The Peugeot 308 SW I (Phase II), produced from 2011 to 2013, represents a significant iteration of Peugeot’s compact estate car. As part of the first generation 308 series, the SW – standing for “Station Wagon” – offered a practical and stylish alternative to traditional hatchbacks, particularly popular in the European market. While not officially sold in the United States, the 308 SW competed with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf Estate and Ford Focus Wagon, offering a blend of fuel efficiency, practicality, and French design flair. The Phase II update brought refinements to the exterior styling, interior materials, and available technology, enhancing the vehicle’s overall appeal.
Peugeot 308 SW I (Phase II): Overview
The 308 SW aimed to provide a versatile vehicle for families and individuals needing ample cargo space without sacrificing driving dynamics. It distinguished itself through its spacious interior, flexible seating arrangements, and a focus on comfort. The 1.6 16V VTi engine variant, producing 120 horsepower, was a common choice, balancing performance with reasonable fuel consumption. This model catered to buyers seeking a practical and economical vehicle for everyday use.
Engine & Performance
The 2011-2013 Peugeot 308 SW I (Phase II) 1.6 16V VTi is powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder naturally aspirated gasoline engine, designated the EP6. This engine produces 120 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 160 Nm (118.01 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4250 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a 16-valve configuration, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. Power delivery is adequate for everyday driving, with a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 12 seconds. Top speed is rated at 189 km/h (117.44 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 11.7 kg/Hp, and its power per liter is 75.1 Hp/l. The drivetrain consists of front-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg) combined, with 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg) in urban conditions and 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg) on the open road.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 308 SW I (Phase II) is a five-door station wagon (estate) with a seating capacity of five. Its exterior design is characterized by a sloping roofline and a relatively long wheelbase, maximizing interior space. The Phase II update included subtle styling revisions to the front and rear fascias, along with updated interior trim materials. A key feature of the 308 SW is its spacious trunk, offering 520 liters (18.36 cu. ft.) of cargo volume with the rear seats up and expanding to 2149 liters (75.89 cu. ft.) with the seats folded down. Standard safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The vehicle’s suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a semi-independent coil spring arrangement at the rear, providing a comfortable ride. Steering is rack and pinion with electric power assistance. The vehicle rides on either 16-inch or 17-inch wheels, typically fitted with 205/55 R16 V or 225/45 R17 V tires.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 308 |
| Generation | 308 SW I (Phase II, 2011) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 16V VTi (120 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 189 km/h (117.44 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 160 Nm @ 4250 rpm (118.01 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EP6 |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1406 kg (3099.7 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2100 kg (4629.71 lbs.) |
| Max load | 694 kg (1530.01 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 520 l (18.36 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2149 l (75.89 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4500 mm (177.17 in.) |
| Width | 1815 mm (71.46 in.) |
| Height | 1564 mm (61.57 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2708 mm (106.61 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.08 m (36.35 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 V; 225/45 R17 V |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
The Peugeot 308 SW I (Phase II) 1.6 16V VTi offered a practical and efficient option for buyers in the European market. Its combination of spaciousness, fuel economy, and comfortable driving characteristics made it a popular choice for families and individuals alike.
