Peugeot 308 GTI Review

A Peugeot hot hatch. Once upon a time, those words would make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, but in the 2000s the French carmaker lost its form with far from impressive 'hot' hatches like the 307 GTi.  Thankfully, the 308 GTi is based on one of the best Peugeots of recent years and it has some impressive performance figures too. Could it be a better everyday performance car than the Volkswagen Golf GTI?

Power comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, with either 250PS or 270PS. The more powerful model benefits from uprated brakes, larger alloy wheels and a Torsen differential designed to improve traction out of tight bends, plus it’s slightly faster from 0-62mph (6.0 seconds versus 6.2 seconds). These extras might be worth it for trackday lovers, but the 250PS version is all most drivers will need.

Peak torque is the same 330Nm regardless of the power output, though the 270 model has a slightly wider torque spread. In practice, on the road, it’s hard to tell the difference - both the 250 and 270 provide serious pace, giving excellent overtaking ability and a very impressive blend of everyday usability and handling prowess.

However, the 250’s slightly smaller alloy wheels give a touch more compliance on broken surfaces. The suspension set up isn’t overly firm, so potholes and speed bumps aren’t uncomfortable, yet body roll is kept at bay. The steering is precise and well-weighted plus there is a huge amount of front grip, which all adds up to a thoroughly enjoyable drive on British back roads, regardless of how lumpy, bumpy and uneven they are.

There’s a sport button in the cabin that turns the dials red, pipes more intake sound into the cabin and sharpens up the throttle response, all adding a little more to the already enjoyable experience. The only criticism that you can level at the 308 GTi is that the steering can sometimes feel a little numb and lacking when it comes to feedback. Some drivers might not like the tiny steering wheel either, but these are minor problems.

The 308 GTi gets its own alloy wheel designs and a few styling flourishes, but Peugeot has been fairly subtle with the looks, especially when compared to something like the wild, wide and winged Honda Civic Type R. The 270PS 308 GTi does look a little tougher thanks to the giant, red-painted brake callipers, but it’s still subdued for a hot hatch.

Standard equipment includes full LED headlights, 18-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, keyless start, auto lights, auto wipers, DAB radio, navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. The 270PS model gets the aforementioned larger 19-inch alloy wheels, differential and brakes, plus more supportive bucket seats.

There is of course no shortage of competition among hot hatches with the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Honda Civic Type R and Renault Megane R.S all excellent choices.

Setting the GTi apart from lesser 308 models is a pair of supportive yet comfortable sports seats up front, plus various red detailing throughout. Despite those few sporty flourishes it’s still very much a sensible, practical family car. There is a reasonable amount of rear leg and headroom and a wide, low and sizable boot. Load capacity is 470 litres or 1309 litres to the roof with the rear seats folded.

The gearbox is slick, refinement is good and the low-down torque makes town and motorway driving easy.

VED is affordable for such a high performance car and fuel bills shouldn’t be too steep in everyday driving.

The GTi 270 gains 19-inch alloy wheels, Torsen front limited-slip differential, upgraded brake calipers and discs by Alcon and GTi bucket seats.