Skip advert
Advertisement

Peugeot 308 SW

Seven-seat estate rivals some MPVs with its practicality.

Take a look at the 308 SW’s measurements, and you will quickly realise why it’s our space-per-pound winner in the compact family car class.

While many manufacturers make estate versions of their family hatches by simply welding on a boxy rear end, Peugeot has gone the extra mile – the SW’s wheelbase is 100mm longer than the hatch’s, and a taller body means it’s 57mm higher. Larger rear doors complete the unique body, and mean the overhang at the back is 124mm bigger, too.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As a result, the 308 looks bulbous from behind. Bosses claim the large curved screen is the world’s largest one-piece opening rear window, though – so the trade-off for the ugly tailgate is that the boot can be loaded in tight spaces without opening the hatch.

The load area is big – with 600 litres of space beneath the luggage cover, it’s 118 litres larger than a Ford Focus Estate. On top of that, the middle row of seats slides forward to increase volume by 74 litres, while you can specify a pair of third row chairs, too.

Peugeot calls them ‘occasional seats’, and space is so tight, they are only suitable for children. Fortunately, as with the three middle row chairs, they can be independently folded, tumbled or removed altogether.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Sandero

2022 Dacia

Sandero

21,496 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £11,400
View Sandero
Panamera

2015 Porsche

Panamera

83,000 milesAutomaticDiesel3.0L

Cash £16,999
View Panamera
Q7

2019 Audi

Q7

38,500 milesAutomaticDiesel3.0L

Cash £33,990
View Q7
V60

2019 Volvo

V60

55,823 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £18,800
View V60

While the seats are heavy to lift out, it’s worth the effort, as the SW has a maximum capacity of 2,149 litres in two-seat form. Only the van-based Doblo can better that in this test! The load lip is the same height as the big Fiat’s, too, at 540mm, and this low bumper takes the strain out of heaving in weighty items.

Up front, the 308’s cabin is smart and relatively upmarket. While there are too many small buttons on the dash, the simple three-spoke steering wheel and large dials mean the driving environment is hassle free.
Although the suspension has been carried over from the 308 hatchback, the set-up has been optimised for the SW’s increased weight and higher centre of gravity. Yet despite the tweaks, you can still sense that it’s a bigger and less agile car.

The steering is sharp but slightly artificial, while the ride is smooth if not class-leading. Compare it to some compact MPVs, though, and the Peugeot is reasonably engaging. Plus, only the worst of bumps upset the suspension enough to send shocks into the cabin.

With a line-up of two petrol engines and three diesels, plus three trim levels, the SW comes in a guise to suit everybody. No other compact family estate will work as hard for your money.

Details

Price: £14,395-£20,845
Model tested: Peugeot 308 SW

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,943
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025