Peugeot Australia pushing France for more sporty GT models

Peugeot has confirmed the GT variant will once again headline the mid-size 508 line-up when the new-look model arrives in Australia around March, joining petrol and diesel versions of the 308 GT compact sports hatch that are due to launch in the coming weeks.

The sports-tuned Peugeot 508 GT sedan and wagon boast a range of performance and visual enhancements over the regular variants.

Chief among these is the carryover 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, which produces 150kW of power and 450Nm of torque. Other upgrades include double-wishbone front suspension, unique 19-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon direction headlights, and GT badges.

Final pricing details have not been announced at this stage. The run-out 508 GT sedan costs $55,490 before on-road charges and the wagon commands a $3000 premium.

The smaller 308 GT will be available with the choice of 150kW/285Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol and 131kW/400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engines.

They benefit from specially tuned steering, throttle pedal mapping and transmission shifts, and an amplified engine note to enhance their sporting credentials, along with a new Magnetic Blue paint colour, 18-inch alloys, exclusive interior trim, red instrument illumination, and extra sports instruments to help them look the part.

Peugeot is also yet to announce prices for this duo, though we’re expecting them to start between $35,000 and $40,000. Wagon versions are available overseas, but the local division has not given the green light to those variants for our market at this stage.

Following the release of the 308 GT twins and the updated 508 GT, Peugeot Australia national marketing manager Dimitri Andreatidis says the brand will communicate with head office in France to discuss opportunities to expand its performance-themed range.

“Australians love performance and sports-oriented models, as proven by the response to the 208 GTi, so there is an opening for us to talk to a range of customers who don’t necessarily want the high-performance experience of a GTi variant,” Andreatidis said.

“The GT Line will give us the ability to offer a vehicle that offers visual and performance upgrades, while still maintaining comfort in day-to-day driving duties.

“The first step in broadening the GT Line will be the launch of the all-new 308 GT in 2015. From there we will be working with France to investigate a number of opportunities to grow this segment in the future.”

Read about all the new and updated models joining Peugeot’s line-up in 2015 here.