Peugeot 308 SW ON THE ROAD

Review & Photos by Rob McSorley

The 308 hatch can be a difficult car to recommend in hatchback form as we found when we tried one last year. It's not that it's a terrible model in isolation it's just that with rivals as talented as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus you can't help but notice its shortcomings. However in SW guise or estate if you wish there should be more to get excited about, read on to find out.

Load-luggers used be less desirable than the hatches on which they are based but nowadays this is rarely the case. The 308 SW is a case in point despite it's extended roofline and upright rear end it's actually a very handsome beast. It's extended wheelbase, wrap around rear window and curved lights result in a better proportioned shape than other models in the range.

It's also massively practical. For starters there is more rear leg and headroom and the individual rear seats fold and slide independently or can be removed altogether. Furthermore the cavernous 573 litre boot benefits from a low wide opening and can be specified with two additional seats if you wish.

All in all the cabin is very well appointed with a neat, modern design that is put together with posh materials throughout. It's also easy to get comfortable as the leather seats in our car are supportive and well shaped with plenty of adjustment for the driver. Rearward visibility is also a lot better than the hatch.

While the hatch suffers from a wooden ride that has a tendency to crash over potholes the SW is noticeably better despite the large wheels of our Allure model. There is definitely more pliancy because of the longer floorpan and when the suspension does make itself known it seems more distant. Refinement it also impressive at all speeds.

It's also pleasant when the going gets twisty with direct steering, low levels of body lean and plenty or reassuring grip. It's only when really pushed that the rear torsion beam starts to grumble fidgeting more than it should. 

With a 1.6 litre 115 bhp e-HDi diesel engine under the bonnet there is plenty of punch making for a spirited drive. Its broad spread of power and well spaced gear ratios make overtaking a breeze, the 6 speed gearbox is also a highlight - it's one of Peugeot's best. It's also one of the quieter units around only suffering from diesel clatter when cold.

Thanks in part to the brilliantly unobtrusive StopStart system running costs won't break the bank either as the e-HDi returns 57.7 mpg combined and costs a reasonable £100 per year to tax. Costing just under £22,000 for the top spec model you see here it's not cheap but all models come with a good level of standard kit including air conditioning, electric windows, remote central locking and a CD player with Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Tech Data

Price as tested: £21.915
Engine: 1.6 litre 8v 115 bhp - 0-62 mph: 12.5 secs - Maximum Speed: 118 mph -
Economy: 44.8 mpg (urban), 70.6 mpg (extra-urban), 57.7 mpg (combined) - Emissions: 129 g/km - Band D (12 months): £100
Dimensions: Length: 4500 mm - Width: 1879 mm - Height: 1555 mm - Wheelbase: 2708 mm
*data from Peugeot UK

DriverVIBE Verdict

Having spent a good length of time with the 308 SW there is a lot more to like than in other body styles. Despite its age it still looks stylish, is refined and economical and its hard to ignore the versatile cabin offering an abundance of space for all of the family and their luggage. The only black marks are the limited talents of the chassis and high asking price in some trim levels. Still the SW is the pick of the 308 family in our eyes.

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