2015 Peugeot 508 SW

Mid-Size - Wagon (copycat Award)

​​    With a final score of 60.87%, the new 508 SW is a step in the wrong direction.  Next time Peugeot should stick to their own design language, or at least their home countries design language.  If you want to use your panic button all of the time, then the new 508 is for you, as it will get lost in the crowd.

    When it comes to wagons, mos would expect something boring and bland.  Well that would have been true back in the 1950's, but in the year 2014, the wagon has become a fun and fast people mover. Of course this is only true if you live outside of North America. 

    For 2014 Peugeot has decided to change their 508 SW to suit the new needs of its customers.  A sleek looking wagon appeals to more consumers these days and if you are going to make something appeal to more consumers, then why not use a tried and tested design.  Well that is exactly what Peugeot has done with the new 508 SW.  They have taken the front end of a Volvo V70 and added on the rear of the previous 508.  Of course there are a few changes which have been made to ensure most consumers won't see the resemblance, but the Volvo is still there.

    Up front where the V70 sits, you will find one of the better changes which Peugeot has made to this design.  The sleek, thin lined headlights create a fast and sporty look to this wagon.  Add in a well proportioned snout and some perfectly designed fog lights and you have the makings of a sport wagon.  Now with all that said, the hood could have used an air duct or cowl to add that final sport appeal.

​    Out back is where things have gone wrong.  Someone forgot to tell Peugeot that too many curves will create an overly blended rear.  Because of this the whole rear has no real attitude and one part cannot be distinguished from another.  To clean up this mess Peugeot could start with indenting the tail lights and add on a larger spoiler.

    Along the side the rather bland appeal seems to show the most.  With no real break in the body line and an overly round mirror and handle set.  Of course not all curves are bad here, with a well proportioned wheel flare and perfectly flowing windows.  Remove the round mirror and handles and add in a body indent and maybe this will get better.

    Overall the new Peugeot 508 SW isn't all that bad, well when you consider that your purchasing a Volvo for the price of a Peugeot.  The all out appeal of this wagon may pick up some of Volvo's consumers, which may be a good thing.  But that could also turn away some of Peugeot's consumers.

​Everett J.

OVERALL GRADE = C+

​Front End: B-
    Good: Fast and sleek lines
    Bad:  What a Volvo?
Rear End: C+
    Good: An exhaust in need of power
    Bad: All too smooth
Side: B-
    Good: The right amount of chrome
    Bad: A round mirror
Overall Appeal: C+
    Good: Fast and agile
    Bad: Lost in the crowd of wagons

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​AutoLooks Buy List Approved:    No
Recommended Tuner:                   Yes
Trend Setter:                                    No
Brand Value:                                    Same
AutoLooks Stock Value:              Same