Revealed for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the innovative and versatile SW is the latest addition to the new Peugeot 308 range. The 308 SW may look like an ordinary family estate, but it has a trick up its sleeve that makes it one of a kind - an extra row of seats in the back. While there are plenty of people carriers able to transport seven passengers no rival offers so many seats in a vehicle this size. The letters SW are synonymous with practicality and ingenious interior packaging, and the 308 SW offers accommodation for up to seven occupants.The SW is longer and taller than the 308 hatchback it's based on but handles just as well. It's fairly agile with decent body control and even in tight bends feels safe and reassuring. Both front and rear tracks are wider than on the Hatch for sure-footed dynamics. At the front, the SW shares the same styling as the 308 three and five-door Hatch models, while from the side the steeply raked windscreen and integrated shape of the rear quarter lights creates a dynamism that is rare in its class. The wrap-around single piece rear window can be opened independently of the tailgate on Sport and SE models for easier loading in tight situations.
Under the bonnet, the SW’s engine range mirrors that of the Hatch, with eight units - five petrol and three HDi diesel - including automatic transmission versions of the 1.6Vti and THP 140 petrol engines, as well as the HDi 136. Four trim levels provide two distinct ambiences in the new SW: both S and SR models have a steel roof panel and split-folding rear bench seat, together with a ‘classic’ front grille design. One of the SW Sport and SE’s key features is the panoramic Cielo glass roof which stretches almost the whole length of the car and creates a bright interior ambience and an unprecedented feel of space and visibility. Aluminium-effect roof bars add the finishing touch to its stylish appeal.
Peugeot has really focussed huge attention on improving the interior quality of the 308. It has a far more upmarket feel than the 307, with a soft touch dash, neat dials and its silver-coloured rims to the air vents, instruments, door handles and the surround of the gearlever knob. Cabin access is made easier by the wide door openings, while the tall body means generous headroom for all and a higher seating position gives rear passengers better visibility. Legroom is good, but adequate only for smaller occupants in the rearmost seats when the car is in seven-seat mode. The third row seats are quite firm and only suitable for kids, but the rest are comfortable. The interior is very clever, for maximum versatility each of SW Sport’s three middle-row seats can be individually removed with ease. The 308 SW claims one of the biggest interiors in its class, with five on board standard luggage capacity is a generous 600 litres, but with only the two front seats in place, potential carrying volume reaches a remarkable 2,149 litres. Thanks to a folding mechanism on the front passenger seat, items up to 3.10 metres long can also be carried.
The 308 has also been designed to maximise interior space as well as retain many of the ‘fun-to-drive’ characteristics of Peugeots in the past. Body control is pretty good on twisty roads the car has a general reassuring feel when pressing on, as well as a firm but compliant ride in the tradition of some of Peugeot's larger cars. Engine noise and wind noise are kept well under control. The new Peugeot 308 has everything you need for a safe, comfortable journey.
