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Is it an Estate?
Is it an MPV?
No, Its the Ingenious
New Peugeot 307 SW
T he 307 three- and five-door hatchbacks claimed the prestigious International Car of the Year award in 2002. The leisure-oriented 307 SW is quite clearly a close relative of those cars, but one with even greater versatility. It can seat up to seven people or swallow huge loads, or any combination in-between, without recourse to the more mundane appearance that blights other cars that aim to offer similar flexibility.
ACCOMMODATION
There are three individual sliding seats across the centre of the car, all of which can be folded flat, jack-knifed into an upright position behind the driver and front passenger, relocated to accommodate just two passengers in the centre row or removed altogether leaving two separate folding or removable occasional seats (available as accessories) in the rear. All passengers get a three-point seat belt.
To ensure all occupants get the maximum sensation of light and space within the car, a third of the total body area is glazed. A sequentially-sliding electric blind allows owners to choose just how much or how little sunlight to let in through the roof, while manual or automatic climate control systems ensure the cabin temperature is kept cool on even the hottest days.
In two-seater mode the cargo area is truly cavernous. A low boot sill and grooved stainless-steel runners ease loading of heavy items. The main luggage areas are supported by an ingenious selection of in-car storage spaces. The 307 hatchback's air-conditioned glovebox, central storage, under-seat drawers, large door bins and myriad storage spaces are retained.
The 307 SW adds side nets in the boot, rigid storage in the back of the central seat, map pockets in the back of the four outer-rear seats and aviation-style tables on the back of the two front seats and embossed into the rear of the centre seat. There are two 12-volt sockets so that drinks coolers or portable electronic games can be connected on the move.
Comfort and luxury equipment on all models will include manual or automatic air conditioning, a CD player, remote central locking, electric front windows and door mirrors, driver and passenger seat-height adjustment and two-way movement of the steering column.
Elegant, integral, satin-chrome roof bars ensure the 307 SW is only 30mm taller than the hatchback, yet they allow 100 kg of cycles, skis, surfboards or suitcases to be carried outside the car. As befits a car with such a large glass area, air conditioning is also standard. In the SE this is a full digital climate control system. Separate outlets ensure the rear of the cabin and the glovebox also benefit from chilled air, and the system includes a pollen filter, and a charcoal trap to prevent traffic odours reaching the cabin. Other creature comforts include a radio and compact disc player, with a multi-disc autochanger on SE versions.
Both trim levels come with six speakers, steering column controls and
speed-related volume adjustment. Both S and SE models have remote central locking which also closes any electrically-operated window inadvertently left open. S models have front electric windows while in the SE all four side windows are motorised.
ENGINE OPTIONS
The TU5 JP4 1.6-litre (1,587 cc) petrol engine does 0-62 mph in 12.8 seconds, with a maximum speed of 113 mph, while on the combined economy cycle it achieves 36.7 mpg.
The EW10 J4 2.0-litre (1,997 cc) petrol engine, has a very respectable 0-62 mph time of 10.5-seconds with a 124 mph maximum speed, Its combined fuel figure is 34.0 mpg.
The DW10 TD 2.0-litre (1997 cc) HDi turbodiesel engine covers 0-62 mph in 14.9 seconds and reaches a 108 mph maximum speed while managing 52.3 mpg in the official combined cycle.
The more powerful DW10 ATED (FAP) manages 0-62 mph in 13.8 seconds and goes on to a maximum speed of 114 mph, with a mean combined fuel consumption figure of only 52.3 mpg.
PRICES
The Peugeot 307 SW is available in two levels of trim, eleven body colours and three different interior finishes: cobalt, titan and cedar. Prices start at £13,660 on the road for the 1.6 litre S model with five seats, with two additional seats available at £165 each.
Visit Peugeot online: www.peugeot.com
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