Peugeot 307 SW (2005-2007) review

Seven-seaters are nothing new to Peugeot, it having a long history of putting an extra row of seats into its estate cars. The 307 SW, what the SW stands for nobody at Peugeot will say, continues this trend. The French company hopes to take a slice of the compact MPV market with its interpretation of the genre. Unlike so many of its rivals the 307 SW actually enjoys the ability to carry more than five people, with two rear-mounted seats behind the second row. Despite looking like little more than an estate version of the 307 the wheelbase has been lengthened, as has the rear overhang, increasing space in the rear. It's still a bit cramped with seven passengers, but for a short journey, or with small children the extra seats are useful.

All those pews are individually moveable, and removable, giving the 307 SW versatility that only a few can match. The cabin's light and airy as a result of a three-quarter length glass roof, the interior largely familiar to those having driven a standard 307. The engine line up is largely similar to that of the hatchback too, with 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol units, and Peugeot's impressive HDi diesels. A welcome addition to the compact MPV market, the 307 SW is a stylish alternative to more 'conventional' compact MPVs.