Peugeot 508 SW Active 2.0 HDi FAP 5dr Car Review - February 2012

One aspect in which the 508 SW is particularly successful is that there is very little body movement when cornering, and the steering is responsive and well balanced too. The ride will be a little too firm for some people, and does show up many of the bumps and holes in British roads. The driving position is very good, with front visibility being particularly strong, and the driver’s seat being easily adjustable to ensure that all drivers can find a comfortable driving stance.

The 2.0 litre diesel engine is bigger and more powerful than the entry level 1.6 litre option, and this means that the performance on the road is much better. The acceleration from 0-62 mph is a good 10.1 seconds, and the top speed of 130mph will be more than enough for covering the miles quickly and comfortably. This improvement does come at a cost to fuel efficiency, but it will depend on the individual preference.

The sheer practicality of estate cars means that they will inevitably be long and a little square, but the 508 SW is well designed to avoid these issues. The long bonnet runs sleekly into the body, and the curved rear end means that it is not an unattractive car. Inside the cabin the look remains professional and effective, with chrome detailing contrasting well with the plastic, which doesn’t have the cheap look of some cars.

The alloy wheels that are included as standard with this model do complete the look nicely, but even for this level of trim there are still some nice touches. Cruise control and climate control make for a comfortable driving experience, while heated power seats will be pleasant in winter, with the panoramic sunroof being welcome for the summer months. Bluetooth connectivity is a £250 extra.

When it comes to practical cars, there is nothing that can match the estate car without looking at going up to a 4x4 or a crossover, and the space in the 508 SW is very good. Front and rear seats have plenty of space, and when the rear seats are folded forward there is a massive loading area which can be used for large or bulky items.

In terms of the safety of the car the 508 has been awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests, and the range of airbags included certainly helps with this. The usual driving aids are also present and will help ensure that all four wheel remain firmly on the road.

Although this version of the 508 SW does have a list price of £22,275, this is still quite competitive when looking at rivals such as the Ford Focus Estate and the BMW equivalent. Choosing the right car will often be a balancing act, but the 508 offers enough features to make it a credible option.

Considering that the 508 SW is quite a large estate car, the fuel efficiency is remarkably good, with the 2.0 litre diesel engine able to achieve an average 58.9mpg. However, the car has high group 28 insurance, meaning premiums won’t be as cheap as many smaller cars. The practicality of such an estate does mean that resale values are quite good. The 508 SW is supplied with a three year warranty and a one year roadside breakdown assistance policy, which is pretty average compared to what is offered by its rivals.