Peugeot’s attractive 308 SW shows there is life after SUVs

Published on 22 October, 2022

Overview

On the face of it, this week’s review car has nearly everything going for it. Nearly.

For starters, the new Peugeot 308 SW (station wagon/estate) is an exceptionally good looking car.

Svelte and low-slung, it is everything a regular SUV or crossover is not.

That might put you off – SUVs and crossovers are so much in vogue – but it certainly reminded me that there are alternatives to the prevailing consciousness that everything has to belong in some way to that genre.

The Peugeot’s good looks shine through, especially at the front where the new corporate logo sits at the centre of subtle but effective style lines.

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I suppose being so low accentuates its daring length. Some estates can look too long and ruin the stylistics, if not the effectiveness, of their practical, bigger boot space.

The 308 SW stops just short of stretching too far. It is nearly a foot longer than the 308 hatchback version (4.6m compared with 4.3m).

As you would expect, that length coupled with its wheelbase translate into a huge boot (608 litres) and better – though still not outstanding – rear headroom.

It is tastefully laid out inside, with the latest i-Cockpit ensemble of infotainment and a small, flat-topped steering wheel.

I have to mention one element that didn’t quite work that well. I had a techy young man with me and he struggled to find the temperature and fan on the display and get them to work as we wanted.

It needs a manual button, like the one for audio volume.

Otherwise, the benefits of the i-Cockpit ensemble – the reduction of distraction being one – are needlessly threatened.

I know I run the risk of repetition, but if it creates a problem for someone whose job is in the digital business, what hope have I? In fairness, as soon as we found the solution to the maze, everything fell into shape much more easily, but I would still like a button.

As matters transpired, I couldn’t have picked a better car to accommodate the week’s driving requirements.

They ranged from a trip to and from Dublin airport, to a drive down the country, to ferrying a thorough gentleman to a special ceremony, to several little drives around suburbia and one bone-chilling trip to Bray for a Sunday morning sea dip (not swim, I can’t). My hands are still shaking as I type these few words.

Most of the time I had at least one passenger, often more, and sometimes several pieces of luggage.

This was absolutely an ideal car for narrower city streets, perfect for cruising on the open road and a gem to guide into tight parking spaces.

My passengers all said they had reasonable room and, despite being tall, they had no complaints about rear-seat space.

The test car had an 8spd automatic transmission which I thought, now and again, was a wee bit jerky, especially at lower speeds and engine revs.

That brings me to the 1.5-litre diesel powering this SW.

Despite all the full-load driving, and the nature of it, I couldn’t get the gauge down past the half-way mark.

It was remarkably economical, especially when you consider the tasks I asked of it over a prolonged period.

I got an estimated 4.6 litres/100km, which is 60mpg or thereabouts.

That is outstanding – and relevant given the way prices at the pumps appear to have climbed back toward €2 a litre.

But I was disappointed with the overall lack of quietness of the car, even in gentle enough driving.

Peugeot has always been brilliant at making diesels. I don’t think the noise dampening is great on this model.

Something tells me this could be a case of me being super sensitive to sound given the preponderance of virtually silent electric cars I’ve tested over the past few months? I wouldn’t rule that out as a possibility.

In the case of the 308 SW range, there is a 1.2-litre petrol and a plug-in which might be better in that department.

Regardless, I still love the hum of a diesel on the open road.

The SW as tested will set you back around €38,000, which is a lot of money but people do like their comfort bits and pieces and this has them in abundance.

Just note that the range starts much nearer €30,000.

Rivals include the Skoda Octavia Combi and the Ford Focus, so why would I buy the Peugeot?

I’d buy it for the looks – I don’t think any of the others come close. I’d buy it for the economical engine, huge boot room and general demeanour. But I’d pass on the noisier-than-expected engine.

Peugeot 308 SW Factfile

Allure trim, 1.5litre diesel, 8spd auto, €200 tax, 4.3/5.1 litres/100km.

Price, incl. delivery, €38,330.

Spec includes: driver attention warning, intelligent speed adaption, Peugeot i-Cockpit, 10in touchscreen, Eco/Normal/Sport mode selector, auto air con, electric/heated  folding door mirrors; 180-deg reversing camera with parking sensors, leather-effect and cloth seat trim; mirror screen, 4 USB-C sockets, connected 3D navigation, 17in alloys, rear spoiler.

All road users, not just drivers, need to realise they have a duty of care to others