Peugeot 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered SW review

And its fastest. With four-wheel drive it’ll haul itself to 62mph in 5.2 seconds and not stop until 155mph. This must be one of the most striking estate cars on sale today, particularly with those ‘Kryptonite claw’ marks and eye-popping accents, which contrast boldly against the Selenium Grey paint. It has real presence. The cabin is spacious, upmarket and just as ambitious in its design. It wasn’t too long ago that Peugeot appeared to have stopped trying with these things. 

The tiny steering wheel looks and feels odd, but you quickly get used to it. But the performance, or at least the way in which it’s delivered, takes longer to grow accustomed to. The engine is a 197bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol and it’s backed up by one electric motor at the front and another at the rear. You hear a little combustion engine thrashing away in front of you, but feel the car romp along like it has a small V8 beneath its bonnet. 

That hybrid powertrain lends a useful 26-mile electric range, though it also contributes to a 1875kg kerb weight (and a very punchy £55,795 price tag). There is a good ride, very tidy handling and stacks of grip and traction, but also an unsatisfying brake pedal and steering so heavily synthesised it topped the charts in 1982. How sporty is the 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered? Not quite as sporty as its name suggests, but a keen driver will find much to like nonetheless. 

Peugeot 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered SW
Engine: 1598cc, 4-cyls, turbo, PHEV
Transmission: 8-speed auto, 4WD
Power: 355bhp
Torque: 384lb ft
Weight: 1875kg
Power-to-weight: 189bhp/tonne
0-62mph: 5.2 seconds
Top speed: 155mph
Fuel economy: 139mpg
Price: £55,795
Ti rating 7/10