’s 2.0-litre HDi engine more than holds its own. With 320Nm of torque and 140bhp, it is a close match for its rivals. Our performance figures back this up – there was little between the 508 and the equally powerful VW and Skoda against the clock. In fact, the Peugeot had the upper hand in the drag from 50-70mph, thanks to its impressively smooth powerplant. 

Dynamically, the newcomer is something of a mixed bag. It shares its underpinnings with the Citroen C5, and has an accomplished ride over big undulations. However, while this initial comfort is a real plus, the damping at low speeds doesn’t prevent the suspension from crashing into potholes, taking the edge off the car’s  all-round refinement.

Unusually, the 508 is offered with two suspension set-ups: the GT flagship gets sportier double wishbones up front, while the rest of the range uses more conventional MacPherson struts. 

Our Allure model had the latter, and while it delivers reassuring grip, it never really engages you. The numb controls leave you feeling detached from the road. Take a corner at speed, and you get a minimal amount of wriggle and kickback through the otherwise light and over-assisted steering. For some buyers, that won’t be a problem, though, and the effective brakes provided decent stopping power at the test track.

So, the 508 offers a relaxed and effortless driving experience, coupled with a smooth and economical engine. And it has certainly achieved its aim of putting the firm back at the heart of the family car fight.

Details

Chart position: 4
WHY: New 508 aims to push the Peugeot brand upmarket, and SW is the most practical version – but it faces a host of talented rivals.