Peugeot 308 GT warms up

If you like the look of the hard-core Peugeot 308 GTi hot hatch but don't like the $45,990 price tag, there's a new option for French car lovers – the special-edition Peugeot 308 GT.

Limited to just 140 units and priced from $39,990 (excluding on-road costs), the Peugeot 308 GT special packs a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine – without the expensive Mahle forged pistons of the GTi – and pumps out 165kW/285Nm.

That's compares with the Peugeot 308 GTi's 200kW/330Nm.

The big difference here is that propulsive force drives the front wheels through a new eight-speed automatic transmission supplied by Japanese brand Aisin, rather than a six-speed manual that was the only option on the Pug 308 GTi.

This model could be seen as a toe in the water for the French brand in Australia, where hot hatches traditionally in very high numbers and those fitted with automatic transmission – such as the VW Golf GTI – are exceedingly popular.

The 0-100km/h acceleration time is listed as 7.4 seconds based on European data, with fuel use at 6.0L/100km -- the same as the more potent 308 GTi.

Peugeot's special-edition warm hatch also gets an Australian-first petrol particulate filter, designed to reduce harmful emissions. Peugeot says the car will run effectively on 95 and 98 RON (octane level) premium petrol as well.

Other standard features on the new model include plenty of performance eye-candy, such as 18-inch alloy wheels shod with grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres, dual exhaust outlets, LED headlights and DRLs and a subtle body kit comprising front and rear bumpers and side skirts.

GT badges adorn the exterior as do black mirror caps, while on the inside massaging front sports seats with red stitching add appeal, as do features like anthracite cabin accents, active cruise control with stop-and-go function, head-up display, a big 9.7-inch touch-screen infotainment system and alloy pedals and chrome door-handles.

Steering wheel-mounted paddle gear-shifters are part of the package, while chassis upgrades over the regular 308 models include more responsive power steering, an 'amplified and sportier engine note' and sports suspension that drops the ride height by 7mm/10mm front and rear and firms up spring and damper rates.

Bigger 330mm front disc brakes are part of the Pug 308 GT package, up 47mm on regular 308 models, while the rear rotors are 268mm.

Six exterior colours are offered: Hurricane Grey and optional Magnetic Blue, Nera Black and Platinum Grey metallic paint work ($590). Pearl White and Ultimate Red cost extra as well ($1050).

Peugeot offers a five-year/unlimited-km warranty, plus five years of roadside assistance.

Peugeot sales in Australia are down 18 per cent compared to the same period in 2018, from 1585 to 1297 new vehicle registrations. Sales of the 308 hatchback have risen by just over 30 per cent from 185 to 245 units.

"The 308 GT will give us the ability to offer a vehicle that leverages Peugeot Sport's experience while still maintaining the comfort and practical features of a vehicle that is driven daily," said Peugeot Australia managing director, Ben Farlow.

"The arrival of 308 GT also kicks-off a period of new product arrivals for Peugeot, with the all-new 508 Fastback and Sportsback following close on the 308 GTs heels," he added.

How much is the Peugeot 308 hatch?
Active - $26,990 (petrol)
Allure - $31,990 (petrol)
Allure - $35,990 (diesel)
GT - $39,990 (petrol)
GTi 270 - $45,990 (petrol)

How much is the Peugeot 308 wagon?
Allure - $37,990 (diesel)

Prices exclude on-road costs