When Peugeot first launched its 300 series with the arrival of the 304 back in 1969, it made a point of ensuring there was always an estate model available as an option.
And now, in keeping with tradition, the French giant has announced the arrival of the new 308 SW estate car, which has been completely redesigned to offer sporting characteristics throughout.
Although it is rather compact for an estate – 4.58m long and 1.47m high – the dimensions are certainly large enough to provide space, versatility and practicality.
The front end shares the same design traits as its hatchback stablemate, including the floating grille framed in chrome while full LED technology – 31 LEDs per headlamp – is fitted as standard on the upper grade levels.
And according to Peugeot, the SW’s boot capacity is class-leading and its rear seats are folded with a single action from inside the boot to provide a perfectly flat floor.
Weight-saving technology has resulted in the 308 SW being 140kg lighter than its predecessor, so enhancing the overall driving experience.
Euro 6 petrol and diesel engines will be available from the model’s June launch, the petrol outputs ranging from 130bhp to 155bhp with carbon emissions from 109g/km.
The line-up will include the new three-cylinder turbocharged petrol versions – 110bhp and 130bhp – and mark the showroom debut of Peugeot’s new PureTech powertrains with high pressure direct injection.
The diesel units are from 92bhp to 150bhp with carbon emissions figures no higher than 111g/km and Peugeot expects the new BlueHDi 1.6-litre 120bhp diesel to prove incredibly popular with buyers.
When mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, it can deliver a combined fuel consumption figure of 88.3mpg and emissions of 85g/km which is a record in its area of the market.
Once inside, the i-Cockpit is the same as that featured in the stylish 308 hatchback and highlights Peugeot’s continued move upmarket.
Simple, intuitive and smart, it features a raised instrument panel, high centre console and 9.7-inch touchscreen. There’s just a single button, then everything else – multimedia, satellite navigation, heating – is controlled by touching the screen.