Peugeot 308 SW Sport HDi 110 FAP

Nov 20 2008 Ian Johnson

THE all-singing all-dancing family or business transport is making sound sense for manufacturers.

One car maker which provides an ideal vehicle to suit modern trends is Peugeot with the 308 SW Sport.

The 308 SW goes beyond the lifestyle estate generation to provide a transport option that gives seven-seat availability with versatile interior options.

It offers almost people carrier capability in an estate body, combining car-like driving qualities with its depth of versatility.

There are the normal five seats plus a specially- designed third row pair suitable for children to create a seven-seater.

Seats are individual on the Sport and can be easily folded or even removed to create the possibility of converting the vehicle to a load carrier in one easy move .There are many seating options here which could be immeasurably useful to the family driver.

Fold seats flat to the floor and you have a useful load carrier.

In seven-seater mode, the 308SW Sport is severely limited on luggage space, but the maximum is more than 2,000 litres with seats away.

There are many thoughtful features on this car such as a tailgate that features a separately-opening glass area

Also in the second row of seats there are facilities including aeroplane-style seat-back trays, with drink-holders.

But the big talking point on the Sport model is the impressive glass panoramic roof, stretching so far back so that even third-row of seats get a view of the sky.

But if the glare of the sun is too much then an electronically controlled blind provides shade.

The interior is typically Peugeot with well laid-out instrumentation. The Satnav was particularly colourful, even showing clouds in its horizon perspective map layout.

Ride is particularly good but on the debit side I felt that the pedals were set just too high for total comfort.

Under the bonnet is a 1,560cc new generation diesel with a power output of 110bhp linked to a six-speed manual gearbox to give a good mix of power and economy.

The gearbox is one of the best of its type and 0-62mph can be achieved in just 12.5 seconds with its well-spaced ratios.

Economy is also well-rated with a combined economy of 53.2 mpg.

The Sport configuration adds much to the package with goodies such as cruise control with speed limiter, Electronic Stability Programme, rear electric windows, leather steering wheel, front centre arm rests, leather steering wheel, front centre armrests the modular seating set and the panoramic glass roof.

This Peugeot 308 SW Sport is priced at £18,595 and is well poised to cover the one size fits all type of motoring the world is demanding.

FAST FACTS

Peugeot 308 SW Sport HDi 110 FAP 5dr

Price : £18,595

Mechanical : 110bhp, 1,560cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 115mph

0-62mph : 12.5 secs

Combined mpg : 53.2

CO2 emissions : 139g/km

BiK rating : 15%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 6yrs anti-rust