Hot Hatch Match – Peugeot 308 GTi 270 v VW Golf GTI 40 Years Comparison Test REVIEW
THEY MAY BE CALLED HOT HATCHBACKS, BUT THE SPICE UNDER THE BONNET OF THE PEUGEOT 308 GTi 270 AND VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI 40 YEARS IS ALMOST SECONDARY TO EACH EUROPEAN MANUFACTURER’S BURNING DESIRE FOR CLASS LEADERSHIP.
The 308 GTi 270 came seemingly from nowhere this year to deliver a mighty 200kW from just a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine teamed with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyre grip, big brakes and a front limited-slip differential.
Its rival Golf GTI Performance has long had the latter feature that helps give the loaded front wheel greater traction when powering out of a corner for a sizzling result, but its 2.0-litre turbo only made 169kW. Is it coincidental that this 40 Years special lifts power to 195kW - 213kW on overboost - to match or exceed the Pug?
As with the Peugeot, from $49,990 plus on-road costs, the limited-run Volkswagen comes with a six-speed manual (just 100 units, though) for $46,990 plus on-roads or 400 units with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic for $48,990 (plus orc). Only the latter DSG was available to test, and it narrows the pricing gap between the two rivals to $1K.
Peugeot 308 GTi 270 - $49,990 (plus on-road costs) Volkswagen Golf GTI 40 Years - $48,990 (plus on-road costs)TESTED
OVERVIEW
Volkswagen’s four-decade celebration since the inception of the Golf GTI is meant to have a stripped-back, semi-racecar feel to it. Without the weighty all-wheel drive hardware from the Golf R, yet packing its big brother’s meaty engine, the 40 Years becomes the German brand’s most powerful-ever front-drive hatch.
Sending drive to half the wheels means the 40 Years cannot match the 0-100km/h claim of the Golf R, but the 1357kg five-door can sprint to that increment in 6.3 seconds and it promises to be faster in rolling response when traction is less of an issue.
Despite the aggression of its aerodynamic bodykit, including horizontal multi-slat front bumper inserts and gloss-black roof spoiler, plus darkened LED tail-lights and an Alcantara steering wheel inside, the 40 Years still packs several convenience features that aren’t typically associated with a racetrack special.