Peugeot 308 GTi is special. Is lightweight. And is powerful. Peugeot 308 GTi is two steps higher than the GT, which is more of a pozer, and is also proof that Peugeot engineers think very seriously with the sports cars.

Peugeot 308 GTi has a rich sports background

In the past, they repeatedly proved that they can leave all competition behind. At rallies for the World Championship, for example. The last, a bit fresher evidence, is the Sebastien Loeb’s record at the legendary Hill Climb race Pikes Peak in 2013. He set a record with the 875-horsepower Peugeot 208 T16, which will probably not be so easy to beat in the near future. And somehow in that style their passion is reflected in cars for classic, public road. And for the people, who are behind the wheel and wanting something more. Peugeot 308 GTi is without a doubt the right choice for sports enthusiasts. To be even more striking on the road, it is painted in two tones. The front is red (Ultimate), rear black (Perla Nera).

Peugeot 308 GTi sporty character originates from the engine

But the essence is in Peugeot 308 GTi’s heart. The reviewed car is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that was tested in details two years ago in now retired model RCZ. Again, it certainly did not disappoint. At 6,000 rpm the engine develops 270 horse power. It’s maximum available torque of 330 Nm is available at 1,900 rpm. And the result is a sporty character. This 2016 Peugeot 308 GTi somehow forces you to push the Sport button shortly after you start the engine.

The latter brings a little bit nicer artificially produced engine sound, gauges are stained in red, the central message display changes data records (torque, power and boost), accelerator and steering becomes more responsive. In short, all for the most authentic sports feel. The 1.6-liter turbo engine has no problems with the management of 1,205 kilograms of weight. For the sake of the raw power they further adjusted the settings of the chassis and suspension. Peugeot 308 GTi is equipped with Torsen partial front differential lock for precise driving through tight corners, while a large part of the role is played by a wide Michelin Pilot Sport rubber and Brembo brakes with 380 mm brake discs. Of course, red colored brake calipers, wider wheel arches and 11 mm lower bodywork set are also a must.

For that little something extra we hope for a 308 R. Peugeot?

In practice, all these changes constitute a mixture of sport and also a comfortable experience. Peugeot 308 GTi offers dynamic pleasure on winding roads, especially if you manage to find some well-preserved stretch of asphalt. The consumption can drop down to seven liters at moderate driving, which is very acceptable. But more realistic figures are somewhere around nine liters per 100 kilometers. Peugeot 308 GTi performance on the road is extremely sovereign. It adores turns. It seems that the car does not deviate not even an inch from the planned line. Yet, we miss a little bit of brutality. Therefore, we have not given up on the idea that once Peugeot will honor us with 308 R.

Completely acceptable daily driver

Of course, the Peugeot 308 GTI is able to offer a completely normal indulgence when it’s time for a family trip or an afternoon of shopping. The interior is not very different from the weaker brothers. Smaller steering wheel remains, which is in this case a smart decision. The classic seats are replaced with sports ones for the driver and passenger. Also, there are aluminum pedals and clearly rich standard equipment. For an extra cost of around € 1,000 we recommend the rear view camera, more powerful sound system and two-tone bodywork.

Peugeot 308 GTi price: 111 euros per horsepower

The reviewed Peugeot 308 GTi, has a starting price of around 30,000 euros, which is an acceptable price. But you need to be aware that the Peugeot 308 GTi does not offer such a brutality as it is known from the Ford Focus RS. To achieve something like this will take some more effort by the Peugeot Sport department. However, the Peugeot 308 GTi can excel in different roles for different types of drivers. In this case, 270 horses are not to be feared.

Pluses:

• appearance
• powerful engine
• driveability
• seats
• steering
• rich standard equipment

Minuses:

• sports sound on the outside is not so pronounce
• quite rapidly brakes overheating on a more dynamic driving

2016 Peugeot 308 GTi technical details

Engine

Engine type: 4 cylinders, inline
Displacement: 1598 cm3
Bore and stroke: 77.0 x 85.6 mm
Injection: direct injection
Camshaft: DOHC
Maximum power: 270 hp at 6000 rev / min
Maximum torque: 330 Nm at 1900 rev / min
Drive: front wheel
Gearbox: 6-speed, manual
Front brakes: ventilated discs, 330 mm
Rear brakes: discs, 268 mm
Tires: 235/35 R19 91Y

Dimensions

Body: 5-door hatchback
Length: 4,253 mm
Width: 1,804 mm
Height: 1,457 mm
Wheelbase: 2,620 mm
Trunk / luggage compartment: 420-1228 l
Fuel tank capacity: 53 l
Weight: 1,295 kg
Load capacity: 495 kg
Roof load: 80 kg

Performance and consumption

Maximum speed: 250 km / h
Acceleration: 6.0 s to 100 km / h
Fuel: petrol
Consumption city: 8.1 l / 100 km
Consumption outside: 4,9 l / 100 km
Combined consumption: 6.0 l / 100 km
CO2 emissions: 139 g / km

Peugeot 308 GTi competitors

• Ford Focus ST
• Mercedes A45 AMG
• Renault Megane RS
• Seat Leon Cupra
• Volkswagen Golf GTi

Image credit: Peugeot