Hyundai i40 VS Peugeot 508
Hyundai i40
Likes
- Impressive ride and handling
- Diesel engine provides plenty of oomph
- Roomy
Dislikes
- Tiny display screen
- No AEB
- Tyre noise
Peugeot 508
Likes
- Can't fault its looks - it's sexy
- Pleasant driving experience (once you get used to it)
- Boot space is fab for families
Dislikes
- Multimedia system leaves you wanting
- 180-degree view camera is poor quality
- Must charge it every day to get good fuel economy
Summary
Hyundai i40
A wagon and not an SUV, eh? Respect. You see, when most people now think of a new car they think of an SUV, especially when they want something with a bit of cargo space. But not you.Â
And for thinking outside the box you’ll be rewarded with something that’s better to drive than most SUVs – like the Hyundai i40 Tourer in the Active grade and a diesel engine we’ve road tested here.
So, what are the strengths and weaknesses of this Korean wagon, and should you wait or buy it now? Read on to find out.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.7L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Efficiency | 5.1L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Peugeot 508
The humble station wagon has fallen by the wayside in favour of the ever-popular SUV, however, it was once more common for a very good reason.
It offers the space many families crave without having to upsize into a vehicle that can feel big and bulky.
A lot of drivers enjoy the sportier on-road feel and the good-looking styling that often accompanies a wagon. Enter the Peugeot 508 Sportswagon. A model that proves wagons can be hot.
Read more about
I’m family-testing the top GT plug-in hybrid model this week but there’s not a lot to compare it to because of the interesting engine specs.
So, we’re being a bit cheeky and doing an ‘apples with oranges’ comparo instead.
Being on the premium end, the 508 Sportswagon faces competition from the Audi A4 Allroad 45 TFSI, Genesis G70 Shooting Brake and Volvo V60 Cross Country Ultimate.
It certainly has the looks to turn heads but we’re sussing out whether it’s a practical alternative for families, too.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.6L turbo |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 1.8L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
Hyundai i407.1/10
The i40 Tourer in the Active grade is great to drive, it’s practical, and should be low-cost to run. But you can bet the new version, due to arrive soon, will be, too. If you can wait, it's a safe bet the new i40 Tourer will have an updated look, improved safety equipment and retain all the good points of the previous model.Â
Would you buy the current i40, or would you be mad not to wait for the new one, coming soon? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
Peugeot 5087.1/10
The Peugeot 508 Sportswagon GT PHEV proves wagons can be extremely stylish but looks aren’t everything and it is an expensive option compared to its luxury rivals. It earns its place with the premium interior but the safety could be improved on and the tech is more confusing than it needs to be. But this wagon offers an alternative for families who are sick of being in an SUV yet still need a little extra space.Â
My son didn’t go nuts over this and complained about his view.
Design
Hyundai i407/10
The i40 wagon looks good, I even caught myself doing that admiring 'look back' thing you do when you walk away from your car. Thing is, the current i40 has the ‘old’ Hyundai styling that dates it compared to the new i30, Sonata and Kona, which reflect the brand’s latest look.
This brings me to something you should really know – the newer, updated i40 will arrive in Australia soon, and it will be more in line with Hyundai’s current design approach.
The i40 is also up against some hot-looking rivals. The Mondeo is gorgeous, the Passat is stately, and the Commodore also looks stunning. To be honest the i40 is the least attractive of that lot form where I’m looking. It’s also about the same size as that trio at 4775mm long, 1815mm wide and 1470mm in height.
My mum would call the interior of the i40 Active smart looking, but she doesn’t mean tech-smart, more school dance smart, and if she ever said that before you went to a school dance you’d get changed immediately.
Yes, it looks smart in a tidy, stylish way, but that tiny screen, cloth seats and ordinary plastics lower the tone compared to the Premium's more 'premium' interior.Â
Peugeot 508
The design of this wagon is what wins it the most points. It is a damn fine specimen with the sleek lines in the body panelling and the sexy rear that looks well-proportioned for its 4790mm length.
Dark, narrow windows, 18-inch alloy wheels and a minimalist-looking nose, with fang-like daytime-running lights, all enhance its sporty look.
