Peugeot goes on the offensive with 308 SW
Peugeot has been busy preparing for the release of the all-new 308 SW model, a vehicle it believes delivers all the values of an estate car but with the strength of a new 308 hatchback.
This means customers will have a hugely versatile machine which is practical for a number of different uses.
The 308 hatchback has already taken praise and plaudits since its release, but Peugeot is not content to just sit on its laurels. Instead, it has gone on the attack, to hit the market with a double-blow of quality models.
The 308 SW is intended to meet the expectations of customers who require versatility, comfort, driving enjoyment and quality styling in their car.
Gilles Vidal, design director at Peugeot, said: “Designed at the same time as the hatchback and by the same people, the new Peugeot 308 SW includes all of the qualities of the hatchback – fluidity, modernity – while still creating a ‘dynamic estate’ silhouette, very suggestive and full of promise.”
Similar design signatures can be seen in both models, with each demonstrating simple design to create top of the range styling.
Like its hatchback sibling, the car comes with the signature 'floating' grille, delivered in chrome and bookended by emblematic headlamps. Of course, it doesn't want to be left behind when it comes to innovation, so the 308 SW makes the most of LED technology for a distinctive lighting signature.
It is sleek, slender and restrained, oozing class and efficiency instead of being unnecessarily brash. This smooth exterior also helps improve aerodynamics, delivering a Cd figure of 0.28 that puts it at the top of its class currently available in showrooms today.
Peugeot has said it conjures up images of the 508 SW and the 508 RXH, with designers making sure the 308 SW continues the reputation of great estate cars that these models created.
It wouldn't be a practical estate car without a lot of space in the boot, so Peugeot has ensured this is delivered in spades.
Below the parcel shelf in the rear, there is up to 660 litres of storage space, with an additional 70 litres under the floor.
Smart rear seats known as 'Magic Flat' allow them to be folded instantly using accessible levels on the sides of the boot. After the rear seat cushions are automatically lowered, the car is given a flat floor which allows for up to 1,660 litres of space for use.
Furthermore, for particularly fragile cargo, dividers can be positioned to keep objects safe and secure when on the move.
According to Peugeot 308 product manager Vincent Devos, the model "marries attractive and dynamic styling", in order to deliver a vehicle that is spacious and typically an estate model.
Of course, there is also a range of innovative systems included in the machine that ensure it stays ahead of the game. This includes Peugeot's head-up instrument panel for the easy reading of information without taking your eyes from the road, a tall centre console, and a 9.7-inch touch screen for infotainment.
This offers easy use to control air conditioning, driver assistance systems, multimedia, navigation, telephone and vehicle settings.
Under the bonnet is a clean and powerful engine - perfect for those with a desire for a capable power system that doesn't damage the environment.
All of the range of diesel and petrol engines comes under the Euro 6 guidelines for efficiency but still deliver quality power.
Power outputs for the petrol range come between 130 to 155bhp, but CO2 emissions start at just 109g/km. Diesel units produce between 92 and 150bhp, but only 111g/km of CO2 emissions are expelled.
There is also a super efficient BlueHDI 1.6-litre version of the machine. A 120 bhp diesel engine is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox and delivers a combined cycle fuel consumption of 88.3mpg, with emissions at just 85g/km - marking a record level of output for the 308 SW's segment.
It's extremely safe too, with technology such as dynamic cruise control, emergency collision alert system, emergency collision braking system, blind spot monitoring, electric parking brake and a reversing camera all helping to limit accidents.
Posted by Louise Clark