2016 Peugeot 308 GTi 270 she says, he says review
She: Peugeot's hot hatches have enjoyed an illustrious history. The GTi name shot to fame when the iconic 205 GTi was launched in the early eighties and many argue the French brand has never topped it. The new 308 joins the impressive 208 GTi and is tuned by the company's in-house racing division Peugeot Sport. So the brand has high hopes for its new range-topping 308 GTi 270. Steve, what was your first impression?
He: First up I think it is a stylish looking hot hatch. Personally I like the current 308 range and the additions Peugeot Sport has made to the GTi give it a real look of purpose without going over the top. And that goes for the interior as well. But of course, it needs to have substance as well as style and they've added plenty of go-fast bits to it.
She: That's the beauty about this hot hatch. It looks subtle on the outside but under the bonnet is a missile. The turbocharged 1.6–litre four cylinder petrol engine pumps out 200kW, while the 330Nm in torque makes it feel like you're driving a top-notch sports car. It reaches 0-100 kph in just 6.0 seconds but it doesn't really feel like you're going fast because it's so smooth and effortless. I must say I really loved driving this car. It's probably one of my favourites so far. I also like that Peugeot only makes this in a six-speed manual transmission. It keeps it pure and makes the driving experience more authentic. The sports mode adds a new dimension. The exhaust sounds gruntier and it feels more responsive. Performance wise, how did you find it?
He: I really enjoy the 308, Dani. Like you say, the little engine punches out good performance but ultimately it does run out of puff compared to its rivals with 2.0-litre or larger engines. But the Peugeot doesn't need a big engine because it is so light. It weighs 1205kg which is incredibly light for a modern hot hatch; by comparison the Volkswagen Golf GTI weighs over 100kg more and the Ford Focus RS is over 300kg more (thanks in part to its all-wheel drive system). Ultimately the lightness makes the 308 GTi feel really nimble and agile on the road, responding to inputs very quickly - just what you want in a car like this.
She: I think it's a great car to drive. As you mentioned before, it's stylish but not over the top and that subtleness adds to Peugeot's charm. The LED headlights, black radiator grille, twin chrome exhaust pipes at the rear, 19-inch alloy wheels, grippy Michelin Super Sport tyres and GTi badging set the tone. When you step inside the cabin, it's surprising how bare it looks but it's so sophisticated. The French brand has provided an excellent example of minimalism, complemented by the use of high end materials. The Alcantara Peugeot Sport driver's seat, red-stitched leather, aluminium pedals, gear knob and sill plates are quite lush. I really liked the small leather steering wheel too. It's well designed and adds to that 'racing car' feel. However, I did find the steering wheel obstructed the instrument panel, even after I adjusted it. Would you agree?
He: I agree on both points about the interior. Yes, it is a pretty minimalist cabin but it is very well executed by the Peugeot designers - feeling sophisticated, not plain. And yes, as much as I like the compact steering wheel I couldn't position it exactly where I wanted it without blocking part of the speedo. So I think we agree that we both like the 308 GTi to drive but now comes the $49,990 question - is it worth the money? That price puts it well above the likes of its front-drive rivals such as the Ford Focus ST (from $38,990) and Golf GTI (from $40,990) and instead competing with the Focus RS (from $50,990) and VW Golf R (from $52,740). Does it do enough to win you over completely, Dani?
She: It actually does Steve. Admittedly it's pricey and for that you'd expect a number of optional extras which aren't provided. But it's exceptional to drive and flawless on the road. In the fiercely contested hot hatch market, pricing may work against Peugeot but the French car maker is probably trying to reinstate itself as the premium hot-hatch king. I think performance wise, the 308 GTi 270 is among the best in its category. For the purists, that might be enough to win them over.
He: For me, as much as I like the Peugeot the price puts me off. The Ford Focus ST is just as much fun to drive for less money, even if the styling and the interior isn't as nice. And at the other end I think the for another grand the Ford Focus RS a lot more bang for your bucks. But the 308 GTi certainly proves the French brand has got its hot hatch mojo back.
2016 Peugeot 308 GTi 270 pricing and specifications
Price: From $49,990 plus on-road costs
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 200kW at 6000rpm
Torque: 330Nm at 1900-5500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Fuel use: 6.0L/100km