Peugeot 508 SW estate - Practicality & boot space

The Peugeot 508 hatchback isn't the most spacious car but things have improved somewhat in the transformation into an estate. There's more room for passengers and the boot is considerably more practical too.

Peugeot 508 SW interior space & storage

One of the characteristic features of the regular 508 is its low-slung roofline, but this is taller for the SW estate, particularly for those in the back. Headroom is improved as a result but narrow rear windows still make it feel slightly claustrophobic, while legroom is adequate but not class-leading. A panoramic sunroof lifts the ambiance in the back but we'd avoid it if you regularly carry tall passengers because it impinges on headroom.

Boot space

The 508 SW is slightly longer than the hatchback, and a large tailgate, wide opening and flat loading lip make it very practical. Sheer cargo space can't match the Skoda Superb Estate, but there's more here than you'll find in the Mazda6 Tourer or BMW 3 Series Touring. It measures 530 litres behind the seats, or 1,780 litres when they're folded flat - and Peugeot has managed to keep a flat boot floor in the hybrid version, too.

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The 508’s back seats fold 60:40 by pressing buttons at the boot entrance, and there's also a built in ski hatch for loading long items with four occupants in situ.

Towing

Caravanners may want to choose the 508 SW's engine carefully because it has an impact on how much you can haul. The 1.5-litre diesel has a maximum braked towing capacity of 1,500kg, while the 1.2-litre petrol can tow slightly less at 1,290kg. The now discontinued 2.0-litre diesel was the best model for towing, capable of hauling up to 1,800kg. In the regular hybrid, the towing capacity is 1,340kg, falling to 1,260kg for the range-topping PSE model.