SOME cars are more than happy to sit posing on the driveway. Others just beg to be driven.

Peugeot’s practical 308 SW sits squarely in the latter camp and is one of those versatile vehicles that is at its happiest when a long journey beckons.

Whether that journey involves loads of luggage, or lots of people, is immaterial, as the ace up the SW’s sleeve is an optional extra pair of seats hidden beneath the flat loadspace, giving it seven-seater capability.

The SW is a compact car but offers big car features, not least of which is a panoramic glass roof that is almost a third larger than before. A neat opening rear tailgate glass is also fitted, which is useful in crowded car parks.

Useful is a word that just about sums up the SW. The rear seats in the second row are all individual, easy to remove, identical in size and offer a multitude of combinations.

The two seats in the third row can be folded flat and with the second row seats folded as well, create a flat floor, which makes loading of bulky items much easier. In addition, the front passenger seat folds flat, to allow loads up to 3.1m long to be carried.

Built into the rear of the seats are airline-style folding trays for the second row passengers, with a pen holder and cup/can holder. There is also a storage pocket for magazines and maps.

Now if this is starting to paint a picture of a rather dull, utilitarian, van-like vehicle, think again.

The huge glass roof, with an equally large, electrically-operated sun blind, provides a refreshing level of interior brightness and a feeling of space and light, particularly for those in the rear two rows of seats.

And the 136 horsepower delivered by the test car’s 2.0-litre diesel engine makes the SW a seriously dynamic performer.

As well as being practical, the interior of the latest SW is also a very classy place. Yes, the test model sits at the top of the range, and positively bulges with equipment, but the whole range, which is priced from about £17,500, has a quality fit, finish and feel.

The instrumentation is an elegant blend of grey and white, chrome-rimmed dials with thin, glowing red needles and the satnav screen glides upwards from the top of the dashboard, delivering crystal clear colour mapping.

Other goodies include everything from dual zone air conditioning, front seat lumbar support and arm rest to a fragrance diffuser, dark tinted rear windows and tyre pressure sensors.

On the safety front, the car is available with an electronic stability programme, traction control and up to seven airbags, including one on the steering column. A seatbelt sensor warning system even operates on the removable second row seats.

The use of the latest technology in combined with the car’s efficient aerodynamics, weight-saving measures and the use of Michelin Energy Saver tyres, give the 308 SW fuel consumption up to 13 per cent less than the 307 SW.

But above all, it’s the quiet ride, handling and comfort offered that makes the 308 SW a winner on any family trip, however long.

In an earlier incarnation of the SW, I set out for a Sunday afternoon drive with my daughter and we only stopped when we ran out of road – literally. Our adventure ended when we met the sea at Fishguard Harbour, in Pembrokeshire, and had to turn round . . .

Auto facts Peugeot 308 SW 2.0 HDi FAP

  • Price: £24,045
  • Insurance group: 20E (1-50)
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 42.1mpg
  • Top speed: 122mph
  • Length: 450cm/177.1in
  • Width: 181.5cm/71.4in
  • Luggage capacity: 20.6 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 13.2 gallons/ 60 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 174g/km
  • Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles