- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.6T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
200kW, 330Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 6L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Peugeot 308 GTi She Says, He Says Review
- Great performance
- Excellent handling
- Understated style
- No automatic option
- Still pricier than some rivals
- Small steering wheel concept not suited to everyone
She: The Peugeot 308 GTi 270 helped the French brand reclaim its hot hatch mojo in a sector that’s evolved from “boy racer” to more mainstream customers. Now Peugeot Sport has released its second-generation 308 GTi. At first glance it doesn’t look too different, but what do you think Lucas?
He: You're right Dani, the 308 GTi has come in for a little tweak here and there, and Peugeot Australia has decided to refine the line-up by offering just one - rather than two - models this time around, concentrating solely on the flagship GTi 270. On the outside it only has some subtle changes to the front profile and I think the new blacked-out front grille and lower bumper give the Peugeot a sportier look over the previous generation. The style is a real point of difference for the 308, but do you think it is a head turner?
She: I’m a big believer that “less is more” and, aesthetically speaking, Peugeot has mastered this. It’s a head turner without being too attention grabbing - almost the opposite of the Honda Civic Type R with its airport of wings. It’s stylish and sophisticated enough to look good cruising the city but is equally at home on a race track with its Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, 19-inch alloy wheels and rear twin chrome exhaust pipes.
That minimalist theme continues in the cabin. It’s the barest cockpit I’ve seen and arguably too plain for some but it makes the cabin look more spacious up front, even if rear legroom is pretty tight. I like the body hugging Alcantara-trimmed sports seats but they’re not as comfortable during long drives. The small steering wheel looks great, but Peugeot's i-Cockpit philosophy won't suite everyone as, for me, it obstructed part of the instrumental panel irrespective of how I positioned it. However it’s good to see some new tech and safety gear.
He: Peugeot hasn't forgot to add some bells and whistles as part of this update. There’s a full suite of up-to-date safety aids like active lane keeping assistance (that will help keep the vehicle in its lane), active blind-spot monitoring, driver attention warning, speed recognition system, and park assist.
The infotainment display features some slick new animations that include Mirror Link for your phone and a new upgraded Traffic 3D navigation system. In addition to a reversing camera, the GTi gets a top-down 360 degree camera, however in our test car it had trouble showing its surroundings, instead giving unrendered grey lines surrounding the car on the display.
Like many of Peugeot’s stylish cabins, small item storage could be better, with only one small cup holder in the 308. Like you, I also had trouble getting my driving position right but, once I was used to it, I loved the go kart-esque steering wheel which made navigating cramped inter-city streets a breeze. The instrument cluster with a center mounted digital display has not been updated, but I would have loved to see Peugeot's new 12.3-inch digital instrument panel as an option - the same one from the new 5008 SUV.
Under the bonnet is an unchanged 1.6-litre turbo engine that produces a healthy 200kW and 330Nm, sending drive to the front wheels via a slick six-speed manual transmission. Dani, I know you love to drive with a three-pedal layout, so what did you think of the 308 on road?
She: I’m glad the mechanicals haven’t changed because that’s what I loved most about the previous Pug. The engine may be smaller than most hot hatch rivals like the Civic Type R, Volkswagen’s Golf GTI, Hyundai’s new i30 N or the Ford Focus RS, but the little Frenchie is a relative lightweight at 1205kg making it quick off the mark and agile in the bends. It's responsive and handles superbly, while the tyres provide excellent grip. As a purist, I’m loving the manual transmission, it really puts the 'fun' back into driving. It wouldn’t be the same if it were an automatic.
At $45,990 (plus on-roads) this latest 308 GTi is $4000 less than the previous version. Do you think Peugeot has made the GTi a bargin?
He: That price drop really makes it more attractive, but for me the real bargain is the new Hyundai i30 N which is almost $5000 cheaper again, more powerful and with more gear.
You are right about having fun behind the wheel Dani; the boy-racer in me loves rowing that gear lever through its gates and the pedals are spaced close together to make heel-and-toe downshifts a breeze. The stopping power of the 380mm front Alcon discs brakes feel as though they could detach your retinas as well. Like you said it is a light car, and that helps it sit flat in the blends and, in combination with the limited slip differential, it grips up nicely to get the power down easily. In Sports mode the engine hits its straps from 3000rpm and you get an intoxicating burble during gear changes. On the flipside, commuting is made easy with an almost invisible hill-hold function. The 308 could be my daily driver, although the ride is quiet firm. However, I'm happy to trade that off for the benefits in performance.
Is the price drop enough to get you behind the wheel?
She: I agree, it’s still not cheaper than some of its rivals but I think the price drop will make the 308 GTi more competitive. Performance wise, it may not be as pacy or as powerful as some other hot hatches but I think the Peugeot has more style and plenty of substance. The Pug is a bit more of an underdog but it also has what it takes to emerge as a dark horse.
He: You've hit the nail on the head there Dani; the 308 GTi is a great alterative to the more mainstream hot hatch rivals. It is an entertaining car with some stylish quirks that set it apart, it has the bite to match the bark and is livable in the daily commute. You can also drive happy knowing the French brand now offers a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty with road side assistance. For someone that wants to stand out from the crowd with a stylish, well-appointed pocket rocket the Peugeot 308 GTi might just be the right hatch.
2018 Peugeot 308 GTi Price and Specifications
Price: From $45,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 200kW at 6000rpm
Torque: 330Nm at 1900-5500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, FWD
Fuel use: 6.0L/100km
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