How does the new Peugeot 308 SW differ from its predecessor?
First in dimensions. It is 20mm lower (height is now 1.44m) in accordance with the general need to reduce frontal space due to the necessary reduction in consumption. The resulting space loss is largely compensated for by the body, which has been stretched by 6 cm to 4.64 m. The lower room height in the passenger area is compensated by the seat height which has also been lowered by 2 cm, which means that headroom has remained constant compared to the predecessor.
As far as the station wagon’s core efficiency is concerned, the new car is a little behind its predecessor, but still offers more storage space than the station wagon of its bigger brother 508 SW, and it’s particularly sporty. In numbers, this means a packing volume of 608 liters to a maximum of 1,634 liters with the rear bench seat fully folded down (divisible by 40:20:40) and use of the storage compartment under the boot floor lid.
From diesel engines to delivery engines
However, this only applies to gasoline or diesel versions. Which brings us to another point where the new Peugeot 308 SW differs from its predecessor. For the first time in model history, the Compact Lion is available with engine concepts ranging from diesel to petrol to plug-in hybrids. The range extends from a 4-cylinder diesel engine (130 hp, optional with 6-speed manual gearbox or 8-speed automatic) to 3-cylinder petrol engine in two power levels (110 PS only 6-speed manual or 130 PS as optional manual or automatic transmission) Up to two different plug-in hybrid variants (system output 180 PS or 225 PS with about 60 km of purely electric standard range). Since the batteries must be accommodated in electric cars part-time, the luggage compartment volume is reduced by about 60 liters.
According to official information, the date for the addition of a purely electric version of the 308 SW has not been decided. But this is technically always possible.
Neues i-Cockpit
A particularly improved cockpit can be seen in the passenger area. The combination of a small, lowered steering wheel with a digital instrument panel above it, which has been typical of Peugeot for some time, has been changed in terms of content and appearance. It’s not just that speed dial keys, which were previously designed as physical buttons, are replaced with touch-sensitive digital elements. The 10-inch screen in the center of the instrument panel has been moved below the air conditioning vents. The reason given by the developers for lowering the display from the driver’s visibility: the priority here was the efficiency of the ventilation system, which made high air outlets necessary.
The possible longer distraction of the driver from what is happening on the road through the operation of the lowered central touch screen is compensated by the fact that all relevant information can also be called up in the instrument cluster above the steering wheel.
The technical upgrade now includes wireless smartphone mirroring and the option to connect two phones to the system at the same time via Bluetooth.
In addition to adaptive cruise control, the driver assistance systems also have a semi-automatic lane change function. In addition, cruise control automatically adapts to recognized speed restrictions in each situation, and adjusts the speed of the curve that the system considers appropriate on motorways up to 180 km/h.
The new Peugeot 308 will be launched as a five-door model in late fall. A Combi 308 SW release is planned for the beginning of next year, as all types of engines should be available from the start.