, 28 Jan
Featuring the brand’s new badge with the Lion at the centre of its new
vertical radiator grille, the new Peugeot 308 SW (station wagon/estate)
presents a powerful stance with bold proportions.
Its sensual and sharp design reveal an assertive and unique
personality, while providing practicality and modularity too. Estates
are sleek, spacious and hugely practical, and they usually offer vastly
better driving dynamics than a crossover or SUV too.
Increased Dimensions
Based on the third-generation 308 family hatchback, the SW measures in
at 270mm longer and 10mm taller than its hatchback sibling, but it has
the same powertrain choices: petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid.
The 1.2-litre PureTech petrol, and 1.5-litre BlueHDi turbo-diesel
engines both produce 130PS, while the petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
comes with 180PS or 225PS depending on the trim variant chosen.
In all cases, power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed
automatic transmission that promises outstanding refinement and
impressive fuel efficiency. The new 308 SW is available in entry-level
Active, mid-spec Allure and range-topping GT trim levels – all of which
are generously equipped in terms of comfort, convenience, connectivity,
safety and drivability.
The new 308’s upmarket interior looks and feels on par with
premium-brand rivals, and it scores highly for comfort too, while rear
seat passengers have plenty of leg and headroom to make use of. The
SW’s boot space measures in at 608-litres with all five seats in place,
but this can be extended to a cavernous 1634-litres when the rear seats
are folded down.
Enhanced Infotainment
The Peugeot i-cockpit is part of the brand’s DNA.
With each generation, it has been enhanced and modernised. With this
new Peugeot 308, it marks a clear change in terms of ergonomics,
quality, design and technology.
The new compact steering wheel includes sensors which can detect the
driver’s grip on the steering wheel when using the new driving aids.
Ergonomic, heated (optional), it includes all the helpful controls:
radio, media and telephone.
The instrument cluster, located at eye level, has a 10 inch digital
panel as standard across all grades.
In the GT trim, the cluster is 3 dimensional. Fully configurable and
customisable, this digital cluster has several display modes (TomTom
connected Navigation, DAB Radio/Media, Driving Aids, Energy Flow, etc.)
that can be modified directly from the stalk.
From the Allure grade, the new 308 includes fully configurable virtual
i-toggles which enable customers to create their preferred shortcuts.
Positioned opposite the central screen, like an open book, they provide
a unique look and level of technology in the segment.
Each i-toggle is a touch-sensitive shortcut key to the air conditioning
settings, a telephone contact, a radio station, an application launch
set up according to the driver’s choice.
The new infotainment system gives all occupants the very best of the
smartphone world and the best of the automotive world.
Test Car
My test car was a new Peugeot 308 SW Allure Diesel, which was finished
in Avatar Blue metallic paintwork, with contrasting Nera Black door
mirror casings.
The 1499cc engine produces 130PS and 300Nm of torque, and this enables
the car to complete a 0-100km/h sprint in just 10.6-seconds, on its way
to a top speed of 207km/h (where permitted). On a WLTP combined driving
cycle, it is possible to achieve fuel consumption as low as 4.3-litres
for every 100km driven, thereby making it possible to drive for up to
1,200kms between fill-ups, courtesy of the standard 52-litre fuel tank.
The SW feels virtually identical to the hatchback in terms of its
drivability, and its suspension remains composed over rough roads and
speed bumps.
The small and sporty steering wheel is lovely to grab hold of, and it
reacts quickly to driver inputs, while a strong brake pedal feel
ensures driver confidence in all circumstances.
The slick automatic transmission makes getting from A-to-B a fuss-free
affair, and this certainly enhances the overall driving experience.
Key standard Allure features include rear privacy glass, a 180-degree
colour reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors, keyless
entry, push-button start, multi driving mode selector, 17-inch alloy
wheels, gloss black rear cluster connecting strip, Connected 3D
Navigation, Peugeot i-Connect (activated by using “OK PEUGEOT”,
wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay™, driver and front passenger
comfort seats, high beam assist, and signature LED daytime running
lights, along with Active Safety Brake, and a Drive Assist Pack
consisting of Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control with
Stop & Go function, and Long Range Active Blind Spot Detection.
Verdict, Pricing and Warranty
The all-new Peugeot 308 SW is one of the most attractive, most
distinctive and most desirable estate cars on the market, and it drives
every bit as well as it looks.
The SW continues Peugeot’s run of eye-catching and stylish designs, and
it has been given a unique look at the rear, with a redesigned bumper
and larger glass area.
The new ergonomic and intuitive PEUGEOT i-Cockpit™ offers easy access
to the full range of features on offer, while the new instrument panel
ensures that all information essential to the driver is displayed at
eye level.
Pricing for the new Peugeot 308 SW starts at €32,765 (ex-works), with
my test car priced at €39,080.
All new Peugeot passenger cars are covered by a comprehensive
5-year/100,000km warranty, along with Peugeot Assist breakdown cover
for the same duration/mileage limitation.