Peugeot 508 SW 2020 review

The Peugeot 508 is a stunning-looking midsize car that competes with the Mazda 6, Volkswagen Passat and Skoda Superb. Available as a hatchback or a wagon, the Peugeot 508 is back for a new generation. But is the new 508 any good? To get some first impressions, Tom heads to Canberra in the 1.6-litre turbocharged Peugeot 508 GT in SW estate form in this episode of Chasing Cars.
Let us know your favourite SUV in the comments - and whether you think the RAV4 or Tiguan is best!
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Compares interiors, practicality, price, and driving of the Peugeot 508 SW vs rivals.
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READ our full 2019 Peugeot 508 tests at Chasing Cars.
Australian video car review of the Peugeot 508 2020.

[@phillipmarnik]

You have gone to another level in your ability to describe key aspects of a car. Engine. Transmission. Ride. Space. etc. Especially appreciate the small things you point out like the view of the dash and how it can be affected by steering wheel height as well as the rear blind on rear visibility. This is not a read through of a car brouchure like so many reviewers do. Keep up the excellent work TB.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Phil. I enjoy getting to the bottom of the car.

[@lopezben3023]

. . NOT, NOT, NOT ... Peuge-NOT. . - -

[@stephantranquille6681]

it sure is a looker and has a distinctive Peugeot design about it. The interior is plush and sets it apart in that price category from the competition. I think it is highly desirable.

[@andrewd7586]

Stunning wagon! Just this morning here in central Victoria I saw one in burgundy colour...WOW!😍 I currently drive a 2017 Skoda Superb 206 wagon which I absolutely love. But I could quite readily put this on my list for my next wagon.😎👍🏼

[@limpunsing224]

it's good that station wagons are back

[@chasingcars]

Agreed. #wagonlove

[@lopezben3023]

. . NOT, NOT, NOT ... Peuge-NOT. . - -

[@terryshoemaker8570]

Hello ! In spite the name I have chosen I am french and I bought one of the very first 508 new Sedans coming out of the french factory, I want to confirm that after 8 months of dayly driving (180 hp gas engine) I am not at all disapointed but better fully satisfied , it is a really silent and confortable car, its suspension is very efficient, they must have worked months to reach that surprising Level. I hope this car will be very successfull and cross fingers as it competes with long time very reputed brands, it will not be so easy ! Long Life to your Channel 👍and all the best from France.Thierry

[@chasingcars]

Terry Shoemaker glad to hear you’re enjoying the car.

[@ReaperNine9]

what was your lowest consumption with 1.6 petrol engine?

[@tiagoalmeida329]

Really liked your review, it is spot on and it seems a very honest and concise opinion. In Europe we get the GT with dark grey matte wood, not that ugly carbon fiber imitation that I hope Peugeot will change sometime in the model's lifespan. Just a remark, you mention that the rear axle configuration is a torsion beam, but in reality is a multi-link suspension setting.

[@breakneckflipper]

I'm in the UK, but I love it. Very good and sleek looking car. Actually looks very sporty for an estate

[@stephenheusz3236]

A nice, well balanced review. I have the new 3008 going on 12months now and I'm still loving it. Thank god that Holden & Ford are all but defunct. They were holding back the industry in this country for far to long. There is far better choice out there that the driving public need to be made aware of.

[@chasingcars]

Stephen Heusz Big fan of the 3008 here. Which engine do you have?

[@stephenheusz3236]

@@chasingcars I have the 1.6l petrol turbo. 6speed auto transmission. Just had the 40k service with no issues to report to the dealer.

[@MrTimstaaa]

Hi Tom. Great review. Have you done a review of the 3008 & 5008 cars ? I've flicked through the content on your channel quickly but couldn't seem to see them.

[@chasingcars]

Timur Hafouz I don’t think we have video reviews of them, no. We do have detailed written reviews of both on our site: chasingcars.com.au.

[@malcolmscott4150]

Great review Tom - love the Peugeot 508 and great alternative to German wagons including c class and 3 - with Renault releasing the Kadjar the French car choice in Australia is finally providing real choice away from Germany or Korea

[@chasingcars]

More choice is always a good thing!

[@PTZOUTZ]

If you struggle to see the instrument panel, try one of these two things: 1. lower the steering wheel 2. raise your seat Also always remember: A car seat is not a sun lounger. Put the back of your seat to an almost 90 degree position.

[@romainliot1211]

Lane preference settings...well have a go at driving around Paris with Bikes and scooters zooming past you and you will understand why that feature is there! Great review though!!

[@petepetrass]

great review. I am looking at getting rid of the SUV and was pondering Superb or Passat wagon but once I saw this the other day, it is such a beautiful car with a very premium feel. I am going to test drive one next week and convincing the boss won't be too difficult I suspect.

