It may be lazy but quirky looks and masses of loading space make the Peugeot 308 SW a standout station wagon, writes The Wheel Deal.

In a perfect world we’d all be millionaires, live in minimalist loft apartments and roar around in exotic sports cars. Some of us would even hire leggy supermodels to light our imported Cuban cigars with crisp R100 notes. Unfortunately, here in the real world – a miserable place dictated by the needs of family, debt and nine-to-five drudgery – such frivolities are nothing but a cruel dream. Now while this means we’ll have to settle for a shoebox in Wilgeheuwel and a sensible job in Sales, the good news is that our transportation needn’t be as dull as a pair of crease-proof chinos.
And that’s because Peugeot has made the 308 SW – a sharp-looking station wagon that combines incredible usability with mould-breaking French design flair. From that big, basking shark grille all way down its defined flanks and quirky rear taillights, there’s something about the 308 SW’s avant-garde proportions that makes it so much more interesting than any of its rivals. Sitting inside its spacious confines this machine makes you feel decidedly individualistic, which in this day and age is no mean feat.
While the interior isn’t quite as adventurous, it does represent a mammoth leap in Peugeot’s build quality. Previous models like the 206 seemed to be constructed from nothing but fossilized rhino hide and wood glue, but the soft-touch materials in our 308 SW look much better prepared for a life of hard knocks. It’s well equipped too and includes nice-to-haves like bi-zone automatic climate control, cruise control and a massive panoramic roof as standard. But the real winner is the amount of loading and passenger space. Rear accommodation is impressive for a car in this class and thus makes the 308 SW a particularly accomplished people carrier. This has also been complemented by one of the biggest luggage compartments in a car this side of the R300 000 – slide the rear seats forward and you’ll unleash 674 luggage-eating litres.

Out on the streets the sizeable 308 SW feels disappointingly anemic and its normally aspirated 1.6 battles to build and maintain forward momentum, which means you’re constantly shifting through the slick five-speed gearbox. It’s actually a shame that there’s not more power here because the accomplished chassis feels somewhat underutilized. Where’s the 2.0 HDI, Peugeot? Ride wise, the 308 SW is extremely comfortable and its typically French suspension soaks up undulations with fluent ease. The hydroelectric steering is nicely weighted too and while it could do with more feedback, its inherent meatiness feels very satisfying in your hands. One let down was the awkward driving position – even after many days spent behind the wheel I just could not get comfortable. So although it isn’t without its faults I believe that the attractive, versatile and keenly priced Peugeot 308 SW might just be a perfect car for an imperfect world.

Peugeot 308 SW Fast Facts:

Engine: 1598cc four-cylinder petrol
Power: 88kW at 6000rpm
Torque: 160Nm at 4250rpm
0-100km/h: 10.8 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 195km/h (claimed)
Fuel Consumption: 7.1l/100km (claimed combined)
Price: R240 950