Peugeot has revealed its new 308 SW compact estate - and this practical, popular model can also now be had as a plug-in hybrid.
What does the ‘SW’ bit stand for? In case you were wondering, it’s ‘Station Wagon’, and the aim here is to deliver more space and practicality to fans of the regular 308 hatchback.
One thing’s for sure, Peugeot is absolutely nailing the styling on the cars in its current line-up.
Models like the 208, 2008 SUV and 308 have all been given design overhauls that include aggressive new front grilles and a thoroughly modern look.
And this 308 SW is no exception.
There’s a distinctive, rakish sloping roof as well as pronounced skirts. It’s 6cm longer than the previous 308 SWs and has also been lowered by 20mm to give it a more purposeful stance.
All 308 SW models come with Eco LED headlights as standard and feature Peugeot’s now-iconic ‘fang’ daytime running lights. GT and GT Premium models see the LED headlights upgraded to even sleeker Matrix LED lights for improved visibility and safety. At the rear, you can expect LED lights with the firm’s Ford Mustang-esque three claw signature.
While the regular hatchback 308 has a boot capacity of 470 litres, the 308 SW boosts that to a whopping 608 litres, extending to 1,634-litres with the rear seats folded. GT Premium models come standard with an automatically opening tailgate, which can be activated by sweeping the foot underneath the bumper or via the key fob.
Inside the cabin you get Peugeot’s latest ‘i-Cockpit’ interior ‘i-Connect Advanced’ infotainment system that introduces a smartphone-like user interface to the 10-inch HD digital display. On GT & GT Premium models, the 10-inch HD display cluster even features a 3D display.
Another key development is the smaller steering wheel, which features sensors to detect the driver's grip levels when using driving aids.
Depending on which model you pick, you can also enjoy the latest semi-autonomous tech, including semi-automatic lane change, anticipated speed recommendation, and ‘curve speed adaptation’, which optimises the car’s speed according to the severity of the bend.
Powertrains-wise, there are two PHEV variants available at launch - the ‘HYBRID 225 e-EAT8’ and the less powerful ‘HYBRID 180 e-EAT8’.
The 225 emits as little as 26 g/km of C0₂ and has a range of up to 36 miles in electricity-only mode, while the 180 has a slightly higher electric range of 37 miles.
Peugeot says its plug-in hybrid 308 SW is ‘ideal for both fleet and business users with a Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) rate of just 13% for the current year.
Elsewhere there’s a punchy 1.2-litre PureTech 130 petrol engine and a 1.5-litre BlueHDi 130 diesel - each of which is married to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Julie David, Managing Director of Peugeot UK, said:
“With the new 308 SW, Peugeot is giving buyers the possibility to choose a powertrain that best meets their needs, whether that is conventional petrol or diesel or plug-in HYBRID variants.
“By 2025, customers across our entire model line-up will be able to choose between electrified models and conventional powertrains. The new 308 SW continues to lead the segment with its practical interior, class-leading levels of technology and striking design.”
The new 308 SW will arrive in showrooms early 2022.
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