Peugeot 308 GTi arrives

It may not be all-wheel drive or have a 'drift mode' but the new Peugeot 308 GTi has a power-per-litre output "better than a Ferrari 458 Italia" and "380mm [brake] discs bigger than a C 63 AMG Coupe".

That's the word from Dimitri Andreatidis, Peugeot Australia's National Marketing Manager, who says Peugeot's first small GTi model in 15 years brings unbeatable bang for your bucks.

Starting at $44,990 for the 308 GTi 250 (184kW) and $49,990 for the 308 GTi 270 (200kW), the twin model range is a "strategic" move, says Andreatidis, designed to appeal to "two distinct audiences – daily drivers versus enthusiasts who want a track day machine".

Peugeot Australia's Public Relations and Communications Manager, Tyson Bowen, confirmed there is strong interest in the new models, with around two-thirds of the first shipment of about 60 vehicles already spoken for, with most opting for the high-output 200kW version.

However, Peugeot's born-again GTi will be widely available from Peugeot dealers – unlike some high-performance hot hatches.

"We're not production limited," said Bowen. "Fresh stocks are coming through, although it does depend on colour and specification a little bit".

The $5000 premium hikes power from 184kW to 200kW and also adds a Torsen front limited-slip differential, upgrades the brake rotors from 330mm to 380mm diameter and adds hefty four-piston Alcon callipers.

Larger 19-inch alloy wheels replace 18-inch rims and the tyres are upgraded from Michelin Pilot Sport 3 (225/40) to Michelin Pilot Super Sports (235/35). All models get form-fitting sports seats but the top-spec track-focussed model gets increased shoulder bolsters.

The company's new road rocket has a top speed of 250km/h, will rip to 100km/h in six seconds and will be available in six colours: Ultimate Red, Magnetic Blue, Perla Nera Black, Artense Grey, Pearlescent White and Hurricane Grey. All of them except the last colour are premium paints, adding $990 to the asking price.

Other options include a panoramic glass roof ($1200), Ultimate Red paint finish ($1700) and the 'Coupe Franche' black on red paint ($3000), which takes 15 man-hours to apply by hand, and is only offered on the top-spec car.

Base 308 GTi models can be optioned with the big 19-inch alloys too ($1600).

Both versions of the Pug 308 GTi are propelled by a potent 1.6-litre turbo powerplant that boasts the highest specific output per litre of engine of any engine its class, insists Peugeot, and features significant changes to internals and componentry.

As well as a bigger Borg Warner turbo pumping out a whopping 2.5-bar or 36psi in the old money, the 308 GTi gets forged pistons from German outfit Mahle and strengthened conrods to deal with the extra pressure.

It runs a 9.2:1 compression ratio and generates peak torque from 1900rpm while claiming to consume fuel at 6.0L/100km and emitting 139g of CO2 per kilometre -- impressive figures for a six-second car.

The car weighs 1205kg, which is light for a car of this size, and both models feature similar interior features. Think a 9.7-inch touch-screen infotainment system with sat-nav and rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, alloy pedals, twin USB ports, sports seats, plus 'open and go' key fob and push button start.

A six-speed manual is the only gearbox available for the 308 GTi. Asked if this would hurt sales, Bowen said "Not necessarily".

"Some people won't choose the car because of that reason, but look at 208 GTi sales for an example. As a proportion they are 20 per cent [for the entire 208 range], which is high. Consideration for the customer set includes a manual," he contended.

"Peugeot Sport is on record as saying [an auto] is something they'd like to do, but not immediately. It's not off the cards, but there's no update at this stage concerning the if and when."

Sales of the Peugeot 308 were up by 54 per cent in 2015, with 1491 cars finding homes. Bowen conceded the 308 GTi hero model is more expensive than many of its rivals – including the Ford Focus ST and Subaru WRX – but contended that the GTi will help boost sales of its small car range.

"Pound for pound, 308 GTi delivers most bang for your buck. We will not be the cheapest but we bring to market product that returns to our roots, the finest vehicles, vehicles engineered to be enjoyed."

Stay tuned for our road, track and video test of the 308 GTi on Thursday morning.