We recently got to spend some time with the Peugeot 508 SW in PSE trim. The SW or Sport Wagon range kicks off from €46,110 plus delivery related charges for the Active 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 130bhp 6-speed manual version. Like the fastback model we previously tested the front design is identical only now it has a low-slung, beefy estate bodyline. It gives the 508 the perfect balance between sporty and a practical design that we believe is actually better looking than the fastback. With ample passenger space and a large, easy-access boot offering a total load space from 530 litres, it will swallow those weekend holiday bags or golf clubs with ease! Our PSE or “Peugeot Sport Engineered” version is a flagship model but it has to sacrifice a little boot space to 467 litres to accommodate the electric power source that works in harmony with the petrol unit. This was by no means a hindrance and you still have the option to drop the seats if you need more space.
Features
Inside you can expect Peugeot’s latest innovative i-Cockpit with a fully configurable 12.3-inch head-up digital instrument panel. Then depending on the trim level you have either a ten-inch or eight-inch capacitive touchscreen along with a compact multi-function steering wheel. In Allure trim, the all-new 508 SW gets Active Blind Spot Detection, Advanced Driver Attention Alert, PEUGEOT Smartbeam Assist, Speed Limit Recognition and Recommendation, 3D Navigation with Voice Recognition, twin chrome exhaust, 17-inch alloy wheels and dark tinted rear glass. Prices for the Allure trim start from €46,110. If you are in a position to step up to €49,775 for the GT Line variant you can expect Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function, Lane Positioning Assist, a smartphone charging plate, 18-inch alloy wheels and self-levelling full LED headlights, with Peugeot’s signature 3D rear light cluster. The GT Line also comes with i-Cockpit Amplify, which allows you to change the interior lighting balance, as well as the engine note through active speaker technology. The next trim level available is the PSE which is available from €71,890 and features an Active Suspension system, smart electric tailgate (foot operated), electrically adjustable and heated driver and passenger seats with driver seat memory function, driver and passenger seat multi-point massage function and full leather upholstery, 20-inch alloys and the power to put a smile on any face!
Power
Buyers will have a choice of two new petrol hybrid engines and one diesel option on the SW. The reliable 1.5-litre BlueHDi engine with 130hp or the 1.6-litre PureTech featuring a 225bhp plug-in hybrid (PHEV) providing power to all four wheels using a 1.6 180bhp petrol engine along with a 110bhp electric motor. Our PSE test car was had the turbo charged 1.6 litre engine pushing 200hp along with two electric motors one assisting the front wheels and the other to the rear. You get 355hp and 520Nm of torque fed through a seamless 8 speed automatic gearbox. Peugeot state you can cover 41km of electric-only driving which is very impressive consider what most of us do as a daily commute.
Safety
As you expect from Peugeot there is a host of safety features throughout the various different trim levels. From standard expect Emergency Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assistance with edge detection along with multiple airbags throughout the cabin. MirrorLink with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also included as standard in every model and helps you work on the move without distraction. When the fastback variant was tested by Euro NCAP it scored an impressive 5 stars.
Costs
Although we have covered the pricing in the various trim levels which range from €46,110 up to our test car priced at €71,890 it is worth noting there are various offers currently in place. Right now you can pick up a fastback Peugeot 508 for as little as €396 per month with a 5-year warranty. Both PCP and HP are available throughout the trusted dealer network.
Summary
Our time spent with the 508 SW PSE was nothing short of delightful. D segment cars are often overlooked these days but particularly in this estate trim the Peugeot 508 is all the car you could ever need. Yes we were spoiled have the 355hp variant but you don’t need all that power! Our realistic choice would be the 225hp petrol PHEV which, should give you the best of both world’s providing you get into the routine of charging the vehicle each night. If you are lucky enough to be able to get a PSE version then more power to you! The Selenium Grey paint mixed with the blacked out grills and Kryptonite details including the calipers is just gorgeous on the road! To accommodate the 20-inch rims the track has been slightly widened and various aerodynamic enhancements have been made. It’s far from all show and no go either with the 0-100km sprint coming up in just 5.2 seconds. That’s fast in any mans language! This is a trim specification that will no doubt be rare on Irish roads but whoever car pick up one on the used car market in a few years time will be getting one hell of car. We salute Peugeot for still making good looking practical estate cars and we look forward to the inbound 308 SW which will soon be on Irish roads.
For
Styling
Interior
Comfort
Power
Against
Steering wheel a tad small.
