The Peugeot 308 SW I (Phase I), produced from 2008 to 2011, represents Peugeot’s entry into the competitive compact station wagon (estate) segment. As a practical and fuel-efficient vehicle, the 308 SW aimed to provide European families with a versatile vehicle suitable for both daily commuting and longer journeys. While not officially sold in the United States, the 308 SW was a popular choice in Europe, known for its blend of style, functionality, and economical diesel powertrains. This article details the specifications and characteristics of the 1.6 HDi (90 Hp) version of the 308 SW I (Phase I).
Peugeot 308 SW I (Phase I): Overview
The first generation Peugeot 308 SW, launched in 2008, built upon the success of the 307 SW, offering improved refinement, safety features, and a more modern design. The “SW” designation signifies “Station Wagon,” highlighting the vehicle’s practical focus. The Phase I models, produced between 2008 and 2011, established the 308 SW as a strong contender in the European market, competing with vehicles like the Ford Focus Estate, Volkswagen Golf Variant, and Renault Mégane Estate. The 1.6 HDi engine option was particularly popular due to its fuel efficiency and reasonable performance.
Engine & Performance
The 308 SW I (Phase I) 1.6 HDi is powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated 9HV DV6TED4BU. This engine produces 90 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 215 Nm (158.58 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1750 rpm. The engine features a turbocharger with an intercooler, enhancing both power and efficiency. The diesel commonrail fuel injection system contributes to smooth operation and reduced emissions. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a maximum speed of 182 km/h (113.09 mph). The engine’s relatively high compression ratio of 18:1 is typical for diesel engines, contributing to their efficiency. The power-to-weight ratio is 15.5 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.5 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 308 SW I (Phase I) is a five-door station wagon with seating for up to five passengers, with some configurations offering optional seven-seat layouts. The vehicle’s exterior design is characterized by a sleek profile, a sloping roofline, and a distinctive front grille. The SW body style provides a generous cargo capacity, ranging from a minimum of 570 liters (20.13 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to a maximum of 1736 liters (61.31 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down.
Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The vehicle’s suspension consists of an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a coil spring torsion beam arrangement at the rear, providing a balance between ride comfort and handling. The steering is rack and pinion with electric power assistance. Wheel sizes varied, with options including 15-inch (195/65 R15), 16-inch (205/55 R16), and 17-inch (225/45 R17) tires mounted on 6.5J, 7J, and 7.5J rims respectively.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 308 |
| Generation | 308 SW I (Phase I, 2008) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 HDi (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5-7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg, 70.6 UK mpg, 25 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 125 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 182 km/h (113.09 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 57.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 215 Nm @ 1750 rpm (158.58 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 9HV DV6TED4BU |
| Engine displacement | 1560 cm3 (95.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.3 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.75 l (3.96 US qt | 3.3 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1392 kg (3068.83 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1970 kg (4343.11 lbs.) |
| Max load | 578 kg (1274.27 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 570 l (20.13 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1736 l (61.31 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load (braked) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (unbraked) | 730 kg (1609.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 60 kg (132.28 lbs.) |
| Length | 4500 mm (177.17 in.) |
| Width | 1815 mm (71.46 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2038 mm (80.24 in.) |
| Height | 1564 mm (61.57 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2708 mm (106.61 in.) |
| Front track | 1526-1536 mm (60.08 – 60.47 in.) |
| Rear track | 1521-1531 mm (59.88 – 60.28 in.) |
| Front overhang | 926 mm (36.46 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 866 mm (34.09 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.7 m (35.1 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
The Peugeot 308 SW I (Phase I) 1.6 HDi offered a compelling package for European buyers seeking a practical, fuel-efficient, and stylish station wagon. Its blend of space, economy, and reasonable performance made it a popular choice in its segment.
