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 a practical and stylish vehicle, the 308 SW aimed to provide European families with a versatile and fuel-efficient option. While not officially sold in the United States, the 308 SW was a popular choice in Europe, offering a blend of comfort, practicality, and Peugeot’s signature driving dynamics. The “Sport” trim, equipped with the 1.6 16V VTi engine producing 120 horsepower, was positioned as a mid-range offering, balancing performance with affordability.
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 increased refinement and a more modern design. The SW designation signifies “Station Wagon,” highlighting the vehicle’s focus on cargo capacity and family-oriented practicality. The Phase I models, produced until 2010, established the 308 SW as a key player in the European market, competing with vehicles like the Ford Focus Estate, Volkswagen Golf Variant, and Renault Mégane Estate. The Sport trim level, featuring the 1.6 VTi engine, provided a balance between fuel economy and adequate performance for everyday driving.
Engine & Performance
The Peugeot 308 SW I Sport 1.6 16V VTi is powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated the 5FW EP6. This naturally aspirated 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 double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 12 seconds and a maximum speed of 189 km/h (117.44 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 12 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 9 kg/Nm. Fuel economy, measured using the NEDC standard, is rated at 6.9-7.1 l/100 km (34.1-33.1 US mpg) combined, with urban consumption ranging from 9.5-9.8 l/100 km (24.8-24 US mpg) and extra-urban figures of 5.4-5.6 l/100 km (43.6-42 US mpg). CO2 emissions are rated between 164-169 g/km, meeting Euro 4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 308 SW I (Phase I) Sport boasts a classic station wagon body style, characterized by its extended roofline and large rear cargo area. The vehicle offers seating for five, with some configurations offering optional seven-seat layouts. The exterior design incorporates Peugeot’s styling cues of the era, including a prominent front grille and sculpted body lines. Inside, the 308 SW prioritizes practicality and comfort. The interior features a functional dashboard layout and comfortable seating. Key features of the Sport trim included air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as modern vehicles, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and driver/passenger airbags. The SW’s primary appeal lies in its spacious interior and generous cargo capacity, offering 573 liters (20.24 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up and expanding to 1736 liters (61.31 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4500 mm (177.17 in) in length, 1815 mm (71.46 in) in width, and 1564 mm (61.57 in) in height.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 308 |
| Generation | 308 SW I (Phase I, 2008) |
| Type (Engine) | Sport 1.6 16V VTi (120 Hp) |
| 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 (urban) | 9.5-9.8 l/100 km (24.8 – 24 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.4-5.6 l/100 km (43.6 – 42 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.9-7.1 l/100 km (34.1 – 33.1 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 164-169 g/km |
| 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 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9 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 | 5FW EP6 |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85.8 mm (3.38 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1440 kg (3174.66 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2100 kg (4629.71 lbs.) |
| Max load | 660 kg (1455.05 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 573 l (20.24 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%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 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.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual 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 |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16; 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16; 7.5J x 17 |
