Peugeot 508 RXH

The 508 RXH is based on the 508 SW, but is higher and wider and gets more rugged looking bodywork. It also features the same hybrid engine, which combines a diesel engine to drive the front tyres and an electric motor to turn the rears, as the 3008 HYbrid4. Because of its four-wheel drive abilities, and the fact that it's only available in one trim level with all the luxury equipment you could need, it's a direct rival for the Audi A4 Allroad and Volkswagen Passat Alltrak. 


The standard 508 SW is an impressive car to drive, and the RXH feels similar but with a few key differences. The taller body and an extra 110kg of weight, due to the batteries and electric motor, means it rolls around during cornering more than the 508 SW. A ZEV mode allows the car to travel around two miles on battery power alone – perfect for
cruising silently through town – while in Sport mode there's a total of 200bhp available and acceleration is strong. The automatic gearbox, which is annoyingly slow to shift, and a harsh engine note when you floor the throttle, mean the RXH is at its best when you’re cruising at constant speeds – in those conditions it's a relaxing way to cover big distances.

Satellite-navigation, a full-length panoramic roof and leather seats are all fitted as standard to the RXH. The result is a cabin that isn’t quite a match for Audi's quality levels, but feels more expensive than any other Peugeot in the range. The suspension has been raised by 50mm which makes it even more comfortable over rough surfaces. Only the crude gearbox, which jerks you forward in your seat during gear changes, spoils the experience. In the back, there's plenty of leg and headroom for up to three passengers.


Some drivers might be put off by the complexity of Peugeot's hybrid system, which combines a 2.0-litre diesel engine under the bonnet and an electric motor mounted on the rear axle – but it should be extremely robust. The diesel engine is proven technology, while the electric motor has far fewer moving parts and should require virtually no maintenance. Peugeot says the battery pack will last up to 15 years, too. A demonstration of this fact is that Toyota has never has a reported breakdown with the hybrid system in the Prius.