Peugeot 307 SW 2.0
2003-02-05 10:24
Author: Wilmer Muller
We all know that station wagons aren't what they used to be. Gone are the days of boxy and very bland station wagons - manufacturers don't even refer to the term "station wagon" any more.
These days they name it estate or tourer, or even sportwagon, while in Peugeot's case, they refer to it as an SW - which according to Peugeot doesn't necessarily means station wagon... don't ask why! But then again the Peugeot 307 SW isn't actually just a station wagon.
In fact the Peugeot 307 SW is tending to be more an MPV than a station wagon. This trendy people carrier, which is based on Peugeot's award winning 307 hatchback, has a sleek design with a very high roofline.
The SW?s wheelbase is 100mm longer than the five-door hatch and one thing is also for sure, the SW is much bigger than you realise. Then there is its most outstanding feature - the roof!
Yeah, yeah what is so special about the roof? Fact is, this isn't just any roof, because two-thirds of it is reflective glass. And believe me it is amazing! Not only does it brighten up the driver's and the passenger's lives but it also compliments the overall design.
Design
There is no question about this car's looks. The 307 SW is one of the most stylish cars on our roads and it stands out in a crowd.
During the test I realised that it attracts all kinds of people such as young upcoming executives, surfers, students and of course mothers...
It is like the world comes to a standstill when you drive the 307 because everyone just gazes at this humungous car with its sleek lines? and the spellbinding glass roof.
The vast glass roof also does a lot for the 307's interior. As expected the car feels airy and it also contributes to a relax feeling.
But if the sun's rays get a bit too much there is an electrically-operated blind. It is also a good idea to make use of this blind when the 307 is parked in the sun to combat heat build-up.
Interior
The car is also quite roomy and its spaciousness was another hit with us. As I mentioned the 307 SW is actually more in the MPV class. It has ample leg, shoulder and headroom with a dozen or more stowage places, which includes an air-conditioned glove box to keep cold drinks cool.
Ergonomics are good and all controls are easy to operate and within easy reach of the driver. The overall quality of materials used is good.
The front seats offer more than enough comfort and to make longer journeys ever more pleasurable there are also foldaway armrests for front passengers.
Luxury items on the 307 SW include a very effective climate control, a radio/front-loading CD player, illuminated vanity mirrors, map lights, electric windows, automatic headlights, rain-sensitive wipers and 12-volt power sockets.
In the rear there are actually three individual seats and all of them have a bit of fore-aft adjustment and are easy to reposition. These seats are also removable to increase luggage space.
At the back of the front seats there are aviation-style tray tables. To compliment this the centre seat in the rear also folds down to reveal a moulded plastic surface that has recesses for four cans, two penholders and A4-sized storage.
Our test vehicle also had the optional third row of seats, but I realised on my way to a friend's batchelor's party that these removable seats are actually intended for children and not grown-up men.
When the optional row of seats in the luggage area is in use there is very little space left. Unlike the Opel Zafira these seats don't fold into the floor and one must remove them to make use of the luggage area.
Loading objects through the rear hatch is very easy thanks to a low loading sill. Placing the full sized spare wheel underneath the car has also reduced the floor height
Performance and road manners
The 2-litre 16-valve engine has an output of 100kW and the 307 SW has plenty of torque. Torque is 190Nm at 4 100 r/min and pulls the 1.4 ton body with unexpected ease.
Top speed for this model is in the region of 200km/h and the claimed overall fuel consumption of 8.3-litres/100km.
The SW features the same superb suspension setup which is found on the 307 five-door, but it was altered a bit to accommodate the SW's longer wheelbase.
In the front there are pseudo inverted MacPherson struts with lower L-shaped control arms, as well as an anti-roll bar. The rear setup makes use of a torsion beam axle and an anti-roll bar.
This design results in a high ride quality and the SW has full-time ESP to ensure that its road-manners stay impeccable.
Although the SW is a long car it is fairly easy to guide and its speed-sensitive power steering has excellent feedback.
The SW's safety features include airbags, ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution, all-round head rests and inertia reel seatbelts for all seven seats.
Conclusion
The Peugeot 307 SW is a posh vehicle with great flexibility. Although its overall performance isn't earth shattering the SW is a good all-rounder.
Its versatility and handsome design will appeal to different kind of people, but it is the ideal car for a family of five. I?m also almost sure that its panoramic glass roof is a huge selling point.
The 307's competitors include the Opel Zafira, Renault Scenic and VW Golf Estate. Although the competition is tough the SW is a viable alternative.
The SW?s image is a cut above that of the competitions and it is definitely the prettiest in its class. Furthermore it offers an entertaining drive and the total package (and the panoramic roof!) will definitely brighten up your life.
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