We say Brilliant estate that shows a significant improvement in terms of design, comfort, handling and overall quality for Peugeot.Performance There’s a wide range of engines available on the 508 SW however just two petrol units are available at the moment, in the form of a 1.6-litre petrol unit with 120bhp and 156bhp outputs.Unsurprisingly it’s the 156bhp version that’s the quickest of the lot with a 0-62mph sprint time of 8.5 seconds and it’s capable of a top speed of 136mph, too.There’s much more choice if you’re after a diesel with five options available. They start with a 112bhp 1.6-litre and peak with a 200bhp automatic 2.2-litre unit. The largest and most powerful engine on offer can clear 62mph in 8.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 138mph.Emissions Peugeot expects diesel sales to dominate with the 508 because of the improved fuel economy figures and lower CO2 emissions.The leading powertrain is also predicted to be the 1.6-litre 112bhp e-HDI micro hybrid because of its low Benefit-In-Kind tax of just 13 per cent thanks to CO2 emissions of 110g/km and a combined cycle fuel economy of 65mpg, too.The 2.0-litre 163bhp HDI should also prove popular with CO2 emissions of 130g/km and a combined cycle fuel economy figure of more than 56mpg.Driving The 508 SW is a brilliant car to drive because it manages to provide the best of both worlds thanks to a combination of firm handling – limiting bodyroll and improving control around corners – and comfort, with Peugeot careful not to make the suspension too firm as to make it uncomfortable. That means it’s great for motorway cruising.The only downside came with the steering which doesn’t give quite as much feedback as you’d like.Feel The 508 SW is soft and comfortable without feeling heavy and cumbersome. It really is brilliant to drive and the cabin is refined thanks to the quality of the smooth engine line-up. There’s little road noise when surfaces are solid however rougher roads do cause a problem for the 508 with road noise cranking up a notch.It’s not quite as sharp as some of its competitors but it is well weighted which makes for accurate steering and plenty of control.Space The 508 SW isn’t the largest estate on the market but it still manages to provide good levels of head and legroom for passengers, whether they’re in the front or rear.Boot space is good when compared to its rivals with 512-litres available with the seats up and 1,598-litres available when the seats are folded flat. That’s less than the Ford Mondeo estate but on a par with the majority of other estates on offer.Equipment The entry-level models aren’t as well equipped as some of its rivals however there should be no complaints as you move further up the range with lots of toys and gadgets available.On the entry-level Access models there’s a CD player, air conditioning and steel wheels – with alloys available from SR models and upwards. At the top of the range rear parking aids, heated front seats and xenon directional headlights are all available. There’s no full leather option available.Price Pricing for the 508 estate starts from around £19,000 and rises to £30,275 however Peugeot expects most sales to take place in the £22,000 to £23,000 bracket.Quality The new 508’s interior is a real step up for Peugeot, rivalling the majority of its competitors for cabin quality. There are lots of solid materials and surfaces to match the airy, comfortable feel of the car. The 508’s layout is good, making good use of its space.Safety In terms of safety equipment, the 508 is well kitted out. There are side, front and curtain airbags as standard as well as the usual mix of stability control, ABS and Hill Assist if you go for a high-end model.Pros The 508 SW is a brilliant estate and one which marks a significant improvement from Peugeot estates of the past. Interior quality is good, there’s a wide and varied range of solid and frugal engines and the design is much more subtle and attractive than tCons Equipment levels aren’t as comprehensive as you’d hope for with full leather upholstery not available. Other D-Segment estates also provide more interior space and practicality.Alternatives Ford Mondeo estate, Volkswagen Passat estate
