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Peugeot 308 SW full 9 point review
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Performance
The SW range has seven of the hatchback range’s eight engines - the only one missing is the 197bhp petrol turbo. Petrol choices include a 97bhp 1.4 and two 1.6s with 118- or 154bhp. The diesels include two 1.6s with 91- and 110bhp, and two 2.0s with 148- and 161bhp. The highlight is the 110bhp diesel – it’s smooth, flexible and gives excellent economy.
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Ride & Handling
The 308 is decent enough to drive, but falls short of the class best. Despite having plenty of grip and good body control, it's a heavy car, and feels a little cumbersome. The car's stiff suspension means that the ride is unsettled on anything other than the smoothest roads, while mid-corner bumps have an unsettling effect on the steering.
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Refinement
The 118bhp 1.6 petrol is audible when revved, but, like the rest of the engines, it's never unpleasant or excessive. The diesels are particularly smooth. Tyre noise is only apparent on coarse surfaces, while wind noise is well controlled at UK speeds, too. However, the suspension can be clunky over even minor bumps.
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Buying & Owning
Most models will be sold as company cars, so the 308 is priced to compete in this highly competitive sector. Running costs, especially for diesel models, are generally low, but because 308s sell in such high numbers, resale values are weak.
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Quality & Reliability
Quality isn't something the 308 has problems with. The dash has a lavish soft-touch covering, and although the plastics are less appealing lower down, they're smart and solid. Reliability is an area where Peugeot has come in for criticism in the past, and sadly the 308 continues the trend: the car finished in a lowly 16th position in its class in the 2010 JD Power customer satisfaction survey.
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Safety & Security
The hatchback scored a maximum five stars for adult protection in Euro NCAP crash tests, along with four for child safety and three out of four for pedestrian protection. There's no reason to think the SW will fare any worse. Every model has six airbags and stability control, and deadlocks and remote locking are also standard across the range.
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Behind The Wheel
Every model has two-way steering adjustment and front seats that adjust for height, but the steering wheel and pedals are aligned too far to the left. Also, the rear pillars block your view at angled junctions, and some of the switches on the best-equipped models are too small for ease of use. The clutch pedal has a rubbery, imprecise feel.
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Space & Practicality
Rear legroom is on the tight side, but the boot is massive. S and SR versions have a fixed rear bench, whereas higher-spec versions have three individual rear seats that slide, recline and fold separately, giving you more options on how you use the space available. Two more seats that can be bolted into the boot are available as an option, but they don't have much space and the chairs don't fold into the floor when not in use.
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Equipment
Access models have air-conditioning, four powered windows and a CD player. Active models add cruise control, alloys, automatic lights and wipers, Bluetooth and individual rear seats, while Allure models have part-leather seats, climate control and parking sensors. GT models have sporty styling, and the equipment on efficient Oxygo models and fleet-specific SR models is similar to that on Active cars.
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Our pick of the range
Peugeot 308 SW 1.6 e-HDi 112 Active 5dr
One of the best versions of this car, and worth the extra it costs to upgrade from Access trim.
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