The Peugeot 308 SW I (Phase I), produced from 2008 to 2010, represents Peugeot’s entry into the competitive compact station wagon (estate) segment. As the practical, load-lugging variant of the popular 308 hatchback, the SW aimed to provide European families with a versatile and efficient vehicle. While not officially sold in the United States, the 308 SW was a significant model in Europe, offering a compelling alternative to rivals like the Ford Focus Estate and Volkswagen Golf Variant. This particular version, equipped with a 2.0 HDi diesel engine and an automatic transmission, was designed to balance fuel economy with reasonable performance and convenience.
Peugeot 308 SW I (Phase I): Overview
The 308 SW Phase I built upon the foundation of the 308 hatchback, launched in 2007 as a replacement for the 307. The SW variant specifically targeted buyers needing increased cargo capacity and practicality. The Phase I designation refers to the initial iteration of the SW model, with subsequent updates and revisions occurring in later years. The vehicle’s design prioritized a blend of style, functionality, and modern technology for its time, appealing to a broad demographic within the European market.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 308 SW I 2.0 HDi Automatic is a 1997 cc (121.86 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine, identified by the code RHR DW10BTED4, produces 136 horsepower (Hp) at 4000 rpm and a substantial 320 Newton-meters (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2000 rpm. The use of a turbocharger and intercooler significantly enhances the engine’s output, providing a good balance of power and efficiency. The engine’s common rail direct fuel injection system contributes to refined operation and reduced emissions. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the 308 SW achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 197 km/h (122.41 mph). Fuel economy figures, measured using the NEDC standard, are rated at 7.1 liters per 100 kilometers (33.1 US mpg) combined, with 9.7 l/100km (24.2 US mpg) in urban conditions and 5.6 l/100km (42 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle. The engine meets Euro 4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 308 SW I Phase I is a five-door station wagon, typically seating five passengers, with some configurations offering optional seven-seat layouts. Its exterior design shares many cues with the 308 hatchback, but extends rearward to create a significantly larger cargo area. The SW’s elongated roofline and extended rear overhang contribute to its increased practicality. Key features include a spacious interior, a flexible seating arrangement, and a large trunk (boot) offering between 570 liters (20.13 cu. ft.) and 1736 liters (61.31 cu. ft.) of cargo space depending on the rear seats’ configuration. Standard safety equipment for the era included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and driver/passenger airbags. The vehicle’s suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a coil spring torsion beam arrangement at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and predictable handling. Power steering is electrically assisted, reducing driver effort. Available wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches, with tire sizes varying accordingly (215/55 R16, 225/45 R17, 225/40 R18).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 308 |
| Generation | 308 SW I (Phase I, 2008) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 HDi (136 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5-7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 9.7 l/100 km (24.2 US mpg, 29.1 UK mpg, 10.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg, 14.1 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 187 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 197 km/h (122.41 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.8 kg/Hp, 85 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm, 200 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2000 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | RHR DW10BTED4 |
| Engine displacement | 1997 cm3 (121.86 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.25 l (5.55 US qt | 4.62 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.2 l (8.66 US qt | 7.21 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2240 kg (4938.35 lbs.) |
| Max load | 640 kg (1410.96 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) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1650 kg (3637.63 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 70 kg (154.32 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 (Back) 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 (turning diameter) | 10.7 m (35.1 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring, Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
