WHEN the Good Lord said "Let there be light," I doubt he had the Peugeot 307 SW particularly in mind.
But if ever a car was made for enjoying daylight, it's this one.Courtesy of its massive, panoramic glass roof, even in darkest November, you appreciate the terrific airiness it gives to the vehicle.
Peugeot 307 hatchbacks already enjoy the largest front screen of any car in their class at 1.46 square metres.
In the 307 SW, this is supplemented by three large windows along each side, a deep rear screen and that full-width glazed area in the roof covering a whopping 1.33 square metres from the top of the windscreen to the area just above the third row of seats.
A sequentially-sliding electric blind allows owners to choose just how much or how little sunlight to let in through the roof, while manual or automatic climate control systems ensure the cabin temperature is kept cool even on the hottest days.
What that all means is that a third of its total body area is glazed, making this is the ideal vehicle for sightseeing adventures.
With my wife and two children aboard, plus the weekly shopping, it still felt positively cavernous. Peugeot's boast that with a normal family of five aboard and the middle row of seats in their rearmost position, it can easily take a family's holiday luggage, is no idle one.
I think it would even cope with the luggage of the Richards clan - and there are few vehicles I have come across that can really do that.
It can cater for up to seven people and is extremely versatile and flexible. There are three individual sliding seats across the centre of the car, all of which can be folded flat, jack-knifed into an upright position behind the driver and front passenger, relocated to accommodate just two passengers in the centre row, or removed altogether leaving two separate folding or removable occasional seats (available as accessories) in the rear.
But style, flair and performance have not been sacrificed for all this room and orientation toward leisure.
For the 307 SW combines elements of a traditional mid-sized estate and a medium-sized people carrier and the results are very impressive, maintaining the dynamic performance and exceptional driving characteristics associated with Peugeot.
Four engines from the 307 hatchbacks are available in the SW and my test vehicle featured the 2.0 litre HDi turbodiesel, which was raspy - in an enjoyable way - at times, and delivered plenty of power. In statistical terms that means you can achieve the 0-62mph sprint in just under 14 seconds and on to a maximum of 114mph.
Meanwhile, in the economy stakes, it returns a satisfying 52.3mpg on the combined fuel consumption cycle.
I found it very relaxing to drive and - the acid test for me - I wanted to make journeys in it, even when none were necessary. Every ride was soothing and the handling was positive.
The suspension system of the hatchback and the SW are largely the same, except for modifications to cope with the increased loads the SW is likely to carry. With this in mind, variable rate shock absorbers are fitted to the rear.
Its smaller hatchback sibling claimed the International Car of the Year award in 2002 and has already notched up more than 400,000 sales. Expect the leisure-focused 307 SW to achieve similar success.
FAST FACTS
Peugeot 307 SW SE 2.0 HDi 110
Price: 16,460
Mechanical: 106bhp, 1997cc 4-cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-spd gearbox
Max speed: 114mph
0-62mph: 13.8secs
Combined mpg: 52.3
Insurance group: 6
CO2 emissions: 143g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs / 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust