by evo staf 15 Jun 2017
Verdict:
Can the 308 GTi match Peugeot Sport's other achievements?
Evo Rating: 4,5 stars
For
Sophisticated dynamics, performance, style inside and out
Against
Interior layout may completely rule the car out for some
The Peugeot 308 GTi 270 by Peugeot Sport is the latest car in a long line of hot hatches that attempts to take on the VW Golf GTI at its own game. Compared to the hard-edged 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport, the 308 GTi is slightly softer and more friendly.
The 308 GTi feels solid and locked down over demanding roads and yet manages a degree of playfulness and adjustability when you want it. The quality of engineering in the 308 GTi is apparent, just as it is in other models fettled by Peugeot Sport. While not quite as exciting as the old RCZ-R or aggressive as the smaller 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport, it does have a character that grows on you while remaining capable and involving.
The 308 GTi has a remarkably small engine, its four-cylinder turbocharged motor is just a 1.6 when its direct rivals all boast 2-litre engines. Despite it’s relatively tiny capacity it still packs a big enough punch. The 308 GTi has 266bhp, that’s 19bhp more than the Ford Focus ST and 49bhp more than the VW Golf GTI. What’s more, it’s a far more characterful motor than the engines found in its rivals.
Also working in the 308 GTi’s favour is the interior, which is significantly different from the often dour feeling German hot hatches. It’s made from quality materials and has distinctive quirks, the most significant being the tiny steering wheel and high-set instruments. It isn’t for everyone though, as it can obscure the dials for certain people.
For those seeking an exciting daily drive that offers Golf GTI-busting performance without the compromise of something like a Megane 275, the new Peugeot 308 GTi makes a worthy alternative.
Peugeot 308 GTi: In detail
> Performance and 0-60 time - The engine delivers impressive performance given its smaller-than-usual 1.6-litre engine. Read about the Peugeot 308 GTi's performance here
> Engine and transmission - The 1.6-litre turbocharged unit produces 266bhp and is mated to a slick and fast six-speed manual gearbox. Read about the Peugeot 308 GTi's engine and transmission here
> Ride and handling - Relatively docile to drive despite its power output, though the small steering wheel doesn't add much to the enjoyment. Read about the Peugeot 308 GTi's ride and handling here
> MPG and running costs - With the 308 GTi’s ample power going through the front wheels, replacement Michelin Super Sport tyres may prove expensive. Read about the Peugeot 308 GTi's MPG and running costs here
> Interior and design - Unusually small steering wheel and raised instruments are a love-or-hate affair, but interior quality is better than you'd expect. Read about the Peugeot 308 GTi's interior and design here
> Living with a Peugeot 308 GTI - Our long-termer proved trouble-free over 9 months but entertained us in great measure. Some reservations over the cabin layout, but not the cabin quality.
http://www.evo.co.uk/peugeot/308-gti
Verdict:
Can the 308 GTi match Peugeot Sport's other achievements?
Evo Rating: 4,5 stars
For
Sophisticated dynamics, performance, style inside and out
Against
Interior layout may completely rule the car out for some
The Peugeot 308 GTi 270 by Peugeot Sport is the latest car in a long line of hot hatches that attempts to take on the VW Golf GTI at its own game. Compared to the hard-edged 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport, the 308 GTi is slightly softer and more friendly.
The 308 GTi feels solid and locked down over demanding roads and yet manages a degree of playfulness and adjustability when you want it. The quality of engineering in the 308 GTi is apparent, just as it is in other models fettled by Peugeot Sport. While not quite as exciting as the old RCZ-R or aggressive as the smaller 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport, it does have a character that grows on you while remaining capable and involving.
The 308 GTi has a remarkably small engine, its four-cylinder turbocharged motor is just a 1.6 when its direct rivals all boast 2-litre engines. Despite it’s relatively tiny capacity it still packs a big enough punch. The 308 GTi has 266bhp, that’s 19bhp more than the Ford Focus ST and 49bhp more than the VW Golf GTI. What’s more, it’s a far more characterful motor than the engines found in its rivals.
Also working in the 308 GTi’s favour is the interior, which is significantly different from the often dour feeling German hot hatches. It’s made from quality materials and has distinctive quirks, the most significant being the tiny steering wheel and high-set instruments. It isn’t for everyone though, as it can obscure the dials for certain people.
For those seeking an exciting daily drive that offers Golf GTI-busting performance without the compromise of something like a Megane 275, the new Peugeot 308 GTi makes a worthy alternative.
Peugeot 308 GTi: In detail
> Performance and 0-60 time - The engine delivers impressive performance given its smaller-than-usual 1.6-litre engine. Read about the Peugeot 308 GTi's performance here
> Engine and transmission - The 1.6-litre turbocharged unit produces 266bhp and is mated to a slick and fast six-speed manual gearbox. Read about the Peugeot 308 GTi's engine and transmission here
> Ride and handling - Relatively docile to drive despite its power output, though the small steering wheel doesn't add much to the enjoyment. Read about the Peugeot 308 GTi's ride and handling here
> MPG and running costs - With the 308 GTi’s ample power going through the front wheels, replacement Michelin Super Sport tyres may prove expensive. Read about the Peugeot 308 GTi's MPG and running costs here
> Interior and design - Unusually small steering wheel and raised instruments are a love-or-hate affair, but interior quality is better than you'd expect. Read about the Peugeot 308 GTi's interior and design here
> Living with a Peugeot 308 GTI - Our long-termer proved trouble-free over 9 months but entertained us in great measure. Some reservations over the cabin layout, but not the cabin quality.
http://www.evo.co.uk/peugeot/308-gti
