Peugeot’s all-new 308 GTi returns the French car maker to the realm of the hot hatch with the debut of the308 GTi.
308 GTi, available exclusively as 5-door model, will boast a 1,6-litre turbocharged engine that delivers 147 kW and 275 N.m of torque between 1 700 and 4 500 r/min. This engine uses a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct petrol injection and variable valve lift and valve timing to deliver fuel consumption of only 6,9 litres/100 km and produce 159 g/km of CO2 in the combined cycle. Power is transferred via a 6-speed manual gearbox. 308 GTi is said to accelerate to 100 km/h from standstill in 7,7 seconds.
Suspension layout remains unchaged from lesser-powered 308 derivatives, that is to say MacPherson struts for the front wheels and a torsion beam at the rear. Spring and damper rates have been altered for this high-performance version. Ride height has been dropped by 10 mm. The new model rides on 225/40 R18 tyres and utilises 340 mm diameter brake discs at the front and 290 mm at the rear. As expected of the conservative French ESP is standard, which includes dynamic stability control (CDS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA). Thankfully the CDS, ASR (traction control) and EBA functions can be switched off.
308 GTi is differentiated visually by its “Sport” lower front panel derived from the 308 CC, its lower rear bumper panel with black diffuser, its rear roof spoiler,a twin chrome exhaust pipes and “GTi” badges. Occupants will be reminded by distinctive interior features, such as the aluminium foot rest and gear knob, leather sport steering wheel with aluminium flattened lower edge and thumb rests and piano black fascia.
There is no word yet as to the 308 GTi’s possible introduction to SA.