Fast Facts

Verdict:
Somewhere in between a regular sedan and a full-on MPV

Free revving engine, space for odds and ends, load lugging capacity

Price, cramped third row seats, styling

The Peugeot 308 SW occupies a niche in the market for buyers who don’t want an multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) but need to ferry seven passengers

By Justin Lee

PEUGEOT IS ONE of the only few carmakers in the world that has steadfastly refused to offer a compact MPV. That is until recently with the 5008 which will make its debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Before that it has stuck to a decidedly offbeat approach by fielding entrants to this segment with station wagon variants.

Essentially estate versions of models such as the 307 with two seats placed in the boot, they offer the passenger carrying capacity and interior flexibility of MPVs but with the driving experience of a conventional car.

Hence the latest 308 SW.

Cars like this are bought for their passenger and cargo carrying capacity and on these two fronts it’s able to meet most expectations. Granted the two rearmost seats are best reserved for children, but it is good to know that the pews are relatively well-padded and comfortable. The second row seats can be slid forward to liberate more space but this compromises the already limited legroom available there.

With the two third row seats in place, the 308 SW’s luggage area is surprisingly commodious at 674-litres. This figure rises to 2149-litres with all the second and third row seats removed. But they are also rather bulky – hard to manage if you live in a flat. Storing items in the car is no problem though as there are plenty of cubby-holes littered around the cabin, along with deep door pockets.

At the heart of this French car lies a part-German heart borne out of PSA Peugeot Citroën’s collaboration with BMW. The 1.6-litre engine equipped with variable valve timing and a turbocharger can also be found in various states of tune in the Mini Cooper S and 207 GTi. A gem of an engine, it is strong and free revving producing 140bhp at 5,800 rpm.

It’s paired with the usual four-speed automatic that has seen duty in a variety of Peugeots. The gearbox in this application is surprisingly smooth and willing to change gears unlike in other incarnations.

The trade-off for having a lower centre of gravity unlike normal MPVs translates into a more car like drive in the 308 SW. Body roll is well controlled and the car takes corners without fuss. The steering is nicely weighted but feel free though.

What could potentially stack the odds against car buyers short-listing the 308 SW is its asking price – it’s by no means cheap and competes against full sized MPVs such as the Honda Odyssey and Mitsubishi Grandis. Even though it has a healthy equipment list with the likes of a dual-zone climate control system, a panoramic sunroof and automatic wipers and headlamps, these can also be found on the cars mentioned above.

The conclusion? Peugeot’s semi-MPV provides a compromised solution since it offers less space than its rivals. But if you demand French specialty and don’t mind a smaller third row, it meets all expectations.

NEED TO KNOW

Peugeot 308 SW 1.6 (A)
ENGINE TYPE 1,598cc, 16V turbocharged inline four
MAX POWER 140bhp at 5,800rpm
MAX TORQUE 240Nm at 1,400rpm
GEARBOX 4-speed automatic
TOP SPEED 199km/h
0-100KM/H 11.1 seconds
PRICE $92,900 with COE
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
CONTACT AutoFrance
TELEPHONE 6376-2288