• 508 technically a five-seater
• Only space for four realistically
• Hatchback body more practical than before

How much space is there?

Passenger space in the 508 is limited when compared with its rivals – cars like the VW Arteon and Kia Stinger offer quite a bit more room for passengers, especially in the rear – but four average-sized adults shouldn’t struggle too much.

A pair of adults will easily fit up front thanks to plenty of adjustment in the seats, but there’s no escaping the 508’s low roofline, slim windows and encompassing dash – it doesn’t feel as big inside as its rivals.

It’s a similar story in the back. There’s enough space for two adults as long as there isn’t anyone too tall in the front taking up kneeroom, but the sloping roofline impacts on headroom for those over 6ft tall, especially if the sunroof is fitted. Higher-spec models and their dark rooflining and tinted windows can add to the dark feeling inside, too.

With not a great deal of room under the front seats for feet, there are much better alternatives for those looking to carry four adults. Chief amongst those is the limo-like Skoda Superb.

Boot space and storage

Despite the compact dimensions, the 508 is more practical than conventional saloons thanks to a hatchback tailgate, with top models coming with an electric bootlid to aid access.

Space available with the seats up weighs in at 487 litres, which trails most of its rivals – especially the VW Arteon and Skoda Superb. Fold the rear seats down and a total of 1,537 litres of space is available.

Those considering the plug-in hybrid model will be pleased to know that boot space remains the same, due to the battery being installed under the rear seats. It’s worth noting you will have to compromise by losing the spare wheel that usually lives beneath the boot floor, as it now houses some of the electrical hardware and leaves room for a tyre repair kit only.

Is it easy to park?

The 508 has shrunk compared with its predecessor – it’s shorter and lower, however it is wider. That means it’s also noticeably smaller than its rivals, which is beneficial when it comes to driving and manoeuvring in town. Parking sensors and the option of all-round camera aid with visibility – one of the 508’s biggest issues.

Look out the rear of the car and the view out of the small rear window is largely blocked by the rear headrests, while tinted glass and large pillars also limit the view out. The small mirrors don’t help a great deal, either, but automated parking is available as a cost option.

Up front things are much easier when it comes to visibility, and the small steering wheel helps the 508 feel more agile around town.

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Safety

• Plenty of safety equipment as standard
• Advanced driver assistance tech also available
• Should prove a safe family car

Peugeot has laid it on thick with safety kit with the 508 Fastback, as reflected in its five-star Euro NCAP crash-test assessment. All 508s come with Matrix LED headlights, six airbags, a driver attention alert system, autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition and three Isofix child seat mounting points. There’s also a distance alert system and active lane-keeping system on all models.

More driver assistance kit is available as you move up the range or from the options list, including adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, active blindspot detection, night vision, and lane positioning assistance.

Those opting for the plug-in hybrid model will find a forward-facing blue LED light housed in the rear-view mirror. This activates when the vehicle drives in electric mode and serves as a visual warning for pedestrians ahead of the vehicle – how effective this is, we’re yet to discover, as we suspect those who haven’t spotted the vehicle in the first place won’t spot the light at the same time. There is still a sound generator that works at low speeds to alert nearby pedestrians.

Watch the Euro NCAP crash test video