Review of the Peugeot 308 SW: If you want a load-lugger, an estate is hard to beat

Overview

Estate cars are a tough sell in this country: we too often gravitate toward SUVs and crossovers with their chunky styling and their commanding view.

It seems buying an estate car is not a purchase that appeals to the senses but one that placates the need for space, so it should come as no surprise, then, that car makers go to increasing lengths to disguise their load-luggers, calling them “Avants”, “Sportbrakes”, “Tourers” or “Sports Wagons”.

The term estate car conjures up as much excitement as phrases like insurance policy and pension plan.

But some makes, such as the Peugeot 308 SW, our test car this week, should make us rethink the much-maligned estate car. No longer the preserve of antique dealers, builders and gardeners, the modern estate is a spacious, comfortable and well-equipped family-car option.

With a dramatic front grille, the sharp lines, dynamic silhouette and sloping roof combine to give the 308 SW an imposing presence. Seven colours are available, including new Avatar Blue.

Inside it’s trés chic and shares the same premium interior as the hatchback. The centre console comes with a 10in digital panel, located at eye level and is standard across all grades. Trade up to the top trim and the cluster is three-dimensional.

But estate cars are all about space and the 308 SW is 4.64m long and it’s 55mm longer than the hatchback, which gives that tiny bit of extra room inside. The 608-litre boot in the SW version is reduced to 548 litres in the plug-in hybrid model but can still more than cope with anything a family can throw at it. If you do need larger space fold down the seats and it extends to an impressive 1,574-litres.

Powering the range are petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options. Later this year an all-electric version will be added. Our 308 SW PHEV combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine, an 81kW electric motor and a 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery, enough to run on silent electric mode for around 60km.

But remember: to get the full benefit of a PHEV you need access to a charging station at home or work otherwise it may be difficult to rely solely on electric power.

On the road, it’s easy and enjoyable to drive and there’s little difference between the hatch and the estates as both come with the same light responsive steering and smooth ride.

Reassuringly there’s no shortage of passive and active safety aids on the 308 SW, however it did miss out on a five-star rating from the Euro NCAP.

There are three trim levels: Active, Allure and GT. Prices start from €31,795 and hybrids from €43,685. Plug-in hybrid and hybrid rivals include the Seat Leon Sportstourer (€31,175), Skoda Octavia Combi (€46,495), Citroen C5 X (€50,120) and Toyota Corolla Touring Sports (€34,090).

Estates may not be a cool choice, but don’t knock them until you’ve tried them. SUVs and crossovers have captured the attention of most family buyers but the next time you try shoehorning your luggage and family essentials into the boot and roof rack, think about an estate car.

Star rating: 4/5