GONE are the days when estate models were the unfortunate but necessary compromise families had to make on style when more room was required.
So, as well as offering more space compared to the normal 308 hatchback, the SW GT flagship model is at least as good if not better looking than its smaller sibling.
This elegant motor benefits from an appealing face, shapely sides and a well crafted rear. It is longer and wider than the hatchback which, as well as creating more cabin space, allows large wraparound rear lights, rock-star black windows and natty roof rails to put in an appearance.
The GT also gets a lowered suspension as well as extra sparkly bits thanks to a sporty bodykit that marks it out from the Peugeot 308 pack.
The interior is similarly attractive with a small but perfectly formed steering wheel finished with perforated leather trim and GT badge. Unusually, the high-set dials are visible over the wheel rather than through it. The placement feels a bit odd at first but you soon get used to it and indeed I quite liked the set up by the end of my week with the car.
A large touchscreen houses the controls for the audio system, satellite navigation and climate control leaving the centre console looking clean and uncluttered.
Other goodies include parking sensors, keyless entry and cruise control as well as an array of safety kit including an emergency collision alert system to help avoid accidents.
There is also an electronic parking brake which frees up storage space in the form of a covered bin between the driver and front seat passenger while cup holders and door pockets provide plenty of space for your odds and sods.
There are several nice touches in the GT model including natty red stitching around the dashboard, door panels, gear lever gaiter and floor mats. Aluminium pedals as well as stainless steel sill finishers add to the classy feel.
The panoramic glass roof is a £500 optional extra - but I would suggest it's well worth the expense as it lets light flood into the cabin creating an airy, pleasant atmosphere.
There's plenty of storage room in the boot for a family's everyday needs as well as the option of folding the rear seats flat. This leaves a cave-like amount of space which came in particularly handy when moving an awe-inspiring amount of kit and equipment from my daughter's university flat to our home for her summer break.
Under the bonnet a powerful yet frugal four-cylinder 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 diesel engine lurks. Linked to a slick six-speed automatic gearbox it propels the car to 62mph from a standing start in a shade over eight seconds on its way to a claimed top speed of 135mph while delivering fuel economy approaching 70mpg. Carbon dioxide emissions are also pleasingly low which make it a desirable company car choice.
A Driver Sport Pack delivers a host of intriguing features including a throatier sounding exhaust, a red display when the car is switched to sport mode, a tweak that makes the power steering more responsive, and steering wheel-mounted control paddles for manual operation of gear changes.