This month’s road test puts me in the driving seat of the new Peugeot 308 SW GT.
On first appraisal the 308 SW is a great looking estate. It reminds me of the days when designers actually had flair in what they drew – also judging by the look of the SW – they have managed to push the boat out and make an estate that not only looks the part, but is also practical too.
Yes of course, it’s all done on computers today and there is probably not a pencil in sight in the design studio up at Peugeot HQ. All in all, it’s good to see Peugeot once again producing something that looks good, but also drives as good as some of its competitors.
My first and only gripe with the 308 SW is the Automatic Gearbox. It’s just too controlling for me… I want to select the gear I want. I don’t want a butler telling me what gear and when. Please Peugeot – Stop! Put in a proper Gearbox for people who enjoy real driving.
Engine: The 308 SW I currently have on test is powered by a 2.0 -litre Diesel engine that has 180HP on tap, which also happens to boast a very respectable top speed of 135mph, plus a 0-62 time of 8.6 seconds. Fuel consumption is also very good with a combined figure of 68.9 mpg.
On the road: It is quite firm in the corners but very well balanced. As you would expect for a GT, it is very low – add into that the low profile tyres at each corner – all help it feel every single bump or pothole you could possibly find on our roads of today
A big plus point for this car though is its 400Nm of torque which allows it to pull very well from pretty much any gear. Then there are the brakes, which feel good and firm. Let’s not forget about the ‘sport button’ press that and the car firms up – the dials turn red and the exhaust note changes. All this helps to add to its appeal as a GT.
Inside: As with all Peugeot’s, the interior is of a good standard – lots of chrome fittings and clear dials. But, you are also getting good value for money in terms of standard equipment like; ABS/EBD/EBA, hill start assist, Driver & front passenger lateral & curtain airbags, iPod/MP3 connection, child-locks on the rear doors, air conditioning, six speakers, steering wheel-mounted audio control and parking sensors.
One thing that Peugeot does do very well is that you do get a very tidy amount of media equipment to keep you happy like; The Peugeot Media Sound System which Includes satellite navigation, a colour touch-screen display, DAB radio tuner and Bluetooth audio with USB connectivity.
I am going to finish it here, but, I’m going to give the 308 SW four stars in this test, not only because I like its looks, but because I believe it’s worth taking a look at if you are in the market for a good family estate car with bags of extras and a decent engine.
Tip of the day: A good all round Estate car – If you don’t mind the hard ride – check it out at you local dealer.
Peugeot 308 SW GT BlueHDi 180
Price: £26,845 OTR
Top speed: 135mph
0-62mph: 8.6sec
Economy: 68.9mpg (combined) emissions g/km (107)
Engine: 2.0 HDi
Power: 180HP at 3750rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 2000rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed Auto
Verdict: 4 stars By Anthony Yates
