Estate cars – like the Peugeot 508 RXH – are an extremely popular option amongst European drivers – and less so amongst Americans, who commonly refer to them as station wagons. Unlike most vehicles, estate cars boast a measured mix of extra space for both passengers and cargo; whereas the majority of cars are designed with one or the other in mind, estate cars are built specifically to cater to both needs. This obviously gives them added versatility.
However, as a slightly larger model, aren’t estate cars a bit thirsty when it comes to fuel consumption, you ask? Well no, actually. Of course, there are those models that guzzle fuel like there’s no tomorrow – as there is in any class. But there are also a great number of models that can offer impressive fuel consumption rates, like the Peugeot 508 RXH, for example.
The 508 RXH is one of the French car manufacturers prime hybrid models. Its exterior looks like a cross between a rugged 4×4 – with its all-action plastic body trip – and an elegant estate car – the type driven by an executive. This being a Peugeot model, though, the 508 RXH has also been given an added sleekness.
It’s a hybrid model too, meaning that it’s capable of producing impressive fuel efficiency rates – about 69 mpg (miles per gallon) on a combined cycle. Whilst not the most impressive fuel economy rate offered by an estate care, the rate offered by the 508 RXH is certainly not a figure to be sniffed at. The Peugeot 508 RXH also emits just 107 g/km (grams per kilometre) of carbon dioxide, making it the ideal choice for the conscientious driver.
Each 508 RXH is fitted with Peugeot’s Stop & Start technology. This innovative feature kicks in when motorists get stuck in frustrating traffic jams. The system automatically sends a message to stop the engine. When the motorist is ready to move away, and continue with their journey, a signal is sent to restart the engine – with no fuss or trouble. This great addition enables drivers to save considerable amounts of fuel on a regular basis.
There are a number of alternatives to the Peugeot 508 RXH too.
Volvo’s V60 D6 is another incredibly popular hybrid vehicle. It is claimed that it can offer a fuel efficiency rate of 155.2 mpg on a combined cycle – an absolutely astounding figure. It can be driven in three different modes – including hybrid and pure. Pure enables motorists to drive solely using the car’s electric power – which enables money to be saved on fuel.
Skoda’s Fabia Estate is slightly smaller than the 508 RXH, but nonetheless offers a similarly impressive fuel efficiency rate. When driven on a combined cycle it can deliver 83 mpg and emits around 89 g/km of carbon dioxide.
In addition to the 508 RXH, Volvo V60 and Fabia Estate, the likes of Mini – with the Clubman – the Ford Focus, Audi – A1 Sportback – and Renault Megane are all estate cars capable of delivering an incredibly economical driving experience, as well as providing a significant amount of extra space.
