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Slinky load-lugger is coming to Australia in the second half of next year. Fire up, wagon lovers.

Peugeot has confirmed the 508 Touring will join its sedan (Fastback) stablemate in Australia next year, answering the prayers of wagon-loving buyers across the nation.

Unveiled earlier this year and revealed in person at the Paris motor show, the Touring is a lighter, slicker successor to the current 508 Touring. It’s built on the EMP2 platform, and tips the scales at around 70kg lighter than its predecessor.

At 4.78m long, it’s just 3cm longer than the sedan and 5cm shorter than the car it replaces, but still has space for 530L of gear with the luggage cover removed. That’s down 9L on the new Volvo V60, and 30L on the current 508 Touring.

With the rear seats folded, you’ll be able to fit 1780L worth of junk. It’s worth bearing in mind, the rear bench folds 60/40, not 40/20/40.

It has something you won’t get in any of its rivals, though: frameless doors. Mmm.

Inside, the cabin is identical to that of the 508 sedan. Peugeot is at pains to highlight the storage scattered around the cabin, but we’re more excited by the i-Cockpit 2.0 instrument display – paired here with a low-set touchscreen in the dashboard, rather than the tablet-style display featuring on the 3008 and 5008.

“Over the past five years, Peugeot has completely reinvented its product range and the all-new 508 will challenge segment norms, while delivering a vehicle that is not just enjoyable to drive, but great to look at,” said Ben Farlow, Peugeot Australia managing director.

“The Peugeot ‘5-series’ has always held a fond place in the hearts and minds of generations of Australian motorists and this all-new 508 is set to reignite the passion for Peugeots that stretches back almost 100 years locally.”

Power will come from a choice of two 1.6-litre turbo petrol engines, making 168kW and 135kW respectively. They’ll be hooked exclusively up to an eight-speed Aisin torque converter automatic transmission, while the entire range will be offered with tech like autonomous emergency braking as standard.

Peugeot is yet to nail down final specifications, but the car is offered with lane-keeping assist, night vision, autonomous park assist, and driver attention alert overseas.