Hit the Sweet spot
Feel comfortably stylish with Peugeot 308 SW
We’ve already driven the new Peugeot 308 in hatchback form but now we’ve got our hands on the estate, or what Peugeot calls the SW. And as a bonus we’re testing the plug-in hybrid powertrain this time. First we’ll kick off with the styling. Almost all new Peugeots look terrific and this one is no exception, although it’s not quite as attractive as the 508 SW, which is its bigger brother.
I think it looks better than the 308 hatch, and naturally being an estate the SW is more useful with a boot that can hold 1,634 litres of luggage with the rear seats folded. It can hold 608 litres with them in place – but not this PHEV version because the battery robs 60 litres of space to leave 548 litres.
Those of you who own the current 308 SW will be interested to know the new one has a wheelbase that’s 55mm longer, which gives more legroom in the back.
Next, a peer under the bonnet. There are two versions of the PHEV powertrain: one uses a 180PS version of a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and the other has a 225PS output. Both are hooked up to the same 109bhp electric motor. Peugeot says the lower powered engine will be the big seller which is handy because that’s the one we’re driving.
Under the rear floor there’s a 12.4kwh battery that gives an official electric-only range of 37 miles. That is a useful distance, even if you do have to allow for it dropping considerably in winter when temperatures fall. Likewise hybrids don’t like electric propulsion when you’re at high speeds on a motorway.
Go for the optional 7.4kw onboard charger and you’ll be able to charge the battery in one hour 55 minutes using a home wallbox.
Even with the petrol engine running the 308 SW is remarkably quiet, but when it’s in electric mode it’s extremely serene.
If you’ve got off-street parking (and there’s little point in considering a PHEV if you haven’t) but don’t yet have a wallbox charger, Peugeot will contribute £350 for one.
The PHEV 308 weighs around 300kg more than the conventionally powered models, which makes the car less nimble and dulls the handling, but then that’s not too big a problem in an environmentally friendly vehicle. Especially as it’s impressively comfortable over bumps.
The seats in the top GT Line trim are seriously comfortable and have won an award from a German back health campaign.
GT and GT Line cars also come with the latest version of Peugeot’s i-cockpit driver controls featuring 3D graphics.
It’s a bit busy and confusing but you can configure it to make it look less cluttered. It’s a gimmick more than a useful feature.
Graphics on the entertainment system are crisp and clear and there are piano keys for the most used functions. There’s wireless mobile phone mirroring and two phones can be connected simultaneously by Bluetooth. Also, the 308 features over-the-air software updates for its system.
If a PHEV will fit into your life then this is the version of the new 308 SW to go for. It’ll be economical to run and is practical, quiet and extremely comfortable.