Just as the new generation Peugeot 308 hatch goes on sale in the UK, the French company has unveiled the upcoming SW wagon version that will be seen in the flesh for the first time at the Geneva motor show in March, prior to going on sale in the European Spring.
The French-made (in Sochaux, France) 308 SW builds on the same EMP2 platform as the new hatch version, adding what is described as “class leading” load capacity, with a quoted VDA 210 standard figure of 610dm3.
The 308 SW is 4.58 metres long, and stands 1.47 metres tall which, according to Peugeot, means it exceeds “the expectations and requirements of customers in this sector, providing ample volume, roominess, versatility and practicality.”
Peugeot talks about a load area that is simple to manipulate, with the seats falling flat via a single action from inside the boot to provide a “perfectly flat” floor.
The new EMP2 platform, like those being used by other manufacturers, such as the MQB platform seen on a proliferation of Volkswagen models including the latest Golf, aims at improving efficiency via weight savings. In the case of the 308 SW, this means a reduction of 140kg compared with its predecessor.
The 308 SW lineup will include a range of Euro 6 petrol and diesel engines, including a new BlueHDI version emitting a super-low, benchmark-setting 85g/km CO2 figure.
Peugeot also claims the 308 SW’s i-Cockpit will demonstrate new levels of refinement and attention to detail to reflect “the marque’s movement upmarket.”
Peugeot Australia PR and communications manager Jaedene Hudson said it is far too early to set a date for the not-yet released 308 SW in Australia.
“The 308 hatch is coming here in the fourth quarter of the year, but we are unable at this stage to confirm anything about the 308 SW,” she said. In the intervening months between now and the March unveiling of the 308 SW in Geneva, followed by its launch in Europe, who knows how a market such as Australia will figure in Peugeot’s production schedules – although it seems possible local introduction may not follow that far behind the 308 hatch, maybe before the end of the year...
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