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Peugeot’s new-generation load-lugger unveiled at last, with a practical shape and efficient hybrid powertrains

The 2022 Peugeot 308 SW wagon has been officially unveiled, ahead of an Australian launch in 2022.

Following in the tyre tracks of the 308 hatch unveiled earlier this year, Peugeot’s new-generation compact wagon – likely to be badged 308 Touring, as per the current model – extends the five-door hatchback for increased practicality.

The 308 hatch’s wheelbase and rear overhang have been lengthened by 55mm (to 2732mm) and 210mm respectively, increasing boot space with the rear seats up from 412 to 608 litres, or 1634 litres (up 311 litres) with the 40:20:40 second-row bench folded, the latter configuration capable of housing objects longer than 1.85 metres.

Versus the outgoing 308 wagon, the new model is 60mm longer (4640mm) and 20mm lower (1440mm), with a windscreen mounted further back into the body. There’s now 129mm of knee room for second-row passengers.

On the styling front, the SW wagon differs from the hatch at the rear, where the wagon’s longer roofline extends into a redesigned tailgate, which sees the shorter car’s connected LED tail-lights replaced by freestanding units of a different design.

The licence plate has been moved up into the tailgate from the bumper, while the long-roof 308’s window line “falls faster” than that of its regular sibling.

Inside, the 308 SW shares the hatch’s Peugeot I-Cockpit dashboard up front, with a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation and multi-connection Bluetooth, along with a 10-inch 3D digital instrument cluster in front of the driver.

A row of ‘i-toggle’ shortcut buttons sit below the infotainment screen, joined by other interior highlights including an ‘OK Peugeot’ voice assistant, 10-speaker Focal premium sound system, wireless smartphone charging, two USB-C ports, eight-colour ambient lighting, and a compact gear shifter on automatic models.

Upholstery choices range from flecked fabric on entry-level cars to Alcantara and nappa leather on range-topping ones, with flagship models featuring 10-way power-adjustable ergonomic seats with contrast stitching, massaging and heating.

Under the bonnet, the wagon benefits from the same array of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains as the related hatch – with both vehicles riding on Peugeot’s EMP2 platform – though exactly which options will be offered in Australia isn’t clear.

Petrol options comprise a 1.2-litre turbo three-cylinder offered in 81kW and 96kW states of tune – both paired to six-speed manual transmissions as standard, with the higher-output unit available with an eight-speed automatic (likely to be standard in Australia).

Diesel fans can opt for a 96kW 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder, paired to a choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

Two plug-in hybrid options are available in Europe, both employing a 12.4kWh battery that can be recharged in just over seven hours on a single-phase AC socket, or in as little as one hour and 55 minutes on a 7.4kW home wallbox.

Entry-level PHEV cars pair a 110kW 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with an 81kW electric motor and eight-speed automatic to produce 132kW combined, enabling a 60km all-electric range according to Europe’s WLTP testing procedures.

Meanwhile, flagship variants pair a 132kW version of the 1.6-litre engine with the same 81kW e-motor for a 165kW combined output and 59km of WLTP range.

An all-electric version of the 308 hatch has been confirmed overseas, though it remains to be seen whether the wagon will too benefit from the EV treatment.

In the safety department, available driver assistance features include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control (with stop-and-go on auto models), lane-keep assist, long-range blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.

They’re joined by driver attention monitoring, auto high-beam, traffic-sign recognition, a 180-degree rear-view camera and an electric parking brake, the lattermost being standard across the European range.

The 2022 Peugeot 308 SW will go on sale in Australia “later in 2022”, after the launch of the 308 hatch in the first quarter of 2022 (January to March inclusive).

“We are thrilled to confirm we will be welcoming the all-new Peugeot 308 SW to Australia in 2022. Following the Australian launch of the new generation Peugeot 308 in Q1, we will expand the 308 range with the introduction of the Peugeot 308 SW later in 2022,” said Kate Gillis, General Manager of Peugeot Australia.


Below: The new Peugeot 308 hatch