The frequency of testing the Peugeot 508 is directly proportional to the sympathy we have had for this car for a long time. That's why we also tested the second presented station wagon body variant in several engines and equipment.
Currently, the Peugeot 508 SW with the most powerful 1.6 PureTech turbocharged gasoline engine with 225 horsepower, an eight-speed automatic and the highest GT equipment has passed the editorial test.
In the context of previously tested cars of this model, in addition to its dynamic character, the gasoline engine simply suits me best. It will offer a very quiet, potent and refined operation. In conjunction with the excellent eight-speed automatic, it provides a very linear pull. Its only downside is a somewhat higher appetite, which pushes the consumption slightly above the eight-liter mark.
"Pětsetosma" will also offer a choice of individual driving modes. From Normal mode, through Eco, Comfort, Sport to a mode that activates manual shifting. Sport mode noticeably sharpens the car's response to the gas pedal, stiffens the chassis, softens the effectiveness of the power steering, and the transmission allows the engine to reach higher revs, in which you are rewarded with a pleasant "real" sound response. Sportiness and a great driving experience are certainly not missing from this engine. The I-Cockpit with a small steering wheel completes this impression beautifully.
The chassis and steering change their characteristics according to the selected driving mode, the car can be comfortable and rocking, just as well as it can "harden up" and in the context of 225 horses fully show its sporty character.
The SW variant brought a little more practicality to this car, yet this body design has lost none of its beauty and is still incredibly cool. The low and wide proportions of the front part are accompanied by a typical light signature, which makes the car predatory and quite original. Low proportions are also prescribed in the roof area, which gives the side profile very elegant contours. This is also accompanied by frameless side door glazing in this body variant. The roof itself then, with a slight slope, passes into the "lollipop" of the fifth door.
The rear part has considerably "inflated" fenders, which are a joy to watch in the rear-view mirrors, and which give this part the appropriate width and very handsome horizontal proportions. In addition, these are very tastefully complemented by horizontally oriented rear lamps, which are based on the "liftback" design. In addition, their optical connection across the entire rear of the car looks really impressive. Compared to the diesel engine, the gasoline engine will offer a pair of chrome exhaust tips, which are divided and effectively placed on each side of the car (the diesel has a pair of combined exhaust tips).
The tested "getéčko" then traditionally stands on decent nineteen-inch discs, which are shod with low-profile tires of dimensions 235/40.
The Peugeot 508 SW is therefore currently one of the nicest station wagons on the market, and the GT equipment alone only underlines its excellent appearance.
Let's move from the potent petrol engine and the pleasant exterior to the interior, where the main role is played by the layout in the spirit of the i-Cockpit.
The i-Cockpit principle, together with the proportions of the 508 model's interior, fits perfectly. The horizontality of the entire dashboard speaks perfectly with this principle.
The sporty character and proportions of the car result in a very low seating position, while the dashboard and raised center panel surround you pleasantly. A multi-function steering wheel flattened on both sides is also a matter of course, here with a GT badge.
The fully digital display in the instrument cluster in front of the driver is certainly worthy of praise. It displays data in very good graphics, one of the modes is the classic (quite rare by the standards of current "frantics") speedometer and tachometer indicators.
The on-board infotainment display is integrated in the next level of the dashboard, which similarly to the upper one elegantly connects to the door panels. Below the display is an impressive keyboard with individual controls. As is the case with cars of this brand, many elements of the car are controlled via the touch screen, which results in a rather positive minimization of individual controls in the car. Under the keyboard there are other controllers that do not have classic buttons, but are only touch-sensitive. So a very effective and minimalistic solution.
The already mentioned massive and tilted central panel is connected to the dashboard, which is equipped with an automatic transmission selector, a driving mode selector, a start button or an electronic handbrake, and in the next part, a storage box and drink holders. Tilting this panel has made it possible to create another storage space, which is under the panel and allows you to put away a mobile phone with wireless charging function.
The station wagon body brings positives in the form of more comfortable entry into the rear positions, as well as more headroom for the rear crew. The interior also has comfortable and generously dimensioned seats. The tested GT equipment then offers, for example, massage seats with a multi-point function for the front positions, or an excellent Hi-Fi Premium FOCAL audio system.
The luggage compartment of the 508 SW, that is 530 liters of volume under the cover itself. With the seats in the second row folded down and up to the ceiling, this version offers 1,780 liters. In terms of floor plan dimensions, the luggage compartment of the 508 SW is not small at all, unfortunately, a certain price for beauty in the form of a low roof entails certain limitations in its height.
In the current price list of this model, you can expect to find the most expensive cars with the GT trim. The new plug-in hybrid version currently has the highest purchase price, you can buy it specifically from 1,290,000 CZK including VAT. We also have the most powerful diesel engine, which starts at 1,130,000 CZK. The last "Gothic" variant is the version we tested with 225 hp gasoline, which you can buy from CZK 1,110,000.
The Peugeot 508 clearly won me over in the course of several tests, and the station wagon SW version even more so. I enjoy its imaginative and dynamic exterior appearance, as well as the treatment of its interior, the most powerful gasoline engine and the GT equipment really suits it. It is therefore a successful configuration, which represents one of the highlights in the offer of this model. Unfortunately, the car manufacturer will pay just as much for this car. So the higher purchase price is still the weakest link of this model for me.
