In terms of fuel costs, expenses are low across the range. Most fuel-efficient is the new BlueHDi 120 diesel engine, which is claimed to average an astonishing 88.3mpg. Even if you don’t get near that figure in day to day driving you still won’t spend a great deal of time at the pumps.

The petrols are pretty parsimonious too, both engines averaging 60mpg when combined with 15- or 16-inch wheels.

It’s worth noting that Peugeot 308 SW running costs are very sensitive to wheel and tyre size. The larger 17- and 18-inch rims round on Allure and Feline trims have a negative impact on both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. For instance, the 1.2 e-THP 130 petrol engine averages a claimed 60.1mpg with 15- or 16-inch wheels but 56.5mpg with 17- or 18-inch equivalents.

Insurance grouping is to be confirmed at the time of writing.

Peugeot 308 SW emissions are, frankly, incredibly low. The worst – although that’s a relative term – CO2 output belongs to the automatic-transmission PureTech 1.2 130 petrol engine and even that is a seriously low 119g/km.

Cleanest of the lot, in terms of CO2 at least, is the BlueHDi 120bhp which emits just 85g/km when matched with the smaller 15- or 16-inch wheels (the 17- and 18-inch rims use an extra 3g/km). Pretty astounding, really. The question is how well it’ll fare later on in life when the particulate filters reach the end of their natural life. It’s worth mentioning that this engine is good to drive, too – it doesn’t feel strangled or laggy in the way that some ‘clean’ diesels do.

The low emissions are partly thanks to the 308 SW’s relatively light weight for its size – it’s a full 140kg lighter than the previous-generation 308 SW, partly thanks to innovative components such as a predominantly plastic tailgate.

Fitted to a third of models are low-rolling resistance tyres developed together with Michelin which are said to have a wear rate equal to regular tyres and effective braking distances on wet roads.

See our Facts and Figures section for full CO2 listings.

While the PureTech three-cylinder engines are new, the rest of the engine and gearbox range is tried and tested. Interior fit and finish is impressive and the materials used feel durable, too. Overall, Peugeot 308 SW reliability should be reasonably robust.