What do you envision when you think of France? Do places like that of The Louvre or the Eiffel Tower come to mind? Perhaps you visualize people in fashionable clothing who frequent classy cafes and enjoy fine wine. Maybe, the only idea that ruminates in your brain is that history lesson back in 8th grade about some short guy who conquered most of Western Europe over 200 years ago.

While these are all things that may be brought up when referring to la République, American automotive enthusiasts typically reflect on the sizable number of cars that are available to the country's consumers.

Why do petrol-heads in the States think about these cars so much? Well, the answer is quite simple: We don't get them.

Unfortunately, most mainstream French cars are not exported to the United States. This means that you can't pop into town and purchase a Renault Clio or Megane. If you want a Citroën C3 or C4, that's also not going to happen (guess you'll have to wait 25 years before you can legally import one). Sadly, this also means that you can't go to your local dealership and get one of Peugeot's new 2021 508 SW Estates. That's a real shame because they're rather good.

The 2021 Peugeot 508 SW is the kind of sporty and capable wagon that enthusiasts would love to throw their money at.

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It's Not A Sports Car, Unless You Want It To Be

Racing 508SW
Via: Pinterest

Similar to that of many other European vehicles, the 508 SW is offered with diesel, petrol, and hybrid power-train options. These come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, including 1.5 L, 1.6 L, 2.0 L, and electric. While we could address all of these variants, we are going to focus on the petrol and PSE hybrid engine options.

Regrettably, we do have bad news right off the bat for enthusiasts; a manual transmission is only offered on the diesel variants. On the bright side, you do get a 1.6 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 224 horsepower when you opt for the petrol option. While it may not be as fun as a manual, it must be said that the 8-speed automatic transmission does a pretty good job of managing the vehicle's power.

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For those who long for a little bit more pizazz in their life, you can opt for the Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE) hybrid option. This plug-in hybrid alternative gives the 508 SW a few more ponies, 335 ponies, to be specific.

As a result of the increased engine output, you'll be able to get your wagon up to 62 mph (100 kph) in around 5.2 seconds. The car currently serves as Peugeot's most powerful production car to date. However, it should be noted that this version is currently not available (expected to hit dealerships by mid-2021).

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An Estate That Is Very Easy On The Eyes

Charging up
Via: Net Car Show

While the PSE is the best-looking 508 variant, the typical 508 is also a fairly handsome set of wheels. While the looks of the lower-trim models may be considered mundane when compared to that of the PSE, you still do get some nice touches. Notable accents include a little lip spoiler, stylish and thin headlights, pillar-less doors, and an overall enjoyable body to look at. When compared to offerings from VW, Skoda, or Vauxhall, the 508 definitely is a cut above the rest in the design department.

When we begin to discuss the PSE variant, the narrative changes dramatically (in a very good way). An emphasis on the color lime green becomes quite apparent, as this is the color associated with Peugeot's performance division. The rear badges, front bumper inlays, and even the brakes are adorned in a fluorescent hue. Clearly, anyone who buys this estate definitely does not want to blend in with the rest of the traffic.

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Business As Usual Inside

Inside of the 508
Via: Autodius

The interior of the 508 SW is what we've come to expect from the French manufacturer as of late. Relatively comfy seating, acceptable legroom, and rather good ergonomics are all present inside of the estate car. A nice large touch screen is available upfront. As expected, it provides all of the goodies we have come to expect from modern-day entertainment systems, including Blue Tooth, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, and GPS.

While the Peugeot rates higher than competitors when it comes to looks, it doesn't perform as well when it comes to practicality. Other options like that of the Skoda Superb estate do offer more room in the trunk. Additionally, it must be noted that the dashboard and trim pieces are made up of that scratchy, chintzy plastic that none of us like.

As a side note, if you get the PSE edition, you'll get all of this and lime green stitching, instrument clusters, and trim scattered throughout the car.

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If You're In The Market For An Estate, Definitely Consider One Of These

Parked by a lake
Via: HD Wallpapers

Overall, the 508 appears to be a fantastic wagon to drive and may even be considered an excellent alternative to the ever-popular SUV. It's sleek, sporty, pretty, and fun to drive. Additionally, it is rather well equipped, and there is no shortage of trim options for you to choose from.

While there are better estates out there, you could do a lot worse than that of the 508; especially, when you consider the PSE variant (seriously, get one of these if you can find one).

NEXT: The Peugeot 5008: Another Vehicle Not Coming To America