Peugeot 508 RXH (12 on) - Review

Peugeot 508 RXH comfort would be first class if it wasn’t for that pesky EGC gearbox. It feels so jerky at times that it’s almost like being on a ferry crossing in choppy waters. If you can get past this you will find that the 508 RXH is very good at cruising and very comfortable, although the ride may feel a bit firm for some. That makes the 508 RXH ideal for A-roads journeys and chugging up and down motorways, however. Long journeys should be a breeze as the seats are well bolstered and offer good back support for both driver and front-seat passenger. Peugeot interiors have improved vastly and the 508 RXH is no different. The cabin is driver-focused and the surroundings are quite plush. Road, tyre and wind noise has been largely cancelled out thanks to the standard sound-deadening windscreen and dampers on the front axle that reduce engine vibration. Another reassuring feature is the head-up display and this means you can check your speed without taking your eyes off the road. Very useful.

The Peugeot 508 RXH is one of the most practical cars in the sector. With four driving modes including electric power and 4WD, the Peugeot has a lot going for it. It has also got plenty of cubbyholes for storage. If you choose a 508 RXH then you need a certain level of flexibility from your car. So, is there enough space to suit your lifestyle or are rivals better at load lugging? Load space with the seats in place is 400 litres but when folded this increases to 1,423 litres. Take a glance at some of its rivals' stats and you’ll notice that the 508 RXH falls short of the competition in this sector. The VW Passat Alltrack has 603/1,641, the Audi A4 Allroad has 490/1,430 and the Skoda Octavia Scout has a load space of 585/1,350.

The 508 RXH may only be 2cm longer than the saloon but the engineers have created a car that uses its interior space very well. Even with six-footers up front passengers in the rear have plenty of leg- and headroom. Choose the RXH and you get a panoramic roof as standard. This adds to the airy feel and is always a bonus if you need to carry small children. The soft plastics in the cabin of the RXH are of a high standard and the all-round build quality looks to be enhanced when compared to the 407. The dash is clean but simple, making life easy for the driver.