Thumbs up for spacious Peugeot 308 SW

The Peugeot 308 SW is an attractive looking estate

Love is an emotion not generally associated with the humble estate car – but it’s certainly apt for the Peugeot 308 SW.

A variant of the equally loved Peugeot 308 hatchback, the estate model is a long and sleek looking car with more than a touch of class.

Carrying the same cabin as the hatchback, but with better rear legroom and cargo area, Inside is spacious and sophisticated-looking, with sleek and modern technology.

There’s good legroom back and front, and two adults would be comfortable in the back. There’s also a pull down armrest with cup holders for that extra bit of comfort.

The boot in this car is massive and very usable. The rear seats easily fold with the pull of a lever and lie almost flat.

The Peugeot 308 SW has a very swish-looking cabin

There’s also clever underfloor storage for the boot cover when it’s not in use, and luggage rails.

The 308 SW also carries Peugeot’s new small steering wheel and floating instrument panel, which I like.

On the downside, because the fusebox shares space with the glove compartment, the latter is tiny.

Also, while the touchscreen infotainment unit is lovely to look at and to use when stationary, it can be a bit fiddly while you’re driving.

Our route took us on city streets and on the motorway, as well as up the mountains and on winding country roads.

Our mid-range Active trim test car was fitted with a 1.2litre 130bhp petrol turbo engine and it was really good to drive.

Steering was precise, suspension was comfortable and there was very little body roll.

The boot in the Peugeot 308 SW is impressive

While a 1.2-litre engine might sound small for such a big car, it’s not at all underpowered.

I found it to be fast enough at the lights, smooth on the road and a lovely motorway cruiser. On trickier roads it handled with an agility more akin to a smaller car.

What I liked most of all about the Peugeot 308 SW, however, was the beautiful low growl from the engine. You’d nearly buy it for that sound alone.

Overall, I loved it. It’s a sophisticated, practical estate that drives well and sounds wonderful.

The new Peugeot 308 SW is available now, with prices starting from €21,990. Prices for the test model I was driving start from €24,990.

Tech Spec
Engine: PureTech 1.2 e-THP 130bhp Stop Start
Acceleration: 0-100kph in 12.1seconds
Maximum Speed: 204 kph
CO2 emissions: 113g/km
Annual road tax: €200

Visit the Peugeot Ireland website or its Facebook page for further details