THE most important attribute of any estate car is, of course, it's load-lugging prowess.

But in these days of people carriers, crossovers, SUVs and the like the trusty old estate has to be more than just a big box on wheels.

Buyers expect style, comfort and finesse from their motors as well as extra space and if an estate can't provide it then there are plenty of alternatives about.

Peugeot's flagship in this busy bit of the market, where fleet business plays a big role, is the 508 SW and the 2.0-litre diesel version I drove faced up the challenge pretty well.

The 163bhp engine, in conjunction with the accompanying six-speed manual transmission, delivered some sprightly performance for a sizeable car, with plenty of pull across a wide rev range as well as swift and responsive acceleration.

A top speed of 137mph coupled with a 0-62mph sprint time of less than 10 seconds make 508 SW equally capable in town traffic or on the open road while it can also tow a braked trailer of up to 1,790kg when equipped with an optional tow bar.

It's pretty refined for the most part too with engine, road and wind noise well contained.

The car's sharp aerodynamic lines no-doubt help in this department and, in keeping with those higher expectations, this is a sporty looking estate.

A prominent ‘floating' grille at the front end lies beneath a steeply raked bonnet that blends into a rising shoulder line along the flanks on into tapered and distinctive rear lights while the roofline slopes down towards the rear into a high mounted spoiler.

It's a sleek and dynamic design which, thanks to a taught, well-balanced chassis and suspension, is accompanied by good grip and some sharp and nimble handling, with body movement well contained at all times.

The ride can be firm as a result but does not stray into uncomfortable territory and good feedback through the steering column means that the 508 SW can be an engaging car to drive.

This lively performance, however, does not come at the expense of economy with this powerful 2.0-litre engine still managing to deliver a potential 56.4 miles per gallon and modest carbon emissions of 130g/km - which will help to keep running costs and tax bills under control.

A stylish and spacious interior represents a considerable move upmarket for Peugeot as they pitch the 508 against Ford's class leading Mondeo among others.

Fixtures and fittings all feel solid and reliable and quality materials are used throughout while there is plenty of head and leg room for five adults. This is a car in which long journeys pass by with the minimum of fuss and inconvenience to passengers.

The dash and centre console are neatly and simply laid out and easy to navigate but the standard multifunction steering wheel and colour head-up display, which rises smoothly out of the dash, mean that the driver rarely has reason to take his eyes off the road ahead.

And this gadgetry is only the tip of the iceberg in a comprehensive list of high-tech comfort and safety aids which feature in my Allure trim car, which sits just one down from the range-topping GT.

Keyless entry, push-button ignition, automatic electric parking brake, automatic folding wing mirrors, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, half leather trim and 18-inch alloys are all added perks of the Allure.

That's as well as automatic lights and wipers, satnav, a panoramic glass sunroof, cruise control and air conditioning.

And on top of stability and traction control, ABS brakes and all the expected airbags to take care of safety, you also get Peugeot's Connect SOS and assistance system which alerts the emergency services and tells them where you are at the push of a button should the worst happen.

Despite all this high-end luxury and technical wizardry, though it's still that boot space which will be the key consideration and while the 508 might not quite match some rivals it is certainly not found wanting.

Some 512 litres of loadspace rises to 1,598 with the 60/40 split rear seats folded simply by flicking a switch inside the boot (although they don't lie totally flat) and there is extra space under the floor along with a retaining net and an abundance of hooks and attachments to keep items secure as well as a ski flap for long items.