- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.6T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
184kW, 330Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 6L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Peugeot 308 GTi Australian first drive review
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The ingredients are all here.
A mighty turbocharged engine, oversized brakes, serious tyres, retuned suspension and requisite sporting tinsel that promise to turn the highly regarded Peugeot 308 into something of a monster in GTi trim.
This GTi is the brand's first practical five-door hot hatch in more than a decade, calling on the spirit of the critically acclaimed 306 GTi6 of the 1990s while building on more recent efforts such as the 30th anniversary 208 GTi and RCZ-R coupe.
The caveat is that this is not a cheap car, and that buyers must pay the best part of $50,000 for the full GTi experience.
Unlike most markets, Peugeot's Australian arm has decided to offer the new GTi in two forms separated largely by their engine tunes.
Pay $44,990 (plus on-road costs) for the GTi 250 and you'll receive a 1.6-litre engine that makes 184kW and 330Nm, 18-inch wheels, sports suspension, decent brakes, a body kit and sports interior.
Tech includes LED headlights, satellite navigation, a reversing camera and 9.7-inch touchscreen.
A further $5000 brings the 200kW GTi 270 (referencing its horsepower output) which builds on the regular car with extra grunt, a Torsen limited slip differential, 380mm Alcon front brakes, 19-inch wheels with wider and stickier Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber, and better bolstered sports seats with wider shoulder support.
Options include metallic paint for $990, which grows to $1700 if you want the ultimate red hue pictured here and a further $3000 on top of the pearlescent red to have the rear half of the car painted black. Peugeot's two-tone "coupe franche" treatment is reserved exclusively for the more powerful GTI 270, raising its price to $54,690 plus on-road costs.
Owners of the cheaper GTi 250 can jazz up their hatch by replacing 18-inch wheels with lighter 19-inch items and sportier tyres for $1600.
Peugeot is proud of prices that sit around $5000 under its original estimates, though the GTi's sales prospects won't be helped by the lack of an automatic transmission option and a retail sticker significantly higher than Subaru's WRX, Ford's Focus ST and the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Then again, the Peugeot is a welcome alternative to the ubiquitous Golf's popularity in the hatch segment.
The 308's feline style, unique cabin and delicate driving experience carry over to the GTi, which presents beautifully both inside and out. Peugeot's tiny steering wheel, heads-up gauges and coolly crafted cabin feel a class above most rivals, bringing genuine style to a segment more closely associated with no-frills fun.
The clean and modern cabin features twin USB ports to keep gadgets on the go, and an electronic parking brake helps tidy up the cabin while sadly curtailing rally-wannabe shenanigans.
The GTi's seats and steering wheel offer a decent amount of adjustment to accompany a wide range of drivers, though a tight footwell and small, closely-spaced pedals encourage broad-hoofed drivers to be particular with their inputs.
It's easy to snag the left footrest while operating the clutch, and an intimate relationship between brake and throttle makes heel-and-toe downchanges a little tricky.
The 308's manual transmission isn't a shining example of the breed thanks to a slack, long-throw action that lacks the satisfying positivity of a well-honed unit.
But that's not a deal-breaker, as the GTi's little motor works hard to produce a surprising turn of performance, accelerating to 100kmh in six seconds flat in 200kW GTi 270 trim.
The more powerful version also benefits from a flatter torque curve, producing the same type 330Nm torque peak as GTi 250 over a 1500rpm broader bandwidth.
The motor is smooth and largely lag-free, pulling strongly throughout its range until its rev limiter interrupts proceedings.
Though a little short on torque compared with its rivals, the Peugeot's willing motor and trim 1205kg kerb weight lend it a better power-to-weight ratio than alternative machinery.
It also sounds flat, without the rasp or crackle offered by shining examples of the breed. A synthesised throb through the stereo attempts to address this through a sport mode that also sharpens throttle response, though we're unconvinced of its contribution.
Similarly, Peugeot's tiny, oval-shaped steering wheel is an acquired taste that doesn't do much to encourage brisk driving. The 308's light and accurate steering is a little short on feel, and the more powerful model has a dash of torque steer under heavy throttle input.
Fitted with the standard 18-inch wheels, (and no limited slip differential) the GTi 250 rides well but struggles to get its power down on bumpy tarmac.
The opposite is true of the GTi 270, which has a busier ride owing to lower-profile tyres, along with the ability to make the most of its grunt.
Both models offer excellent brake feel and the GTi 270's oversized Alcons held up well during a track session at Tasmania's Baskerville Raceway.
The circuit revealed that Peugeot's contender has huge grip reserves and minimal body roll that should keep plenty of enthusiasts happy.
However, it also suffers from a conservative suspension tune that lacks the tail-happy mobility of Ford or Renault rivals. The Peugeot doesn't like to tighten its line or change direction abruptly, preferring instead to rely on secure grip from supercar-spec rubber.
It's a competent machine that encourages drivers to have a go, though a slightly conservative setup left us wanting more.
The standard 308 represents a return to form for Peugeot, and the GTi is no different.
It's quick, stylish and worthy of consideration among the hot hatch establishment.
Peugeot 308 GTi pricing and specifications:
Price: $44,990 (GTi 250) or $49,990 (GTi 270) plus on-road costs
On sale: Now
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 184kW at 6000rpm (250) or 200kW at 6000rpm (270)
Torque: 330Nm at 1900-4000rpm (250) or 330Nm at 1900-5500rpm (270)
Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel-drive
Fuel use: 6L/100km