2022 Peugeot 308 SW Wagon First Review

spot_imgspot_img
aria-label="2022 Peugeot 308 SW review 8"

Peugeot’s 308 station wagon blends practicality and French flair in an attractive package that offers a welcome alternative in its class.

While some car firms are predicting the demise of the wagon, Peugeot seems quite fond of them. There’s the sleek 508 SW, and the firm even produces an SW-branded version of its Metropolis scooter (albeit with an extra front wheel, rather than a big boot). So there was no doubt the new 308 hatch would gain an SW variant.

Actually, Peugeot would prefer you didn’t use the term variant: it has pushed to give the SW its own identity, with a completely separate, and really very elegant, rear design from the C-pillar back.

It will arrive in Australia later-2022, although exact timing and specifications are yet to be revealed. But it will certainly bring added practicality over the hatch.

Stretching the car by 269mm (the wheelbase is 57mm longer) has allowed Peugeot to increase the rear load bed to 1026mm, with a capacity of 608 litres with the petrol engine tested here (the PHEV version’s boot is 548 litres). With the seats folder, capacity is 1634 litres. That’s competitive with wagon versions of the Volkswagen Golf and even the capacious Skoda Octavia.

As with the hatch, the 508 SW is offered with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Even with the entry-level PureTech petrol engine tested here, it offers a comfortable drive. The engine is generally smooth and quiet, only becoming a little whiny if you really attack the throttle pedal. The eight-speed automatic gearbox does a good job of picking the right gear, and there are only rare occasions when you’ll find yourself wanting a little more torque and acceleration.

The extended wheelbase and extra size doesn’t much dampen the enjoyable handling offered by the hatch version. There’s a little reduction in dynamism, but in turn the ride is perhaps a little more comfortable, which seems like a fair trade-off. It’s certainly competitive in the C-segment wagon market.

aria-label="2022 Peugeot 308 SW review 12"

As ever, Peugeot’s i-Cockpit is an acquired taste, but our test car’s GT Premium trim gave the interior a classy, comfortable feel. Visibility is strong, despite the car’s extra length.

Peugeot has certainly succeeded in making the 308 SW feel like more than just a hatch with a bigger boot, meaning the extra practicality doesn’t come at the expense of style.

aria-label="2022 Peugeot 308 SW review 13"

It might not match the Octavia for all-round strength, but it certain blends character and practicality in a likeable package.

James Attwood

aria-label="2022 Peugeot 308 SW review 10"

Toyota 222D – the Group S Rally Car

This 560kW rallying MR2 could have seen Toyota conquer the stages, but instead fate intervened
spot_img

Further Reading

2024 Lexus LBX review: Small SUV, premium appeal!

Entering below the aging UX, the compact Lexus LBX breaks new ground for Toyota's luxury arm In brief There really is nothing quite like the Lexus...
Peugeot's 308 station wagon blends practicality and French flair in an attractive package that offers a welcome alternative in its class. While some car firms are predicting the demise of the wagon, Peugeot seems quite fond of them. There’s the sleek 508 SW, and the...2022 Peugeot 308 SW Wagon First Review