The rear lights have Peugeot’s signature ‘claw’ design and there’s something suggestively fun about seeing a twin-exhaust on a wagon!
On the interior, the multimedia system takes centre stage and the dashboard looks quite sleek, despite all of the deep cutaways.
The steering wheel is in the compact style that Peugeot is known for but it makes the cockpit feel driver orientated.
The quilted Nappa leather trims and shiny piano-black accents (with the piano-key controls) make for a refined cabin space.
Practicality
Hyundai i408/10
The i40 wagon nails the practicality category. Storage space is excellent with a deep, wide console bin under the centre armrest, and there’s another big well in front of the gear shifter.Â
There are large pockets in all the doors with bottle holders, two cupholders up front and another two in the fold-down rear armrest, plus another storage area in there, too.
The i40 Tourer’s 506 litre cargo capacity is good, but can’t beat the Passat’s 650 litres, while it matches the Mazda6 wagon’s boot space.
Rear legroom borders on limo territory and even at 191cm I can sit behind my driving position with about 50mm of space between my knees and the seat back. Headroom back there is also extremely generous.
The rear doors open wide, making for an easy exit or entry, too.
Peugeot 508
The front row gets the most space and you’ll be able to get into a comfortable position even if you’re tall.
However, it is a low car with its 142mm ground clearance and there may be a few grunts as you get in and out (or is it just me?).
My seven-year old loves how easy it is to climb in, though he didn’t have the best view out of the windows because the sills sit high.
The footwell lip also sits quite high, which isn’t an issue until you can’t open your door very wide and then it’s clumsy in a tight parking space.
The electric front seats are very comfortable and the extendable under-thigh support helps to minimise leg fatigue on a longer journey.
Surprisingly, for my 168cm (5'6") height, I have to sit much further back than I ordinarily would to get a comfy driving position.
In the back, you have plenty of headroom but behind my driving position, the legroom could be better.
An adult would still find it fairly comfortable on a longer journey so long as they aren’t behind someone tall. The seats themselves are well-cushioned and you sit in, rather than on top of them.
Individual storage options are good for this class with a dual-opening middle console, glove box and a great utility cubby next to the transmission shifter.
There is also a shelf underneath the centre console that houses the wireless charging pad and two USB-A ports but it’s a tad awkward to use and even see the ports when you're seated.
The amenities are good in the rear but for a top-spec model it’s lacking the luxury items you might expect, like heated seats and climate control but you’ll enjoy map pockets, reading lights, two USB-A ports and directional air vents.
It also has a fold-down armrest with two shallow cupholders, that in a quick turn, might spill their cups!
The boot is a great size at 530L with all seats in use and you can bump it to 1780L with the rear seats folded.
You get a level loading space and a 60/40 split with a ski-port in the back seat, which opens up your storage options.
There is a tyre repair kit rather than a physical spare but the tailgate is powered, which I always like. Â
The technology is a mixed bag. It looks sharp and the touchscreen multimedia system is responsive but isn’t as easy to use as others I’ve sampled.
It doesn’t have a lot of accessible information or customisations available but it is easy to connect to the wired Apple CarPlay. There is also wired Android Auto for those users and built-in satellite navigation.Â
The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel is the prettiest piece of tech in the car and there is more customisation available to make it feel yours.
Considering its price point and top-model status, it's more obvious that you miss out on premium items like three-zone climate control, faster USB-C connections and a head-up display.
Price and features
Hyundai i407/10
There are only two grades in the i40 range - 'Active' and 'Premium'. And when it comes to engines you again have two choices - petrol or diesel. The latter adding $2600 to the price.
If you’re looking for the most affordable way into an i40 wagon go for the Active. Listing at a base price of $35,690, 'our' i40 Active Tourer diesel had one option – 'Ocean View' metallic paint, adding an extra $595.
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The Active grade costs $9160 less than Premium, and as much as I’d like to say that top-spec car is pretty much the same, with some shiny bits of door trim added, I’d be lying.Â
The Active really does miss out on some decent stuff – the screen is the smallest I’ve seen since I wore a digital watch, at 4.3-inch (the Premium has a 7.0-inch), there’s air-con but not climate control, there’s keyless entry but not a proximity key or push button start.