[@chasingcars]

Let me know what decision you come to. Glad you're considering a range of competent wagons.

[@petepetrass]

@@chasingcars I am now loving my new Peugeot 508 GT SW in Celebes Blue which I picked up last week. The boss refused to articulate her feelings (kept complaining about the cost) but I could tell she loves it too. Sure there is less room than the SUV but the boot area is still enormous albeit wider and longer but lower. Driving a wagon is so much more comfortable than an SUV and already I don't miss sitting up higher. Everyone else can have their SUVs but I am now done. Driving with the steering wheel low and looking over the top initially felt a bit weird but is now completely natural and I really like it, as well as the small wheel. This car is truly punching above its weight and is a true luxury wagon that is very, very well put together. I am already and will continue to truly enjoy this car for as long as I have it. My only complaint is the reversing camera. Like you said the 360 view or overhead view is weird in that you can only see where you have been but there is no option to remove it. Combine that with the very low resolution of the reversing camera.

[@chasingcars]

Pete, wonderful to hear you picked up a 508 wagon. Lovely car. Enjoy it! Echo all of your comments.

[@jeffchristie1541]

what a fantastic well informed review from a very likeable guy well done . the 508 look fabulous but im going for the 5008 because of the height of both vehicles 5008 is just right for me as ive got a dodgy knee , if i got the 508 id have two dodgy knees .

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Jeff! Good choice. The 5008 is also a great vehicle for those that want or need an SUV form factor.

[@lenzilf1]

That lane assist programme (either keeping you to the left or right of the lane) is to do with cyclists / motorcyclists filtering through traffic. So keeping you to one side of the lane will allow them to filter through traffic easily.

[@aw4610]

A very good looking car reviewer.

[@GabrielSTEFAN943]

The rear suspension is multi-link

[@bobfrombrisbane1831]

Hi Tom, good review. Not sure how many will be sold which seems a shame as it seems a nice car. 🚗

[@chasingcars]

We’ll see!

[@user-lw7rp4eb3k]

When this model comes to the US I am buying it too

[@generaldamage3282]

Yeah I like it... I’ll be in the market next year and testing this in wagon form against the vw Arteon and Kia stinger.

[@chasingcars]

Good to hear. They're three good options.

[@bnhamish]

Love the new 508 wagon. Want one :)

[@chasingcars]

It’s pretty nice!

[@msjp81]

You mention competitors a few times but i don't remember a reference to Commodore? I know the public who loved the old Aussie build RWD version are up in arms at the mere mention of a ZB but the ZB is a fairly solid competitor in this space (although admittedly not selling super well.. but which midsize wagons are...)

[@chasingcars]

msjp81 True, thanks for pointing that out. I actually quite like the ZB! The RS and Calais 2.0T models stand out to me as being dynamically well sorted and good value, especially at the real world prices you can negotiate.

[@jaredjoubert2055]

Totally agree re. the carbon trim.

[@chasingcars]

Just not appropriate for a car like this.

[@goran2009]

Just got back from Germany and wagons are really popular there, more than SUV. I really like new 508, but holden and ford mentality is really hard to crack with a good looking car as this one... Sydney and Melbourne office professionals are Peugeot best bet 😁

[@chasingcars]

It’s therapeutic seeing all the wagons when you’re in Europe - however, speaking to some of my European colleagues, they report that SUV market share is on the rise there too.

[@dufonrafal]

@@chasingcars SUV do sell a lot more than wagon in Europe, but wagon still exists.

[@terryshoemaker8570]

dufonrafal coucou dufonrafal ! C’est Thierry lol 😂

[@dufonrafal]

@@terryshoemaker8570 hum.. dsl, mais je vois pas qui tu es? Des Thierry, j'en connais plusieurs :)

[@terryshoemaker8570]

dufonrafal Thierry cordonnier du forum caradisiac sur la 508 Terry Shoemaker c’est mon nom de chanteur country sur KZbin

[@ErosMorelli]

Can you do a review on a Abarth 595? Would love to know what you think about them.

[@chasingcars]

Will look into it. Have one in my extended family (a 2018 base 595) but don’t get a lot of seat time in it.

[@ErosMorelli]

@@chasingcars Yeah I do a lot of driving and I'm kinda tossing up between the Golf, New Mazda 3 and the Abarth. I am from Sydney and have done a bunch of test drives but I just cannot decide. I do a lot of driving for work so would want to feel comfy and not have to fork out a fortune for fuel 😅

[@bigchief2331]

@@ErosMorelli Get the Abarth! or a Peugeot 308 GT/GTI which will be a little more comfy, especially with massage seats :)

[@chasingcars]

Okay. One thing I can definitively say is that the 595 isn’t comfortable - but you could likely get a really (really) cheap deal on a new Giulietta Veloce if you wanted Italian flair.

