Login
My Garage
New hero

Peugeot 508 SW vs. Skoda Octavia Estate

By Stephen Turvil | August 19, 2011

Share

Why not leave a comment?

See all | Add a comment

Hurray for the Peugeot 508 SW. Rejoice for the Skoda Octavia Estate. Both these large family workhorses have numerous strengths.

More On This Car
Take one for a spin or order a brochure
Request a brochure
Request a test drive

Hurray for the Peugeot 508 SW. Rejoice for the Skoda Octavia Estate. Both these large family workhorses have numerous strengths. The Peugeot, in particular, is very good looking and it is far nicer to drive than its predecessor. As such the striking 508 SW feels sharp through the corners, has a very comfortable ride, and inspires confidence. The Octavia is accomplished in these areas too, so both these machines tick the 'handling' box. Not the most important factor in the large estate class, but still a very pleasing bonus.

The Peugeot 508 SW holds 512-litres of luggage, or 1598-litres when the rear seats are folded flat into the comfortable interior. But hang on a moment. The Skoda Octavia Estate is noticeably shorter and narrower than its rival – but has a larger cargo capacity. So, chuck-in 605-litres of luggage plus five estate loving passengers, or carry two people and 1,655-litres of essential bits and pieces. Choice choices. Kinda depends on the people.

The Octavia's storage capacity advantage may not sound like much, but here comes the killer point. Prices for the Peugeot 508 SW start at £19,175, whereas a shining Skoda could carry your junk from only £14,320. So, pay nearly £5,000 less and have a larger boot and smaller footprint. The Octavia also benefits from Volkswagen's robust construction and the Peugeot is......well, a Peugeot. The 508 SW is a new model too, so are gremlins likely?

Both vehicles are clearly capable family mile-munchers, and as always the 'best' choice depends on your particular requirements and preferences. The highly regarded Octavia Estate is better value for money than its opponent, but the Peugeot 508 SW is more fashionable and better looking. Tough call, but my favourite is the cheap-as-chips Skoda.

More On This Car
Take one for a spin or order a brochure
Request a brochure
Request a test drive

Related Articles

Revealed: The most expensive UK airports for a quick drop-off
Airport drop-off charges are on the rise across the UK. See how your local airport compares to Europe’s biggest hubs.
Jul 17, 2025
Solo drivers could be banned in Spain - Is the UK next?
Spain is considering new traffic rules, including a two-person car minimum. Could similar policies come to the UK? Here's what drivers need...
Jul 17, 2025
Don’t have a driveway? Oxfordshire's got a clever fix for charging your EV
A new scheme in Oxfordshire lets you charge your electric car at home without a driveway. Here's how it works and what it costs.
Jul 17, 2025
MG just dropped two game-changing EVs
MG's new IM5 and IM6 EVs boast 0–62 in just 3.2 seconds, 441 miles of range, and ultra-fast charging. Are these the coolest EVs yet?
Jul 16, 2025