Peugeot 308 SW
FIRST UK DRIVE Revised estate has new safety kit and other upgrades
Updated estate remains a force to be reckoned with
WE’VE already driven Peugeot’s updated 308 hatchback in the UK, but this is our first chance to try the more versatile estate. The question is: has it lost any of its appeal in the face of newer rivals?
Limited mechanical changes include a cleaner 1.5-litre diesel and a new eightspeed auto box in the flagship GT. Aesthetic tweaks are limited to a fresh grille and lights, but there’s enhanced infotainment and new optional driver-assistance tech. The revised safety kit includes an upgrade for the basic cruise control and autonomous braking systems; they can now detect pedestrians and operate at higher speeds.
Our first taste of the revised 308 SW comes courtesy of the big-selling Bluehdi 150. Despite looking virtually identical to the high-spec GT, it does without that car’s firmer suspension and auto box. At just over £25,000, it’s around £3,000 cheaper, too.
It lacks the outright pace of the 178bhp range-topper, but 370Nm of torque ensures it still provides strong performance. In-gear pace is strong, with a satisfying reserve of shove for overtaking. Its refinement is on a par with rivals’, too, as long as you avoid straying over 3,000rpm too often.
For those who think the otherwiseerwise superb 1.5-litre diesel just isn’t gutsy enough, this is a satisfying compromise, andd it still claims more than 65mpg. Our only gripe is that the long-throw manual gearbox is still rather unpleasant to use.
The lack of mechanical changes means the 308 SW is still grippy and agile enough for a family estate, and while the 18-inch alloy wheels are caught out by sharp potholes, the ride largely matches the best cars in the class for comfort. The 308 remains one of the most practical family estate cars, too, thanks to a huge 660-litre boot. This expands to 1,775 litres with the rear seats folded down – putting it in contention for class honours on outright load space. It even beats the Skoda Octavia Estate, although that car trumps the Peugeot for rear legroom. The interinterior remains plush and is a great plaplace to sit, and the improved gra graphics on the built-in 9.7-inch tou touchscreen are welcome, too. It’s still not the most responsive unit to use, so adjusting the temperature through the display remains as frustrating as it was on previous model.