An SUV is the default automobile for households however old style station wagons convey loads of advantages for those who don’t need a high-rider.
Listed below are 5 issues it’s good to learn about Peugeot’s new plug-in hybrid 508 Sportswagon.
IT HAS LUXURY AMBITIONS
The Sportswagon plug-in hybrid comes with a premium circa-$90,000 drive-away price ticket.
It’s some huge cash, particularly when that cash can purchase standard top-shelf luxurious machines such because the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 SUVs. It’s additionally about $30,000 dearer than standout wagons such because the sporty Skoda Octavia RS.
There’s loads to crow about for the worth, although, together with supple Nappa leather-wrapped seats which might be energy adjustable and heated within the entrance row.
A ten-inch infotainment display is paired with a 12.3-inch driver show with a number of layouts. One gripe is Peugeot’s little steering wheel, which blocks the view of the motive force’s display leaving you simply the highest two-thirds.
A ten-speaker Focal stereo pumps out the tunes and there are a number of USB-A ports, in-built satnav and a wi-fi machine charging pad.
The cabin is superbly appointed, with premium supplies used all through, together with carbon fibre-like trim, chrome steel door scuff plates, chrome pedals and a leather-bound steering wheel with copper stitching.
PULLING THE PLUG
Plug-in hybrids promise the most effective of each worlds, combining usable electric-only driving vary with the flexibility to run on petrol energy or a mix of petrol and electrical for elevated gasoline effectivity.
Regardless of this, the expertise hasn’t taken off in Australia and it’s simple to know why in the true world.
For one, it’s prohibitively costly. The 508 Plug-in Hybrid prices about $20,000 greater than the petrol-only model.
Peugeot claims the 508 Sportswagon can drive as much as 55km in electrical mode and it has a gasoline use determine of 1.5L/100km.
On our check we travelled simply 37km earlier than the battery was depleted and after the primary 100km it was utilizing 7.2L/100km of premium petrol.
The 508 has a smallish 11.8kWh lithium-ion battery that has a most charging fee of three.7kW, which is able to replenish the battery from a family socket in about six hours.
IT’S A COMFY CRUISER
The 508 makes use of a mix of a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and a single electrical motor to provide 165kW and 360Nm. That is paired to an eight-speed computerized transmission that drives the entrance wheels.
It delivers easy if not quick acceleration, finishing the benchmark 0-100km/h dash in 8.3 seconds.
It’s silent in electrical mode and quiet when utilizing the petrol engine. The transition from electrical to petrol energy in hybrid mode is a bit clunky at decrease speeds, although.
The suspension does an excellent job of recovering after bigger bumps and divots however is jittery over smaller street imperfections.
The sunshine and fast steering lacks suggestions however it’s nice sufficient and it handles corners higher than an SUV.
IT’S EASY ON THE EYES
Wagons can usually look somewhat frumpy however the 508 is a good-looking machine from any angle.
Its low-slung design will flip heads, as do the frameless doorways that add a heavy dollop of stylish French aptitude.
Dynamic LED lighting back and front, 18-inch alloy wheels, twin chrome exhausts and gloss black highlights add to the attraction.
It’s sensible, too, with a roomy rear pew, though it may be robust for taller passengers to get in because the roof is kind of low. There’s a big 530-litre boot accessed through an influence tailgate that may swallow all of the necessities for a household street journey. Fold down the rear seats and it has an nearly van-like cargo space.
YOU’LL JOIN AN EXCLUSIVE CLUB
Wagons are now not the go-to alternative for households in Australia, the place SUVs account for about half of all new-car gross sales.
So if you wish to zig whereas everybody else zags, the 508 Sportswagon will provide help to stand out from the gang.
Peugeot bought simply 156 examples of the 508 sedan and wagon in 2023, so that you received’t come throughout one other like minded driver fairly often.
Homeowners will profit from a five-year/limitless km guarantee and a pay as you go servicing pack in all fairness priced at $2100 for the primary 5 scheduled visits.