Peugeot 508 SW | Test Drive
The new 508 is one of the most interesting newcomers in the segment, but to tell the truth the entire Peugeot list has made an impressive leap forward and therefore we are finally back on the control panel of the French lion, this time we’re having a station wagon in our hands. True to the argument introduced with the excellent 3008 SUV, we are facing a model of generous dimensions and that in the estate version looks like a real spaceship. Everything is ready Captain, it is impossible not to be stunned while admiring that aggressive front, made up of thin headlights and vertical daytime running lights that allow our gaze to descend towards the second front mouth, the one under the grille that proudly exposes the big lion. The 508 is light years away from the previous generation, not only in terms of design and equipment, but for the perception of a premium car that can also be noticed with a distracted look.
Words by Richi Mackie / Photos by Daniél Rikkard
I continue to follow its lines with my eyes, crossing the seemingly endless side and coming to the rear, which, as in the case of the sedan, does not have the same fascinating look of the front, but thanks to the black central mask that incorporates the headlights, still manages to keep the strong identity that the car wants to convey. The model of our test is then presented as the best engine currently available on the list, namely a 4-cylinder 2-liter turbodiesel with 177 horsepower combined with the precise EAT gearbox, an 8-speed automatic transmission that proves to know how to behave in all circumstances. It should be noted that the paddles on the steering wheel, for the manual selection of the gears, are fixed to the steering column – just like on exotic supercars – which might seem inconvenient to some, but actually helps to avoid confusion while you’re looking for them in the middle of a turn.
Obviously traction is distributed on the front axle only, able to take on the considerable torque reserve that this engine is able to release: as many as 400 Nm which allow to move the large wagon with extreme agility, to the detriment of its star cruiser dimensions . Set aside for a moment the amazement for a look that certainly does not go unnoticed, once opened the door you are invaded again by the poker of aces of the French brand, an elegant and refined cockpit which in our case earns more points thanks to the red leather upholstery, creator of an exceptional contrast created with a dashboard that incorporates the solutions introduced with the 3008 and therefore a piano keyboard with shortcuts, touch-sensitive climate controls and display with navigation and infotainment complete with connectivity for your smartphone . In front of the driver, where we also find the reduced steering wheel with flat bottom, we have the i-Cockpit, functional and aesthetically well packed together with the indicators with copper details that give a touch of class compared to the canonical colors of other systems. Dulcis in fundo, our Peugeot has a dashboard (and central tunnel) entirely covered in what could be your living room wood-like surface, gray tones that completes one of the most interesting ambient in which we have ever settled.
The 508 SW is beautiful on the outside – especially if you opt for the GT Line spec which accentuates the desire for sportiness – beautiful and functional on the inside and it’s also nice to drive, thanks to a fairly elastic engine to allow high mileage with an eye to fuel consumption: the brand declares 4.7 l/100 km in the mixed cycle and if you do not have a heavy right foot it is not so difficult to reach. In terms of safety systems, there is nothing to complain about either, with the possibility of choosing the night vision device, while we find standard automatic emergency braking and lane keeping system as well. In short, the 508, saloon or wagon – enjoys an extremely complete package and the most beautiful thing is that it proves to be suitable for any context while offering a cutting-edge design and that it cannot leave you indifferent. Then, despite the fact that being 479 centimeters long and 186 wide, urban cohabitation is not the simplest of things – even if we are helped by parking sensors and video cameras scattered everywhere – it moves with simplicity even on smaller roads than usual. The strong point of the new 508 would seem to be its look, able to stand out in the midst of a thousand alternatives, but in reality it comes with a complete package that seems unassailable to any possible criticism, even those related to the price, which for our 508 SW sits at around € 42,000, while for a more modest 1.5 BlueHDi with 130 hp, € 31,730 are needed. Here then we have revealed another winning card, because as long as you equip it with a set of rims adequate to its massive size, you will already have a good 80% of what a more specced model could boast, inevitably becoming more expensive. So yes, you will feel like a true captain commanding your vessel, which will only have to choose a new destination to set the route to.
PEUGEOT 508 SW
Layout – front-engined, front wheel drive
Engine – 4 cylinder 1.997cc – turbodiesel
Transmission – 8-speed automatic gearbox
Power – 177 hp @ 3.750 rpm
400 Nm @ 2.000 rpm
Weight – 1.615 kg
Acceleration – 8,4 sec.
Top Speed – 231 kph
Price – from € 42.280