Top 10: 308 SW
Last year, Miguel Olfindo reviewed the 308 SW and couldn't stop raving about it. So I had to see for myself and I've picked the 10 best things about it.
Those seats
I actually can’t stress this enough. The seats are wonderful. You can drive as far as you please without feeling an ounce of fatigue by the time you reach your destination.
They’re massively supportive yet very comfortable at the same time. They're easily one of the best seats in the business at any given price point.
Stellar fuel economy
1.6-liter engine may not move mountains with its torque, but it can surely sip fuel like a mouse. I managed to do 12.5 km/L with a lot of heavy Metro Manila traffic.
It has more than enough power for our country’s tight streets and you’ll surely visit fuel stations much less than you’re used to. After all, who enjoys trips to fuel stations?
Steering wheel
At first the the size of the steering wheel is silly, but once you've gotten used to it, you can’t help but think that it’s the way forward.
Every other steering wheel after feels like it belongs to a Canter truck. The size also offers a sensation that the car is a lot smaller than it actually is.
Climate Control
For something that comes out of France, you’d expect the climate control system to fall short from its Asian competitors, yet it blows them out of the water.
If you’re about to have a heat stroke, you’re best off jumping into one of these. It has an efficient and quiet way of cooling the cabin, and in this country, that's half the battle won.
Design Language
Look at it. Isn’t it so sophisticated yet so elegant at the same time? It’s a beautiful thing to look at it even in this mid-spec Allure trim. Don't forget the roof rack.
It is unmistakably European with supple curves that highlight a flowing design language. Peugeot's cars are getting more beautiful by the minute, and this is a stark example of that.
The Engine
This is one of the smoothest diesel engines in the market today, besting some of the offerings from Europeans cars that cost twice the price.
Inside, you’ll be hard pressed to even think that an oil-burner lurks underneath the bonnet. It is so muted regardless of how hard you're stepping on the pedal.
NVH Rating
The NVH rating of this car is superb, and I mean it. You are isolated beautifully from annoying quirks that plague most cars on the road.
It has European luxury levels of solidity and isolation from external noise and vibrations at a pinch of the price. This makes the experience a lot more peaceful inside.
LED Lighting
This car can illuminate the road further and clearer than most cars I've tested. I’ve always said that some LED lighting equipment on cars aren't as well-developed as Xenon headlamps, but this car isn’t one of them.
It illuminates the road superbly, and in turn, offers more confidence while driving when the sun bails out. You tend to take these things for granted until you step into another car that you thought had great headlights.
Audio System
I’m a bit picky when it comes to audio systems, because who wants a tin can for speakers nowadays? Well, I’m happy to report that this car is equipped with a great one.
I’m not quite sure which company manufactures them, but I am impressed with it. It has crisp highs, clear mids, and precise low frequency bass. It’s a very well-rounded system.
Suspension
The ride of this car is pretty good. It strikes a great balance of sportiness and comfort without making too much of a compromise.
It handles tightly through corners and it floats over long highways. This setup makes for a fantastic long distance wagon.
2016 Peugeot 308 SW 1.6 Diesel Allure
| Engine: | 1,560cc, BlueHDi |
| Fuel: | Diesel |
| Power: | 120 bhp @ 3,500 rpm |
| Torque: | 300 Nm @ 1,750 rpm |
| Transmission: | 6-speed Automatic, FWD |
| 0-100 km/h: | 10.6 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 195 km/h |
| Fuel Economy: | 12.5 km/L Overall |
| Price: | PHP1,740,000 |
| +: | Sporty steering and handling, fuel efficient, spacious |
| -: | No navigation system, only one cupholder, no keyless entry system |
| Verdict: | Very practical yet fun car to drive |
| Rating: | 8.5/10 |
Ex-Automotive Executive
Instagram: @enzoteodoro
