2016 Peugeot 308 GTi review

IT’S BEEN 15 YEARS since a 308 wore the GTi badge in Australia, but now it’s back and you can choose from two different flavours.

Developed by Peugeot Sport which is clearly on a roll; the 308 GTi is the fourth road car project in three years, following hot on the heels (and we do mean “hot”) of the RCZ R, the 208 GTi 30th and the 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport. All three are fire crackers.

1.6-litres, not the more usual 2.0-litres.

For most hot hatch enthusiasts, the formula usually starts with a two-litre engine (big engine in small runabout body), but Peugeot has broken the mould by electing to go with a 1.6-litre petrol engine. The entry level GTi 250 gets by with 184kW (250hp – hence the name) and the more track day-focused GTi 270 ups the ante to 200kW (270hp). Both come only with a six-speed manual, and no matter how good a manual is, these days, plenty of buyers will walk away if they can’t opt for an auto. It will be their loss.

19-inch alloys, standard on GTi 270, optional on GTi 250.

While both models have been given some suspension and chassis modifications (more on these later) as befits a model aimed at weekend warriors, the GTi 270 has been enhanced with some additional upgrades including engine mods, upgraded front brake package (co-developed with Alcon), a Torsen limited-slip differential and lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels (these save 500 grams per corner, and that’s particularly important as it’s both unsprung and rotating mass). Pre-orders are running 70:30 in favour of the GTi 270. Pricing is 308 GTi 250: $44,990 (+ORC); and 308 GTi 270 $49,990 (+ORC).

So, let’s address the issue of engine size and power. As any keen driver knows, the real defining characteristic is not just power but power-to-weight. The 270 comes in with each kilowatt expected to move 6kg (the GTi weighs in at 65kg more than the 308 Access and a mere 5kg heavier than the manual 308 GT for a total kerb weight of 1205kg). The 270 covers the zero to 100km/h dash in six seconds flat and does the standing start kilometre in 25.3 seconds. The less muscular 250 does the same runs in 6.2 seconds and 25.6 seconds respectively; it offers power-to-weight of 6.55kg per kilowatt. Weight distribution is 63:37 front to rear.

As usual with hot hatches, the GTi sits lower than its garden-variety sibling; in this case, 11mm lower. The turbocharger runs at 2.5 bar (or 36psi in old money).

Visually, the GTi twins are differentiated from lesser 308s by unique front and rear bumpers, red highlights (chrome on red cars and the black-and-red Coupe Franche), sports seats, dual exhausts with black surround, alloy pedals and the almost-obligatory red stitching. The 250 sits on 18-inch Diamant alloy wheels (and Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres) while the 270 gets 19-inch Carbone alloys shod with Michelin Super Sport tyres (235/35 R19 91Y), which can be optioned for $1600 on the 250 if required.

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