> New Peugeot 308 SW estate revealed
> Dynamic new look
> Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options
> Features Peugeot’s latest i-Cockpit layout
> Priced from £25,200
2021 Peugeot 308 SW design
Well, it’s fair to say that Peugeot knows what it’s doing when it comes to making an attractive estate car. The 508 SW is a pretty handsome thing, and this new 308 SW joins the club. From the front, it looks identical to the new 308 hatchback, in that it presents a mesmerising grille and rather feline headlights. Note the new Peugeot logo on its nose.
In profile, you can really see the character that has been sculpted into the rear quarters with some pronounced shoulders and boxed wheel arches. The tailgate is also chiselled into an eye-catching arrangement with strong creases accompanied by LED lighting.
It’s arguably a more distinctive design than the hatchback on which it is based.
2021 Peugeot 308 SW interior and infotainment
Peugeot’s i-Cockpit design returns for another visually impressive inning with the new 308, and by extension this SW. The now traditional small Peugeot steering wheel sits beneath the digital instrument display with a large central console dividing passenger and driver. Said digital display can also be had as a futuristic 3D option depending on trim. There’s plenty of mood lighting and interesting materials that help promote a rather civilised atmosphere.
A large 10-inch touchscreen display is viable on Active Premium cars and above, something compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Past experience with other models that possess this system really highlights that around 10 inches is the ideal amount of real estate for a modern touchscreen. A feature making its debut for Peugeot are i-Toggles – virtual buttons that work as shortcut keys for things like air-conditioning. We hope these won’t be as difficult to use on the move as Volkswagen’s equivalent found in the Golf.
2021 Peugeot 308 SW practicality and boot space
It’s the reason you’d buy an estate car in the first place. Practicality should be the top priority for this sort of machine, and thankfully this 308 SW improves on the work of its predecessor. The wheelbase is 55mm longer than the hatchback, meaning rear passengers have more space to stretch out.
The boot measures 608-litres – larger than that possessed by the Golf Estate – and features underfloor storage for more precious items. All 308 SW’s come with a 40:20:40 folding rear bench that, when flattened, grants a huge 1,634-litres. Handy storage nets and LED lighting helps to make this space as user-friendly as possible.
2021 Peugeot 308 SW engines
You can have your new Peugeot 308 SW in three flavours; petrol, diesel or a choice of plug-in hybrids. There’s something for everyone.
The petrol option comes in the form of a familiar turbocharged 1.2-litre unit found elsewhere in Peugeot’s range. This 129bhp motor is only available with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
A solitary BlueHDi diesel engine, also with 129bhp, presents itself to those clocking substantial motorway miles. This option has proven impressively economical in the real world when fitted to other Peugeots we’ve tested. Again, this is paired to the same automatic transmission found in the petrol.
Plug-in hybrids are great options for business users, with Peugeot expecting some 70% of 308 SW sales going to company car buyers. The lower emissions of these models means there’s a BIK saving to be had. Both hybrids are front-wheel drive, but the most potent hybrid 225 features a 177bhp petrol engine and an 81kW electric motor. Emissions are from 26g/km CO2, while its 12.4kWh battery can power the car for over 36 miles on pure electricity.
The lesser hybrid 180 gets a 148bhp petrol engine and the same 81kW electric motor. It is slightly less polluting at 25g/km CO2 and can go one mile further on this battery. Both hybrids come with a 3.7 kW single-phase charger, while a 7.4 kW is an option. The latter will get the battery charged within 1 hour and 55 minutes from a home wallbox.
2021 Peugeot 308 SW prices and on-sale date
The Peugeot 308 SW will be offered in five trim levels with the choice of petrol, diesel or a pair of hybrid powertrains. Which engines are offered will depend upon specification. Entry-level cars are dubbed ‘Active Premium’ and kick-off at £25,200. Top of the range ‘GT Premium; models are a more costly £31,450 but are the only cars offered with the most potent 225 hybrid option – something that will set you back just over £40k. That said, they do come loaded with toys such as heated massaging seats and a 360-degree parking camera.
Expect to see the new 308 SW on the road before 2021 is out.
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Keyword: New 2021 Peugeot 308 SW: everything you need to know