Peugeot 308 SW Sport 1.6 VTi

Nov 6 2008 Robin Roberts

WITH prices and values all over the place we all look for something safe and sure.

If we are buying a car we want to know it is good value, that it will do what we want and, possibly most importantly, that it will not cost us a fortune to run.

If the car can also fulfil more than one roll then it is also reassuring and far more likely to meet our requirements.

The Peugeot 308 series has always been a working-man's hatchback as well as a staple of the company car fleets and there is a huge choice of new and used models.

This summer saw the range expand even further with the additional SW, or sports wagon bodystyle, which puts it half-way between a hatchback and a full estate. There are 14 models in the series with 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines and 1.6 and 2.9 diesels spanning £14,400 to £19,900.

But it is not just a hatchback with a stretched roofline because the 308SW has some truly clever features in its design, notably the way the seats can be utilised, moved around or quickly removed, and top models have up to seven seats.

Thoughtful touches in the luggage area also mean the space can be more than just somewhere for throwing in items.

There is in typical Peugeot tradition a very wide range of engines and trim levels, with a choice of petrol or diesel, manual or automatic and equipment levels to suit every taste or requirement.

This1.6 SW petrol model was about mid-range and likely to be one of the most popular in the line-up.

The engine has plenty of get up and go, is fairly quiet and with the manual box it seems to pull well and is relaxed on the motorway. Put in a few people or a modest load and the combination has to work harder and is noisier while the fuel consumption rises and it is harder work.

Thankfully, the steering is well weighted and gives the Peugeot 308SW a good agility but does not demand much effort from the driver while it retains good feedback at speed.

The power of the brakes is also reassuring and they slow or stop the car with minimal effort and good feedback.

Secondary controls are also comprehensive, generally well laid out and work well.

Instruments are particularly attractive but simple and clear nevertheless and the controls for heating and ventilation are straightforward and work well to warm or cool the interior. Powered windows further please users who do not want to use air conditioning.

Oddments room is good for a family car with plenty of spaces to store items in the front or in the back but the luggage area offers the greatest versatility and you can specify purpose designed fitments.

It is very easy to load through the fifth door and the roofline is fairly high but it's not as generous as a full estate in this respect. Capacity ranges from 675 litres to 2,150 litres, while the ability to move around or remove the back seats ensures a lot of versatility and incremental loading options.

Through the side doors, access is good and it is useful for assisting in loading longer items pushed in from the fifth door. Seats are generously proportioned and very comfortable and supporting with a good amount of adjustment on the front pair. Third row legroom is minimal however and suitable only for children.

Visibility is good throughout the car and in poor conditions you have bright lights and big wipers, while road noise is noticeable over bad surfaces.

The ride quality of the Peugeot 308SW is good, the car soaking up bumps and potholes without too much trouble but it does roll around tight corners at speed.

The handling is safe and surefooted as well but it's not a sports model or as sharp as the warmer 308s.

Economy is good unless the car is pushed hard and it quickly changes but it is overall a reasonable model to drive between refills. The performance comes fairly easily if noisily at the upper limit.

The enduring feature of the Peugeot 308SW is its practicality and versatility, underlined by its price, comfort and equipment. It is a very good package.

FAST FACTS

Peugeot 308 SW Sport 1.6 VTi 5dr

Price : £16,995

Mechanical : 120bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 117mph

0-62mph : 12 secs

Combined mpg : 39.8

Insurance group : 6

CO2 emissions : 169g/km

BiK rating : 20%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust