Beyond the GT badge, there are a few visual clues that this is a more performance-focused machine. The car sits slightly lower than other trim levels, has a revamped bumper design with air intakes where the foglights normally are and, in common with GT-Line models, gains LED lights and a twin-exhaust effect.
Inside, GT cars have a leather steering wheel with red stitching and a GT badge along with a few other detail changes. There’s also keyless entry and a host of driver assistance systems, including a reversing camera and dynamic cruise control.
In standard drive mode, the 308 SW GT’s engine is smooth and efficient, its responses ably delivered through the eight-speed automatic gearbox. Even with the extra heft of the estate, it handles positively and directly, and the engine’s 210lb ft of torque allows you to make brisk progress, with a claimed 0-62mph time of 7.6sec. Top speed is a claimed 146mph, with an official fuel economy average of 47.9mpg.
The car does feature a Sport mode, which stiffens the steering and suspension a touch, although not enough to make for a dramatically different experience. It also turns the instruments red and adds layers of noise to the engine note – although without any real extra performance to match. It might appeal to some, but it seemed slightly hammy and overly theatrical to us.
Most estate buyers will likely be led by more practical considerations – such as the space behind the rear seats. The 308 SW is 4585mm long, which allows for 660 litres of luggage capacity, with 1660 litres if you fold those rear seats down. It’s not class leading, but likely ample for those considering an estate car of this size.
As well as luggage, there’s plenty of space for people both in the front and rear, and the GT trim makes for a pleasant environment that would stand up to long family journeys. That said, the Peugeot 308’s interior does show the car’s age a bit: it’s somewhat plain in its design compared with newer Peugeot models such as the Peugeot 3008 and Peugeot 5008 SUVs.
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Would be nice to have a manual choice
I hear a lot of people say they wouldn't have an auto and not just enthusiasts. It's surprising how many people hold suspicions over autos. I for one though would prefer an auto over Peugeot's typical loose and baggy manual gearboxes and it's nice that this is a proper torque converter. Plus whilst changing gear can be satisfying when you're on the right road and in the right mindset, the overwhelming majority of time I just need to get somewhere and an auto is preferable. Providing the padle shifters work well, an auto is often the better compromise, for me at least, other may prefer the choice.
manuals are over-rated
I'd want a manual on a sports/supercar but perversely they're all DSG/paddle now anyway. I can't be arsed to drive a manual with the roads as they are. So this looks quite cool, but like Gazzer says the 508 wagon is tempting. will be another 5-10K tho..
Depreciation
Give it a year or two and let depreciation work its magic. Though that would perhaps apply more to the 308 rather than a new model like the 508.
r estate
i have a r estate - so dsg only - tbh I wouldn't go back to manual - more and more roads getting congested and since I live in the south east honestly a car with the performance of the R estate is wasted - very rarely get to use it - so this car could well be a replacement - quick enough - and offers similar space to the golf r estate.
Well done peugeot - although I have to say the 508 looks very appealing for not much more and will have the posher dash of the 3008 / 5008.