The Active doesn’t get a power tailgate with a handsfree function like the Premium, or tinted rear glass, or a digital speedo, or a panoramic sunroof, or a power adjustable driver’s seat, or heated seats, all of which are standard on the Premium grade.
Yup, the Active may be as base grade as you can get but it still comes with paddles shifters, LED daytime running lights, an electric handbrake with auto hold function, front and rear parking sensors, cloth seats and 16-inch alloy wheels.
A list price nudging $36K may seem high, but don’t’ forget you’re paying more for the diesel engine. There’s good reason to spend the extra on the diesel, too – which I’ll explain below.
The i40 Active Tourer diesel undercuts the $39,040 Ford Mondeo Ambiente diesel wagon, while the Volkswagen Passat 140TDI wagon only comes in the mid-spec Highline grade for $49,990 (and is a bit ‘next level’ by comparison), while the Mazda6 wagon in Touring spec with diesel engine is $41,440.Â
Other rivals? Yes, the new Holden Commodore Sportwagon diesel is $38,890. So, compared to its rivals the i40 Active Tourer is a bit of a bargain.
Peugeot 508
Keeping things simple, there are only two variants for the 508 Sportswagon and our test vehicle is the top GT plug-in hybrid model that will cost $82,915 before on road costs.
That’s a $1000 price hike from last year and sets it well above its rivals with the Audi A4 coming closest at $78,169 (MSRP).
Given its rivals are well known for their luxury, the 508 has a fair bit to live up to but its styling and use of premium materials, like the quilted Nappa-leather trims, help it earn its position within the ranks.
The interior gets some other lovely big-ticket items with the eight-way electric front seats and a two-way memory position function on the driver’s seat.
Both front seats feature a heat function, adjustable lumbar support and a fabulous massage function. The ‘Cat Paw’ option is particularly nice!
However, the back seat misses out on these ‘top-end’ creature comforts.
There is a sunroof optioned on our test vehicle which adds $2500 to the price tag but creates an airy cabin in what would ordinarily be a bat-cave-esque space with that black headliner.
Only one colour is included in the price and our ‘Pearl White’ costs an extra $1050.
Technology has been revitalised with a new 10-inch touchscreen multimedia system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Dual-zone climate control, push-button start, keyless entry and a powered tailgate all add some practicality to every day life, too.
Phone mirroring tech like wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are easy to connect to and there are a bunch of charging options available throughout the car, including a wireless charging pad up front.
All-in-all, though, the features list isn’t as long as the price point might suggest.
Under the bonnet
Hyundai i407/10
This is another area in which our test car impressed with its 1.7-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel and seven-speed dual clutch auto transmission.
At 104kW, it may be less powerful than the petrol (121kW) but its 340Nm of torque gave it the shove to accelerate impressively from 1750rpm (idle is 800rpm).
The engine and dual-clutch combination performs beautifully; smooth even at low speed in traffic, and shifting down intuitively to make best use of engine braking.
Peugeot 508
The GT plug-in hybrid model has a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, as well as an electric motor that sits on the front axle. It has an eight-speed automatic transmission that produces smooth gear changing driving the front wheels.
The combined outputs are 165kW and 360Nm which means you have a good amount of power for this sized car but it’s not a performance wagon as its 0-100km/h sprint time is 8.3 seconds.
The lithium-ion battery has a small 11.8kWh capacity and will get from 0-100 per cent in three and a half hours on an 11kW system. On my standard house plug, it took closer to six and a half hours.
Efficiency
Hyundai i407/10
Hyundai will tell you the i40 Tourer diesel will get 5.1L/100km over a combination of open and urban roads. The trip computer in our test car said it was averaging 7.4L/100km. Still, that’s not bad mileage.
Peugeot 508
Peugeot says you can travel up to 55km on pure electric function, however my morning (return) school run is 38.4km and the electric range was spent by the time I parked in my garage after starting on a full charge.Â
Under optimal conditions, where you’re utilising both the engine and motor, the GT PHEV has an official fuel cycle consumption of 1.5L/100km.
After charging it three times, travelling 444km on a mix of open/urban roads and using 33 litres of fuel, my real-world usage came to 7.4L/100km.