[@ErosMorelli]

@@chasingcars Okay thanks I'll give it a look

[@mmikee407]

The car itself doesn’t leave much to be desired. However, areas where this car will struggle are: the reputation of low number of sold units, depreciation rate, reliability long term and finally the customer care quality and overall experience with the service department. And not to mention the dominance of SUV desirability within the current market. That’s not a small feat to overcome.

[@chasingcars]

All good points, though I’d be shocked if PSA didn’t continue to operate in Australia long-term - I don’t think this car would be orphaned (the Commodore will be, I reckon!)

[@bigchief2331]

Depreciation rate means great things for used car buyers. You can get a 4 year old Peugeot for more than 60% of RRP and less than 60k on the clock. Great buying. Reliability is no concern, Peugeot is one of the most reliable brands out there. Agree customer care leaves a lot to be desired, for servicing better off taking to French car specialist it will be cheaper and more thorough/professional.

[@mmikee407]

Chasing Cars Hopefully they will thrive. More choices and fiercer competition means better options for customers

[@ZaibJ]

From Anzac bridge to Canberra!!

[@chasingcars]

Zaib Javed you got it!

[@dufonrafal]

Yeah, I don't really like the carbon trim. In RHD there is real wood in the GT, much better. I also like the cloth like in the 3008. PS: rear suspension is fully independent multi-link setup, not a torsion beam, were did you get that from? xD

[@chasingcars]

Yep. The cloth, Alcantara and open-pore ash offered on the 3008 is vastly superior. As for the rear suspension … no wonder it felt so much like IRS. It was IRS! I was badly advised by a product manager. Will edit it out of the video later today.

[@dufonrafal]

@@chasingcars I think you're the second journalist to be mistaken by that guy then xD The 508 has real wood in Europe, but not in the UK and Australia, they probably figured it was to expensive for just a few LHD cars.

[@generaldamage3282]

Nice review, this car needs AWD and a bigger engine - looks amazing though. Dude please get rid of the phrase “nice place to spend time” shits me to tears! 😆

[@mesafto]

Wagon for sure. Best rear end, i wonder if pininfarina were involved.

[@chasingcars]

Love a wagon with a nice rear end!

[@JohnSmith-nz4bn]

When it drove past you could faintly hear "Your mother is a hamster and your father smells of elderberries."

[@chasingcars]

Just faintly.

[@lopezben3023]

. . NOT, NOT, NOT ... Peuge-NOT. . - -

[@kishennapier3642]

Lot of the Insigina/Commodore/Regal in this car - this will probably replace my Calais v tourer in the future.

[@chasingcars]

Would be a nice replacement - the 508 on 18" wheels is a good long, loping cruiser on our Australian roads.

[@scottsworld]

I wish I could afford a 508

[@angelafox1201]

What grey is this car?

[@chasingcars]

This is Hurricane Grey. Amazonite Grey has much more of a green hue.

[@angelafox1201]

Thanks for that.

[@ypwpat]

Does it comes with night vision?

[@chasingcars]

Yunanto Widjaja No, not as far as I am aware

[@terryshoemaker8570]

Chasing Cars yes it is an option

[@chasingcars]

Not in Australia, sadly!

[@terryshoemaker8570]

Chasing Cars « dommage » that means it’s a pity in french 🤭🥳

[@ceeemmbaanz9169]

Yes it does

[@permikkelsen2059]

Why does Chasing Cars using KW instead of HP as any other car channel use?.. Is it something special from Down Under? ( i do know how to convert KW to HP)...

[@chasingcars]

It is a down under thing. We measure car engine output in kW and Nm. Sometimes I remember to quote the PS figure. I should get better at that!

[@53glowe]

'I don't know how to convert kilowatt to horsepower'. So what you're saying, is you don't know how to use 'Google'. 😐

[@chasingcars]

It’s alright Gaz, Per said he DOES know how to do it - which is a breath of fresh air from people who comment saying we should do everything for them!

[@dufonrafal]

@@chasingcars I think it's better, the german are doing it more and more as well. Plus hp are not universal, there's BHP, DIN, CEE...

[@mrheyfuckoff1]

I agree, I hate the faux carbon. Give me a matte silver or a nice modern faux wood grain.

[@chasingcars]

Agreed.

[@saeed1507]

Apart from showing and explaining car interior/features etc. try to focus on demonstrating aspects that we as test driver cannot find out in a 15 minutes test. I give you some examples: have 2 child seats and actually show how easy or hard is it to use them, if someone can fit beside them or how convenient it is. have couple of roller bags, small bags, golf set and other popular items and actually fill the trunk to show how much we can put. These are not possible for us to examine in a test drive at dealer. Try to find these kind of evaluations and it would be way more useful. Please point out 5 important pros and cons for each car review you make. Maybe you can make scoring and compare other cars in the same category with these scoring. I see determination and improvement in this channel that's why took time to give some feedback as a car guy/seeker. Thank you :)

[@mrheyfuckoff1]

CarWow does that, I suggest watching both channels :)

[@saeed1507]

@@mrheyfuckoff1 oh yeah, but pity its British channel. AoA also very good. However no professional Australian yet to compete them.

