Peugeot’s great family estate
THERE is nothing like a cross country trip on a quiet evening to revive your flagging driving spirits.
After about 8pm the roads get much clearer in many parts of the country and you can really enjoy the drive – wherever you’re going.
Obviously, it’s better not to use the motorways if you can – no fun in that – and map out a basic route beforehand, even if you later decide not to stick to it.
I recently had 180 miles to do on A roads, or 205 on the motorway – which would have been quicker of course.
But I had the most wonderful time on a route that even took in some B and unclassified roads just because they made a better straight line.
I was behind the wheel of Peugeot’s excellent 308 SW estate and, despite it being a diesel automatic, it suited the trip really well.
Power came from the well-known PSA 2.0-litre diesel in 150bhp form, which is very quiet and refined on the road.
It’s almost the most powerful diesel in the range, but still managed a real 50mpg on that journey and comes with pretty low emissions.
Performance is excellent, with plenty of punch for overtaking and an immediate response from the engine at almost any speed.
Ride quality is good, even over indifferent B-road surfaces, and it takes speed humps in town very easily.
The SW estate 308 has a longer wheelbase than the hatch, giving improved rear legroom and a huge boot.
The rear seats also fold completely flat to make a massive loadspace – which I found very useful taking a couple of loads to the tip.
Standard kit includes an electric parking brake, parking sensors front and rear, sports seats, cruise control, traction control, audio remote, alloys and an alarm.
The Peugeot 308 SW BlueHDi 150 GT Line I drove costs £26,980.