After Peugeot presented its 308, the French are now adding the station wagon variant that has been known as the SW for a long time. If you don’t want to be satisfied with the small basic engines, you can’t avoid the plug-in hybrids. And an electric version is also being announced.
It has grown big, the new Peugeot 308 SW. With the addition of six centimeters and a total length of 4.64 meters, the family station wagon has long outgrown the compact class and is now in the middle class. In terms of design, apart from the polarizing LED tusks in the powerful front, Peugeot has remained unchanged and creates a real alternative to the unchanged coveted SUV models. What began with the chic and sporty Peugeot 508 is seamlessly continued with the 308 and especially the station wagon version 308 SW. Compared to its predecessor, the SW is not only a lot longer with a similar wheelbase, but also flatter and more powerful, which should bring some new customers who can do without the high seating position of a crossover. In addition to the generous amount of space inside, there is a variable load space that is between 548 and 1,634 liters. The electric tailgate, which facilitates loading and unloading, is practical, as is the rear bench seat, which can be folded down in a 40:20:40 ratio.
The engine range of the SW corresponds to that of the 308 sedan. The range of normal petrol versions is surprisingly small, because here the upcoming Peugeot 308 is offered in two comparatively weak power levels of 100 and 130 hp. For the more powerful version of the 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo, an eight-speed automatic is available. If you want more sportiness or even all-wheel drive, you have to be patient. As with the big brother Peugeot 508, a particularly powerful PSE variant with more than 300 hp is under discussion, which should then also have at least one electric rear axle. Also firmly planned: a fully electric version that should follow at the end of 2022. The diesels will remain in the range for the time being, even if it will initially remain with a single model with a manageable 96 kW / 130 PS / 300 Nm, which is optionally equipped with a manual six-speed gearbox or an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Much more important to the French are the plug-in hybrids, because two versions with 180 and 225 hp are available here. A 1.6 liter four-cylinder turbo with 150 or 180 hp and 250 Nm torque is supported by an electric motor with 81 kW / 110 hp / 320 Nm, which is also installed on the front axle. The lithium-ion battery hidden in the underbody of the cargo area has a capacity of 12.4 kWh. The golf competitor can cover distances of up to 60 kilometers in purely electric mode. The standard consumption is less than two liters of super per 100 kilometers, which means that the 52-liter tank volume of the pure combustion engine has been reduced to just 40 liters. The charging times of the plug-in hybrids are between two and seven hours, depending on the current intensity. The models are only equipped with a single-phase 3.7 kW charger as standard; optional it is at least 7.4 kW.
In the interior, the Peugeot 308 SW is just as chic as its limousine brother. The digital instruments positioned high above the small steering wheel, which together with the ten-inch multifunctional screen in the center of the dashboard, pass on all the important information to the occupants, take some getting used to. A heated windscreen and, on request, insulating glass for the front side windows, which should bring about a low level of noise, provide additional comfort. In addition to the gear selector lever and the drive program switch, the center console has two cup holders, USB connections, armrests and up to 34 liters of storage space. The new Peugeot 308 SW will be launched in early 2022. The 308 sedan will be available in October.
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