[@saeed1507]

@carmad51 I certainly did not comment for shallow person like you who do not bother.

[@JakeMartin94]

Wagon all day long, also best wagon on the market in this price range by far.

[@mrheyfuckoff1]

Peugeot 508: An absolutely stunning sedan & most importantly a wagon. Upcoming RWD Mazda6: Im about to end this mans career.

[@chasingcars]

Hahaha, we’ll see. We will see.

[@benhuang2773]

They might not make a RWD Mazda6, they might introduce a bigger "Mazda9" instead.

[@eljardindepeter6514]

I think you mean 3 cylinders (6:15) , not four. Unless is a special engine for Australia. Great review

[@tobiasdanielsen6110]

1.6 L engines are 4 cylinders, the 3 cyl engines are up to 1.2 L

[@lukelawrence6007]

This can reminds me a bit of Toyota Corolla wagon sadly we dont get it

[@chasingcars]

Never say never! Still hoping Toyota will send out the new Corolla wagon.

[@lukelawrence6007]

Tom I agree let's hope

[@kodessa]

Wow. That's a pretty wagon. On the levels of Audi A7 pretty. But... I'd probably never buy a Peugeot in my life.

[@chasingcars]

Agreed! It’s beautiful. Ok - were you burned before?

[@TheWinstonChu]

I have had a 3008 since April 2018, can say so far so good!

[@53glowe]

My interest in the vehicle was strong until Tom said, '8 secs to 100kph' and I immediately lost attention. Tom's reviews are always great...but this acceleration number put a line through this car for me. That is pedestrian performance 😐

[@chasingcars]

Feels quicker in terms of in-gear acceleration but the torque deficit of such a small engine - just 1.6L - ultimately means it isn’t that fast.

[@msjp81]

Most of the competitors make a quick one - VW & Skoda with a 2.0T AWD that is good for low 5's, Holden Commodore V6 (unsure of the figures) and the 2.5T in the Mazda 6

[@dufonrafal]

0-100 is so important to you? It's not a sport car. Plus 0-100 doesn't really reflect real road performance. btw, Peugeot claims for the SW: 0-100 7.4s 1000m 27s 80-120 4.4s 248kph That's pretty good honestly, especially for a FWD.

[@worrywart1311]

There are pedestrians that can walk at 100kph? I'm impressed!

[@CapitaineK]

There's a 300bhp+ version in the making, some hybrid r version. R versions are always released later on

[@notsingular]

Cough...commodore...

[@chasingcars]

Nothing to do with the current Commodore actually - that sits on the GM Epsilon II platform. This car is on PSA's own EMP2 platform. Whether the *next* Commodore is a PSA vehicle… I highly doubt that. It'll be something American.

[@notsingular]

Chasing Cars platform aside, the 508 and commodore look almost identical

[@jwn851]

First!!

[@chasingcars]

Bravo!

[@theoverlord1925]

Dude how about reviewing cars from brands that are actually selling in Australia and that a hard working, intelligent Australian would buy. Who would buy a Peugeot in Australia when you have such good Korean and Japanese options? You would have to get your head checked if you bought one of these in Australia. In Europe , OK maybe , but probably not even there, but 50k for a Peugeot in Australia ? No , thanks mate I ain’t stupid.

[@chasingcars]

You must have missed the wealth of Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Volkswagen etc etc etc content on this channel. Dude.

[@theoverlord1925]

No , don’t get me wrong there is plenty of it, only I think even more would be great. I can only speak for myself , but I am not interested in brands that have little or no presence in Australia. The support and service is terrible because their footprint is small and their sales are weak so why why would I go there? In the case of Volkswagen why would I give money to a company that actually was part of a criminal conspiracy and caused irreparable , extensive damage to the environment ; not to mention the eventual lives that will be lost by the way of premature deaths due to increased emissions. The support and service in Australia is terrible and they have caused a lot of damage to the environment in many countries and not made amends to make things good. No way would I ever review , promote or buy a Volkswagen. I am just stating my opinion, not criticising the channel in any way. I ve said it before, it is a great channel , reviews are excellent and fun to watch. Just a little disappointed with the choices of cars being reviewed lately, but I am sure that something cool will be coming our way soon...Cheers , and keep up the good work mate!

[@gregrobins5615]

Intelligent people buy Korean or Japanese cars ? I thought that I'd heard everything from ignorant Australians but this comment takes the cake. Did you listen to the review at all ?

[@lopezben3023]

. . NOT, NOT, NOT ... Peuge-NOT. . - -