By: Alex Forrest
You may be surprised to discover that the Peugeot 308 GTi is in fact very much like Tom Cruise.
From a distance, it seems normal. Its looks are smooth and even though it’s small, its proportions are well suited to the roles it plays.
But then when you learn more about it, things get a little weird.
Firstly, as we’ve seen in Peugeots of recent years, the 308 GTi’s steering wheel sits below the gauges and the driver peers over the wheel.
Then, once you drive it, you realise the tachometer is backwards, meaning the needle moves anticlockwise as revs climb.
However, like many of those who’ve met Cruise, when you spend some time with the 308 GTi, you find it’s actually quite likeable.This new 308 GTi was launched in Australia in February, marking the end of a 15-year absence for the GTi-badged 300 series Peugeot in Australia.
There are two versions, both with 1.6-litre turbocharged engines. The entry level variant is the GTi 250 at $50,300 drive away, while the more powerful GTi 270 is $55,991.
The key difference between these two is in the engine outputs, with the model names referring to metric horsepower. These translate to 184kW for the GTi 250 and 200kW for the GTi 270.
There are other differences, with the GTi 270 getting larger front disc brakes and a limited slip differential.
Both 308 GTis are front wheel drive, so they compete with the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance, the Renault Megane RS265 Cup and the Ford Focus ST2.
>Surprising for us was that the 308 GTi’s interior fit and finish quality is on par with the Golf GTI’s, with high quality materials and an overall premium feel.
Though where the 308 GTi really impresses is on a smooth winding road. Steering feel is crisp and responsive and the slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox happily accommodates brisk shifts.
At the time we drove it, an automatic wasn’t being sold in Australia by Peugeot. A rear camera and six airbags are standard, and the two outer rear seats have ISOFIX anchorages.
| Price driveaway (as tested): | from $50,300 drive away |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 1.6-litre turbo petrol |
| Power: | 184kW @ 6000rpm |
| Torque: | 200Nm @ 1900-4000rpm |
| Claimed fuel economy: | 6.0 litres/100km (diesel) |
| ANCAP Rating: | Not rated |
| CO2 Emissions: | 139g/km |
The Peugeot 308 GTi 250 had not been rated by ANCAP at the time of writing.
