Peugeot 308 GTi 250 2016 Review

Peugeot 308 GTi 250 & 270
Local Launch Review
Hobart, Tasmania

Like a shimmering mirage rising up on a bone-dry country road in summer, I don't quite know what to make of the Peugeot 308 GTi. Unlike its hot hatch rivals it's propelled by a smaller 1.6-litre turbo donk and has an understated image. But it's light and engaging, and with a potent 200kW output is properly fast. What's more it has a sense of urbane style that none of its competitors can match. But is it worth the premium? At $49,990 (plus on-road costs) it's almost $10k more than Volkswagen's Golf GTI. Let's find out if it's worth the coin...

Don't underestimate the Peugeot 308 GTi.

It may not have the overtly racy appearance of the numerous and very capable performance hatches with which it competes. But it's got an athletic ability that contradicts its unassuming aesthetic.

Like all self-respecting hot hatches it's outrageously fast, with a top speed electronically capped at 250km/h. It handles like it's on rails, thanks to a low 1205kg kerb weight, and is capable of accelerating to 100km/h in 6.0sec.

And although the Peugeot 308 GTi is more expensive than the majority of its competitor set – hot hatches banging out between 180-200kW of power can be had from less than $40k – we reckon the Pug's interior is appreciably more luxe.

Step inside the 308 GTi and you'll be greeted with one of the most beautifully crafted cabins available today. It's just gorgeous, and the 'minimalist' theme that uses a large 9.7-inch touchscreen for everything ordinarily controlled by an array of switches sweetly de-clutters the centre console. The only drawback is that there's no instant access to the HVAC controls, but it doesn't take long to acclimatise (no pun intended).

The back seat is roomy enough for two adults and the boot is likewise spacious. It's really every bit as practical as its derivative.

Up the other end, the Peugeot Sport-developed 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine is meaningfully tweaked. Built by the same team responsible for the French marque's high-performance production and race cars – including the Pikes Peak hill climb hero 208 T16 and Peugeot's recent Dakar Rally-winning 2008 – it makes 200kW at 6000rpm and 330Nm from a low 1900rpm.

Although there's a hint of turbo lag the 308GTi launches hard out of corners and is forceful when accelerating at higher engine speeds. The 2.5bar of boost courtesy of a bigger, badder Borg Warner turbo is complemented by beefed-up engine internals; Peugeot fitting upgraded German-made Mahle pistons and forged connecting rods to better withstand years of punishment.

Driven on some stunning Tasmanian roads, the potent Pug exhibits a level of refinement not usually associated with highly-strung four-pot screamers. The engine revs cleanly and crisply beyond 6000rpm getting its power down very effectively thanks to plenty of Michelin rubber (naturally) and a slick six-speed manual gearbox.

There is no auto option at this stage, but Peugeot says it is a possibility – watch this space.

The 308 GTi's chassis is well-sorted and delivers solid feedback to the driver. The steering is likewise communicative, the small-diameter steering wheel making the experience even more involving.Tracking flatter than a marsupial pancake the 308 GTi hums through corners and, despite the lack of body roll on show when attacking bends, provides a level of compliance not usually found in this class.

We drove both 308 GTi models on launch: the entry-level 250 (184kW) and top-spec 270 (200kW). For my money, I reckon the lower-power (and $5000 cheaper) version is just as much fun, the standard 330mm front brake rotors, slightly less grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres (225/40) and lack of a Torsen front diff not making a huge difference on the open road.

The 16kW deficit in power is also undetectable. But on track it's a whole other story...

Track Attack
At 9/10ths the Peugeot 308 GTi comes alive. You feel everything from the tiniest squirm to the lairiest slide, all telegraphed clearly through concise controls. And, on a slightly damp track, it's not difficult to gently encourage the car into a bit of tom-foolery either. It all flows beautifully.

I only encountered understeer a couple of times when honking into Baskerville's blind uphill left-hander, the unsettling corner doing its best to upset the 308 GTi's tenacious footing. Otherwise, the Pug remained ridiculously well composed, and very, very rapid – the upgraded rubber and Torsen front diff of the 270 variant deliver impressive traction and creamy fluidity to the power delivery. Grip and go!

The suspension is very well sorted too, and after a few laps I was brimming with confidence – pushing the car deeper into corners, punching out of them earlier. Hitting the 'SPORT' button is handy too, adding more urgency to throttle response. Sadly, the synthesised engine 'note' is a little contrived, the 308 GTi also lacking the exhaust crackle of its nearest rivals.

But the visceral feedback is honest and enjoyable – just keep the engine on the boil and the car soars, delivering equal parts stability and pace. On the back straight at Baskerville we saw 175km/h, and the bigger, stronger 380mm front disc brakes and Alcon four-pot calipers decelerate the car effortlessly but assertively.

Indeed, it's such a beautifully intuitive and planted vehicle that it wasn't until after my second four-lap sprint that I realised the stability control was switched off!

As talented as the 308 GTi is, it's not flawless. The engine note is forced, the steering wheel position is too low-set and, considering you can have the Ford Focus RS for another $1000, will be a tough sell for Peugeot.

Mind you, if you favour a bit of luxury, a bit of panache with your European hot hatch, then the 308 GTi should be atop your list. It's less boy-racer than some in its class, and feels just as quick when let off the leash.

I said it before and I'll say it again: Don't underestimate the Peugeot 308 GTi.

2016 Peugeot 308 GTi 270 pricing and specifications:
Price: $49,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 200kW/330Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 6.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 139g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Ford Focus ST (from $38,990 plus ORCs)
>> Renault Megane RS 265 (from $44,000 plus ORCs)
>> Volkswagen Golf GTI (from $40,990 plus ORCs)