There\u2019s more choice than ever in the hot hatchback class \u2013 alongside this new Peugeot 308 GTi, Renaultsport\u2019s Megane 275 Trophy has been released, Honda massaged 306bhp out of the new Civic Type R and Ford will break new ground with the 345bhpFocus RS later next year.<\/p>\n
So, while the 266bhp Pug may look down on paper compared to the 300bhp-plus hatches elsewhere, don\u2019t count it out just yet. The French manufacturer has a long and illustrious history of producing fast and fun hot hatchbacks and the new 308 GTi is no exception.<\/p>\n
Developed by the same team responsible for the sweet 208 GTi and rapid RCZ R, Peugeot Sport has dropped in the same 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine you\u2019ll find in both the 308 GTi\u2019s stablemates. Here it develops 266bhp and 330Nm of torque, which is sent through the front-wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. There is no slick-shifting dual-clutch automatic available in the Peugeot \u2013 unlike in its VW Group rivals like the SEAT Leon Cupra.<\/p>\n
While the GTi may be down on power over the Ford Focus STMountune and the Honda Civic Type R, it is considerably lighter than both \u2013 that counts for a lot when you don\u2019t pack as big a punch. It tips the scales at only 1,205kg, almost 180kg lighter than the Civic and over 230kg lighter than the portly Focus.<\/p>\n
The suspension on the GTi has been lowered by 11mm and the springs and dampers stiffened, while sticky rubber now wraps new 19-inch alloy wheels. Add in the limited-slip differential and it amounts to a very agile and responsive hot hatch.<\/p>\n
Our test car is the pricier of the two Gti variants on offer, with a 247bhp version being \u00a31,600 cheaper. That model comes without the front differential, larger and lighter wheels and figure-hugging bucket seats.<\/p>\n
But this more potent version is worth the extra outlay as it\u2019s the limited-slip differential that really lets you get the best out of the GTi. The small steering wheel \u2013 which can restrict your view of the dials \u2013 begins to make sense, making the 308 feel light on its feet and more responsive to inputs.
\nThe steering is quick, but the feeling is rather numb which can leave you guessing as to how much grip there actually is. But thanks to the diff and sticky tyres, grip is one thing the 308 isn\u2019t short of. Even in wet and slippery conditions you can really lean on the front axle which will see the front wheels dig into the tarmac with unrelenting bite.<\/p>\n
Mash the accelerator mid corner and the diff shuffles power to where it can best be deployed and the 308 spits you out at the other end \u2013 0-62mph is over in just 6 seconds. However, the gearbox is a bit of letdown as the throw is too long and feels limp.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s very fast and very well resolved but the 308 goes about its business without much drama, which is kind of the point of a hot hatch – the\u00a0Focus ST feels more erratic and alive on the road.<\/span><\/p>\n Ease off and the GTi begins to show its softer side, which is perhaps reflected in its more understated and inoffensive looks. While notably firmer than the standard model, the GTi has a lovely suppleness to its ride quality, allowing it to shrug off the worst of a battered British b-road. It\u2019s probably the best-riding hot hatch this side of a VW Golf R.<\/p>\n Elsewhere, the 308 retains the 470-litre boot form the standard model but rear-passenger space isn\u2019t as generous as you\u2019ll find in some rivals, namely the Golf. The GTi treatment hasn\u2019t transformed the 308\u2019s cabin, but you do get a set of rather supportive and comfortable bucket seats and some decorative red stitching. A reversing camera, climate and cruise control as well as navigation are all standard features, too.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" There\u2019s more choice than ever in the hot hatchback class \u2013 alongside this new Peugeot 308 GTi, Renaultsport\u2019s Megane 275 Trophy has been released, Honda massaged 306bhp out of the new Civic Type R and Ford will break new ground with the 345bhpFocus RS later next year. So, while the 266bhp Pug may look down …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1754,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[49,181,9,191],"class_list":["post-932","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-unrecognized","tag-car-industry","tag-cars","tag-lifestyle","tag-peugeot"],"yoast_head":"\n