Peugeot 308 SW (2022). The new station wagon against its rivals

We now know the range and prices of the new 308 SW. As expected, they are € 1,000 higher than those of the sedan and thus start from € 25,800, to peak at € 45,900 in a plug-in hybrid version of 225 hp. But beyond this price difference, the 308 SW will not have quite the same positioning as the sedan on the market. If the latter can tease the premium models (Audi A3 Sportback, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes Class A), the SW version will not have this chance: the German ones are not available in station wagons. Nevertheless, the French station wagon is far from being alone in the world!

TO READ.

• The new Peugeot 308 (2021) against its competitors
• Peugeot 308 SW (2021). Even better than before?

Peugeot 308 SW: style and comfort above all

Some will consider that this station wagon is only a 308 with a larger hold. This is, in part, the desired objective of such a vehicle. And from the grille to the rear door (excluding window and frame), the elements between the two bodies are common. From the middle pillar, the roof of the station wagon and its line of glazing are different from that of the sedan. The most obvious difference comes from the stern: the black band connecting the lights disappears in favor of the new logo of the brand and especially a slight spoiler that can evoke an Aston Martin DBX.

With its wheelbase 5.5 cm longer than that of the sedan, the 308 SW offers more living space. Its dynamic silhouette does not put too much strain on the roof guard. As for the trunk, it has a volume of 608 l for the thermal versions, and 548 l for the plug-in hybrid offers. To note that the bench has a 40/20/40 split system, with the possibility of folding the backrests from the trunk. Regarding the front part, the presentation is strictly identical to that of the sedan with the
i-Cockpit: the counters are digital (10 inches) and 3D from the GT finish. If the 10-inch touchscreen is supplied as standard, i-Toggle (sensitive and customizable shortcuts) are only available from the Allure finish.

In terms of engines, the station wagon is based on the range of the sedan, with two petrol engines (110 and 130 hp), a diesel offer
(130 hp) and two PHEV versions (180 and 225 hp). The EAT8 automatic transmission is standard on hybrids, and optional with 130 hp units.

TO READ. Peugeot 308 SW test (2022). At the wheel of a prototype of the station wagon

Volkswagen Golf: German in the crosshairs

This is clearly the prime target of the 308 SW. Like the latter, the Golf SW is more generous in the rear seats thanks to the wheelbase extended by 5 cm compared to the sedan.

For the trunk, the German shows 611 l, or 3 l better than the 308. Pending a PHEV offer, the range consists of three gasoline (110, 130 and 150), including the versions associated with the double gearbox. clutch have a light electrification, and two diesel (115 and 150 hp). A much less impressive range than for the sedan (GTE, GTI and R).

The Golf SW range goes even further with an adventurous offer, called Alltrack, which is distinguished by its increased ground clearance, but also by its all-wheel drive. On board the German station wagon, the recipe is identical to that of the Peugeot 308: the driving position is similar in every way to that of the sedan (digital counters, touch screen that can go up to 10 inches). As for prices, the Volkswagen is much more expensive (from
€ 28,635) for a similar power (110 hp), and peaks at € 45,790
(2.0 TDI 200 Alltrack).

TO READ. Peugeot 308 SW (2022) vs Volkswagen Golf 8 SW: first duel

Renault Mégane Estate: still present

Mistreated by its rival of the day, the Mégane has tried to get back afloat in 2020 with a visible restyling inside and out. But now, faced with a completely renewed 308 SW, the game looks very complicated. However, the Mégane Estate has certain advantages, starting with a unique E-Tech plug-in hybrid offer of 160 hp. For the rest, the Renault station wagon offers a classic offer with three TCe petrol (115, 140 and 160 hp) and a Blue dCi diesel (115 hp). The double clutch transmission is also on the program.

On board, its presentation is similar to that of the sedan, from which it derives. The instrumentation can be digital with a panel of
10.2-inch, and the infotainment system, still placed vertically, can have a 9.3-inch touchscreen. Like the two models mentioned above, the Mégane Estate opts for an extended wheelbase compared to that of the sedan (+ 4 cm). What bring a little more ease to the rear passengers. In contrast, On the trunk side, the Renault is clearly not the most generous of the lot :
521 l in the thermal version and 427 l for the PHEV offer. Its prices are on par with those of the 308 SW: they start from € 25,700 and climb to € 41,500 for the E-Tech Plug-in version. The latter remains € 1,300 cheaper than the 308 Hybrid 180.

Toyota Corolla Touring Sports: the hybrid above all

Peugeot did not hesitate to place the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports among the rivals of its new 308 SW. In addition to its modern style, the Japanese compact station wagon has strengths in its game. Starting with an interior presentation that does not leave you indifferent. But as for the other protagonists of the day, it is the same as on the sedan with a half-digital (7-inch panel), half-analog display, and an 8-inch touch screen for infotainment.

As for the rear space, it benefits directly from the wheelbase extended by 6 cm compared to that of the sedan. The trunk does not manage to exceed 600 l (598 l), but it can go up to 1,606 l, once the seat backs are folded down. The range, for its part, is simplified: only two hybrid engines are offered (122 and 184 hp). Hybridization requires, the prices are higher (from 29,250 to 35,550 €) than those of the 308 SW.

Ford Focus SW: a complete offer

If the overall length of this station wagon is obviously greater than that of the sedan, the wheelbase is the same. Thus, it is the luggage that mainly benefits from the lengthening of the template. The hold offers a volume of 608 l which can climb up to 1,653 l, when it turns into a mover.

For the mechanical part, the Focus is not stingy in engines. It has three petrol units (125, 150 and 155 hp), some of which can be associated with an 8-speed automatic transmission, as well as with a mild hybridization (mHEV). On the diesel side, the offer includes three offers (95, 120 and 150 hp). Like the Golf and the Corolla, the Focus offers an adventurer version, called Active. On the program, a specific presentation including plastic protections and a ground clearance raised by 30 mm. On the other hand, there is no all-wheel drive. Regarding the price range, it ranges from € 27,100 to € 34,250.

And also…

The compact station wagons market does not stop at these models mentioned.

• Kia Ceed SW :

It is one of the few models to have a wheelbase similar to that of the sedan. As with the Focus, the lengthening of the car directly benefits the trunk, which displays 625 l (1694 l bench seat folded). The Kia Ceed SW is also offered as a plug-in hybrid, but the trunk then increases to 447 l.

• S eat Leon ST :

The Spanish station wagon takes the technical basis of the Golf 8, but with a specific interior presentation and above all, it already has the plug-in hybrid offer: 204 hp. A gas supply is also available. Its prices range from € 21,970 to € 37,990. The Leon ST is also available under the Cupra label between € 39,570 to € 42,690.

The Peugeot 308 SW against its rivals in figures

* PHEV version