Peugeot already has a range of saloons and estate models on offer - but the Peugeot 508 RXH ads a slightly more comprehensive twist on the brands popular 508 estate. As well as incorporating Peugeot's new stylish design language - complete with a creased front-nose and more distinctive body contours - the Peugeot 508 RXH offers a range of technical enhancements, including a new sophisticated hybrid powertrain. With the estate market being dominated by lavish models like the Audi A4 Avant, the 508 RXH gives Peugeot's large family car offering a little boost when it comes to both practicality and style. From the outside At a glance, Peugeot's new design language is instantly recognisable as the reworked front-end of Peugeot's new cars gives the brand a whole new identity. The new design language also helps Peugeot keep up with the likes of the Volkswagen Alltrack when it comes to road domineering style. Although not the only colour on offer, the Peugeot 508 RXH is available in an exclusive bronze colour with a slight orange tint - which looks really unique in comparison to other cars on the road. The 508 RXH also comes fitted with signature LED daytime headlights situated on the front grille, which according to Peugeot 'bring to mind the Peugeot lion's claws'. Hybrid4 technology The 508 RXH's hybrid technology is the models key feature. The Hybrid4 powertrain in which it uses is the same engine used in both the Peugeot 3008 and the Citroen DS5 - meaning it emits as low as 107g/km of CO2 emissions and returns nearly 70mpg. Although the Hybrid4 engine is designed to be efficient, it is still able to deliver an impressive 200bhp and a top speed of 132mph. Inside As it is an estate, practicality has to be one of its most substantial factors - and the 508 RXH delivers. The 508 RXH offers plenty of head and leg room in the rear for its passengers and a nice and spacious boot, which offers up to 400 litres of storage space. This storage space can be extended to a massive 1,423 litres by folding the rear seats down. The 508 RXH's cabin is one of its strongest selling points as it offers a very premium feel with plenty of kit and quality materials - just like the Citroen DS5. Even when it comes to standard kit the 508 RXH excels as it offers a leather steering wheel, Bluetooth, front and rear parking aid and 18-inch alloy wheels. On the road Unfortunately the 508 RXH lacks a little 'get up and go' on the road in terms of both its handling and transmission. When you look at its sporty exterior you may assume that the 508 RXH would offer a refined drive - but this isn't the case as the drive seems a little unresponsive, stiff and a little bit boring. Its transmission is a little annoying as well as it seems to take a while switching gears, so if you are a fan of cruising down country lanes or at speed on the motorway - you may want to have a good long think. Although this is the case the 508 RXH does have some good on the road qualities, such as its handy four driving modes: Sport, Auto, 4WD and ZEV. Each of the driving modes are pretty self explanatory, but the ZEV mode may be the one most people will be intrigued by as it offers a full electric mode - for a short while anyway. The Peugeot 508 RXH is definitely a car with potent pros and cons, so if you are looking to buy one you will want to carefully weigh these up - especially when you consider that it starts from £31,495. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tpfY_q3utQ
