The Peugeot 308 SW is the latest model launched in Singapore by the French manufacturer. This is not to be mistaken as a compact MPV from Peugeot. The 308 SW is an estate version of the Golf-rivalling 308, offering an ace over other conventional estates with a seating capacity of seven.

SW is presumably short for station wagon, a term many manufacturers steer clear off: such associations imply workhorse like mobiles that are typically kept for commercial use. SW hence could refer to style wagon for the Peugeot 308 SW: with it's stylish aluminum roof rails and wraparound rear windscreen. 

The 308 SW offers clever storage and flexible seating you’d expect of a conventional small MPV with seven individual seats, but with the looks of a traditional estate. There are as many cubbies, luggage nets and seat-back picnic tables as you could want. There’s also the seat flexibility you’d expect of an MPV.

Dynamically, the 308 SW remains pretty average. However, when compared to typical seven-seat MPVs, the 308’s lower centre of gravity and more conventional driving position makes it competent, even entertaining.

On the road, the benefit of the conventional estate body is evident. Where the 308 hatchback (which the 308 SW is based on) feels controlled but crashy over broken surfaces, the extra length and weight of the 308 SW makes it feel both more composed and fluid.

But compared to the best estates the segment can offer, the 308 SW can be slightly dull tool to drive, it’s four-speed tiptronic gearbox lacks precision and is somewhat jerky. On the limits, its chassis lacks adjustability.

Well at least the 1.6 turbo engine shared with Mini and various Peugeots and Citroens feels strong and adequate at all speeds despite the highish kerb weight of the 308 SW at 1.5 tonnes. 

The 308 SW spots a neat panoramic glass roof that lifts the black classy cabin’s atmosphere. Little known would be that the panoramic glass roof was designed to reduce the kerb weight of the 308 SW. The glass is 5mm thick, instead of 9mm if constructed with a conventional steel roof. Better yet, it’s more rigid than the steel roof.

Several issues with practicality would include the short of room for the two rearmost seats, access to them is quite limited. Perhaps the more severe issue would be  when the seats are not in use: they do not create a flat loading bay. Even though they are removable, where would you store them?

As a conventional estate the Peugeot 308 SW does look like a quality item with a strong performing and efficient engine. However, if you need seven-seat family transport then a proper MPV will do the job better.

This must be something which the French manufacturer must have realized and hence they have gone on a model frenzy with the flexible 308 platform.

No less than seven models will make up the Peugeot 308 family by 2010.

308 Three-Door hatchback
308 Five-Door hatchback

The first two requires little explanations as they form are the core of the 308 family. Oddly, the rather attractive three-door variant is left out of the Singapore market.

308 SW
Our feature car of the week: a fusion of station wagon and people carrier. Two rearmost seats are optional in other countries.
 
308 CC (Coupe-Carbiolet)
Stylish retractable hardtop convertible to make a splash with cruisers with an expected debut in 3rd quarter 2009.

3008 (Crossover)
In essence, this is a jacked-up Peugeot 308 with more interior space on offer. Despite the SUV-like styling, four-wheel drive is not available as an option. Should reach Singapore by end of the year. Peugeot has cited the Nissan Qashqai as the 3008’s main rival.
 
5008 (MPV)
Unlike the 3008, the 5008 is an honest but still smart looking MPV with a seating capacity of seven. Rear styling is too close to the mechanical cousin, Citroen C4 Grand Picasso for comfort. Otherwise, this is a decent effort for Peugeot’s first new MPV since the forgettable 807.

308 RC Z
A French Audi TT? You bet that the French manufacturer will be going after the iconic German coupe with this dazzlingly looking concept that is based on the humble 308 hatchback. The RC Z is a 2+2 coupé that looks original and well-balanced. A 2010 launch date was planned.

With an impressive image boaster like the 308 RC Z, the rationale behind the expansion of the Peugeot 308 seems pretty clear. But would the driver of a 308 SW feel as happy as a owner of a new swanky 308 RC Z? Let's hope for struggling Peugeot that there is a 308 for everybody.

Engine	1598cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged
Transmission	4-speed Tiptronic
Wheels Driven	Front
Max. Power	140 hp@ 5800rpm
Max. Torque	240 Nm@ 1400rpm
0-100 km/h	11.1 secs
Top speed	198 km/h
Fuel Economy	8.2 litres per 100 km
CO2 Emissions	N.A
Dimensions (L x W x H) / Weight	4500 mm X 1815 mm X 1566 mm / 1502 kg
Price with COE*	S$89,900