Peugeot has revealed a plug-in hybrid 308 SW – the estate version of its C-segment 308 hatch which was launched back in March this year. The SW will share powertrains and the spec list with the hatch but offers a greater level of practicality alongside zero emissions capability.

We’ve already taken a look at the forthcoming Peugeot 308 PHEV which is due later this year and there’s much to look forward to. Peugeot’s announcement of the 308 SW PHEV simply adds another variant for customers to choose from with a bit more boot space, but still with the great looks and powertrains of the hatch. It is also a step in Peugeot’s goal of having an electrified version of all its models by 2025.

Design

The 308 SW shares the new design language of the hatch which has won many fans thanks to its sharp lines and sporty looks. From the front, this estate version is all but indistinguishable from the regular 308 but move round to the side and the roofline maintains its height to add that extra space. It still slopes towards the rear like the regular car to provide some dynamism with the practicality.

In terms of size, the 308 SW has a 55mm longer wheelbase and a 21cm longer rear overhang than the hatch. This enables the load bay to accommodate items up to 1.85m long with the rear 40/20/40 seats folded. Total load volume is 608 litres with the seats in place and 1634 with them folded. A two-position boot floor helps extend capacity and for added practicality there’s LED lights and storage nets, as well as an optional auto opening tailgate.

PHEV Powertrains

Peugeot is carrying over the two plug-in hybrid powertrains from the regular 308. This means the SW gets either the HYBRID 180 e-EAT8 version with 178bhp, emissions of just 25g/km and an electric range of up to 37 miles, or the HYBRID 225 e-EAT8 version which has a total of 221bhp, emissions of 26g/km and up to 36 miles of electric range on the WLTP test.

Electrical power is stored by a 12.4kWh battery which can be juiced via a standard 3.7kW on-board charger, or an optional 7.4kW fast charger. The former sees a full charge in just under four hours, whilst the latter will do it in under two.

Technology and driving aids

There’s no shortage of tech in either the 308 hatch, or this, the 308 SW. It gets Peugeot’s latest i-Cockpit and i-Connect Advanced infotainment system which employs a smartphone-style user interface on the 10 inch touchscreen display. On GT and GT Premium spec cars, the display is 3D for features like the TomTom Connected 3D Navigation. As is now fairly standard, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto deals with smartphone connectivity.

The small diameter steering wheel is multifunction, with audio, media, phone and driving aids controllable via buttons. In addition, it features a grip sensor to detect a driver’s grip when driver aids are in operation.

Semi-autonomous driver aids on the 308 SW include semi-automatic lance change, anticipated speed recommendation and curve speed adaptation, which alters the car’s speed based on the severity of a forthcoming bend. In addition to these, standard and optional driver aids include long-range blind spot monitoring (up to 75 metres), rear cross traffic alert, a high definition reversing camera, 360-degree camera system, semi-automatic parking assist, adaptive cruise, auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, driver attention alert, traffic sign recognition and more.

In short, the 308 SW is well equipped as standard, and can be spec’d up with a lot more.

Price and availability

Update 29.06.21: Peugeot has announced the prices for the 308 Hybrid. The two lower-level Allure and Allure Premium spec cars are available in 180 form only and cost £33,000 and £33,900 respectively. GT and GT Premium spec cars can be had in either 180 or more powerful 225 guise. The GT 180 and 225 cost £35,800 and £37,200 respectively, whilst the GT Premium 180 and 225 cost £37,400 and £38,800 respectively. Cars can be configured and ordered as a cash purchase immediately, though finance deals will be available in due course. Deliveries will begin in December.