New generation gets bigger, more spacious, electrified and even more attractive.
Praised for the well-conceived design of the latest releases, Peugeot couldn’t help but surprise with the new generation of the 308 SW. Introduced a few months after the hatchback , the van inherits all the attractive lines of its brother and adds an extra dose of practicality to live up to the familiar proposal. In mechanics, the plug-in hybrid set is highlighted, capable of delivering up to 225 hp of power.
Visually, the front draws attention by the vertical LEDs in the shape of lion’s claws at the ends of the bumper, grille with minimalist details and headlamps well integrated into the set. At the back, the highlights are the horizontal lanterns (without the interconnection seen in the hatch) and the very creased trunk lid. The brand’s new logo, recently introduced and retro-styled, is also present.
Overall, Peugeot sought to explore the sportiness and emotional side of design, to the detriment of the trend toward sobriety seen in rivals Volkswagen Golf Variant , Seat León ST and Skoda Octavia Combi. In all, the 308 SW measures 4.64 meters in length and 2.73 meters of wheelbase, respectively 28 cm and 5.5 cm longer than the hatchback. Compared to the previous generation, it grew about 6 cm.
The trunk holds 608 liters in the traditional variant and 548 liters in the plug-in hybrid, which loses space due to the batteries. With the rear seats fully folded it is 1,660 liters and 1,574 liters, in that order. According to Peugeot, it is possible to carry objects up to 1.85 m in length. The trunk lid, it’s worth remembering, is automatic and can be opened either by using the key or by putting your foot under the rear bumper.
In the cabin, the futuristic design of the panel stands out, developed within the i-Cockpit concept. The equipment list includes a digital panel with 3D function, induction cell phone charger and driving assistance features (collision alert with automatic emergency braking, lane maintenance assistant, among others). The Focal sound system is specially designed for the 308 family, having at least 10 speakers.
Under the hood, the 1.2 PureTech 3-cylinder gasoline engine delivers 110 hp or 130 hp, depending on the version. With diesel, the 1.5 BlueHdi always develops 130 hp. In both cases the exchange can be 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic.
Another highlight is the Hybrid variant, which combines a 1.6 PureTech gasoline engine, 12.4 kWh batteries and an 81 kW electric propeller. Depending on the configuration, it can deliver 180 hp or 225 hp. Only in electric mode, it is possible to run up to 60 km.