You absolutely get the best economy when you regularly charge it but sometimes you just don’t get the time to!
You'll need 43 litres of premium 95 RON unleaded fuel to fill the tank which, using our real-world average consumption figure, translates to a driving range of around 580km.
Driving
Hyundai i407/10
A comfortable ride, impressive handling for the class, and a great engine and transmission mean the i40 Active Tourer diesel is engaging and enjoyable to drive.Â
The driving position is excellent, the seats are large but supportive, and the pedal feel is spot on. The i40 Tourer is way better to drive than it needs to be and would embarrass some cars from more prestigious brands.
It’s not all perfect: the cabin could be better insulated with wind noise obvious at 90km/h and tyre rumble intruding on course chip roads; visibility is hampered by those slanted A-pillars and the reversing camera image is next to useless thanks to the business card-sized screen in the Active.
Peugeot 508
The 508 Sportswagon is an odd car to drive. Around the city, the steering makes it feel like you’re in a go-kart and you may over-correct until you get used to it.Â
On the open-road, it feels like it gets into its groove but the power reserves feel a tad too shallow as the engine can complain with only a light load.Â
The suspension is well padded and you won’t notice too many bumps but you do get a fair bit of wind and road feedback at higher speeds.Â
Because of the narrow windows, I am surprised by how great the visibility is but you feel tiny when you sit next to a big SUV in traffic!
That said, it corners beautifully and taking this on a winding coastal road is super fun.
The brakes are very responsive, which is great in stop-start city traffic but can make it feel a little jerky while navigating a car park.
And on that note, because of the funky steering feel, it takes a moment to calibrate your senses with what the car is doing.
Once you get used to it, it’s simple to park but the quality of the 180-degree camera system is pretty rubbish for where this car sits in the market.
Safety
Hyundai i406/10
Hyundai’s website says the i40 Tourer scores the maximum five-star ANCAP rating. That’s true, but a bit sneaky because that ranking was given to the car back in 2013, and a lot has changed in terms of safety equipment in five years.Â
AEB, for example, is becoming common. So is rear cross traffic alert and blind spot warning, along with adaptive cruise control. You can’t get any of this advanced safety equipment on the current i40, not even the top-spec Premium.
Don’t get me wrong, the i40 is extremely safe with its suite of airbags, plus traction and stability controls - it’s just that the bar for safety has been raised higher.
The new i40 is expected to come armed with more up-to-date safety equipment.
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If you’re fitting child seats you’ll find two ISOFIX mounts and three top tether anchor points across the rear row. It’s great to see a full-sized spare wheel under the boot floor, too.
Peugeot 508
The 508 has most but not all of the safety features you expect to see in a family car.
The active bonnet is a great feature as it lifts up in a collision to help minimise pedestrian injuries.Â
However, in the modern market and this being a top-spec model, I am surprised it's lacking a few safety features, namely rear cross-traffic alert.
Other standard safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, LED daytime running lights, forward collision warning, lane keeping aid, lane departure warning, intelligent seat belt reminders, front and rear parking sensors, a 180-degree view reversing camera, traffic sign recognition, a driver attention monitor, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality.
The 508 has a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing done way back in 2018 and it only sports six airbags, which is low for a family vehicle.
The 508 has autonomous emergency braking with car, pedestrian and cyclist detection and is operational from 10.0– 80km/h (5.0 – 140km/h for car).
There are ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard rear seat positions and three top tethers in the second row but two child seats will fit best. Front passenger comfort may be compromised when a 0-4 rearward facing child seat is installed.
Ownership
Hyundai i408/10
The i40 Tourer is covered by Hyundai’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. Servicing is recommended every 15,000km/12months at a capped price of $339. A servicing plan is also available for three years ($777), four years ($1136), and five years ($1395).Â
Peugeot 508
On the 508 you’ll enjoy a five-year/unlimited km warranty and the battery is covered by an eight-year or up to 160,000km warranty, which is great.
You can pre-purchase either a three- or five-year servicing plan and the five-year plan costs a flat $2100 or an average of $420 per service which is very reasonable for this class.Â
Servicing intervals are at every 12months or 20,000km, whichever occurs first.