Peugeot 308 GTI production halted for WLTP, local supply unaffected

Peugeot has halted production of the 308 GTi for four months, as it works to revise the car's 1.6-litre engine to pass incoming World harmonised Light vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP) standards.

Local supply of the turbo tearaway, which finished fifth in our recent hot hatch mega test, shouldn't be affected by the break in production at Peugeot's factory in Sochaux, France.

Speaking to CarAdvice, the company said the pause will have "no impact on local supply or production", with plenty of cars already on the ground and on their way.

According to reports from Europe, the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine will need a new particulate filter to meet Euro 6.2 emissions standards under the new WLTP test process.

Other manufacturers are currently facing the same challenges, with Volkswagen pointing the finger production at delays caused by the test standard for model changes across the Passat range.

You can expect to see more news about production breaks and powertrain changes in the coming months, as the test procedure comes into force.

Although it's not strictly down to WLTP, the Peugeot 208 GTi three-door also looks like it's headed the way of the dodo. A new 208 is expected to launch at next year's Geneva motor show, with reports suggesting it'll have five doors and a new range of engines – including a hybrid offering, facilitated by the CMP underpinnings developed alongside Dongfeng Motors.

Local supply of the 208 GTi is still good, and the car isn't in runout yet, but that may not be the case for long. As for how Peugeot will farewell the car? We've heard insider chat suggesting a limited-edition version of the car could be coming, although what form it'll take remains to be seen.

Fingers crossed it looks something like the 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport previously offered overseas, with its mechanical limited-slip differential, wider track and lower suspension.

Stay tuned to CarAdvice for more information on the 208 GTi's farewell in the coming months.

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