Peugeot confirms 308 GTi double act for Oz

Australia’s hot-hatch segment will heat up even more early next year with the arrival of not one but two versions of Peugeot’s new 308 GTi hot hatch confirmed for Australia.

The French car-maker's two-model hot hatch range – including the 308 GTi 250 and the tarmac-burning 308 GTi 270 -- will have the mechanical and suspension package to seriously challenge rivals such as the Golf GTI, Focus ST and Megane RS.

The 308 GTi pair share the same 1.6-litre THP turbo-petrol engine, with the GTi 250 developing 182kW (250hp) and the GTi 270 offering 200kW (270hp) of power at 6000rpm. Both cars have identical peak torque of 330Nm, developed between 1900rpm and 5000rpm.

Both will also come only with a six-speed manual transmission. SO far there's no sign of an automatic, which could turn off many buyers given Volkswagen says only 20 per cent of Golf GTI customers select the manual over the DSG auto.

Like the VW Golf GTI Performance, the 308 GTi 270 incorporates a special front differential to help get its power to the ground via the front wheels – in this case a torque-sensing Torsen limited-slip diff.

Peugeot says the 308 GTi 250 accelerates to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds – two-tenths later than the hotter GTi 270, which does it in six.

The 308 GTi’s suspension sits 11mm lower than the regular 308 and also gets a wider track -- 1570mm at the front and 1554mm at the rear. Springs are stiffer than the standard 308 by 60 per cent at the front and a whole 100 per cent at the rear, while the rear torsion-beam axle has firmer bushings and there is also increased front wheel camber.

Brakes are 268mm (380mm on GTi 270) ventilated discs at the front and 268mm solid discs at the rear. The GTi 270 gets red-painted four-piston callipers with the Peugeot Sport label.

The GTi 250 will come with 225/40 R18 92W Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres on ‘Diamant’ 18-inch alloy wheels, and the GTi 270 comes equipped with Michelin Super Sport 235/35 R19 91Y tyres encasing 19-inch ‘Carbone’ light-weight alloy wheels.

Up front, the GTi pair will have full LED headlights and a black grille featuring a horizontal chequered pattern and gloss-black detail. The same detail is featured on the air intake, which is surrounded by sequential LED indicators and a red detail strip (chrome on Ultimate Red cars).

Side sills are also unique to 308 GTi and at the rear is a gloss-black section surrounding the twin exhaust outlets. The ‘Coupe Franche’ two-tone design is only available with GTi 270 version, contrasting the ‘Ultimate Red’ colour with Nera Black.

The 308 GTi is also available in Ultimate Red, Pearlescent White, Magnetic Blue, Nera Black, Cumulus Grey as well as the standard colour, a non-metallic Hurricane Grey.

Inside, the GTi has upholstery joined with red stitching, which is also used on door cards, the gear lever and floor mats. The pedals, foot rest and gear knob are aluminium, as are the door sill plates, which features GTi and Peugeot Sport signatures.

The GTi 270 gets upgraded Peugeot Sport seats upholstered in Alcantara with red stitching.

General Manager of Peugeot Australia, John Startari, said the 308 GTi will bring an iconic nameplate to Australia’s buoyant hot hatch market.

“For 30 years the GTi badge has held an esteemed position in the motoring world and now Peugeot Sport have taken a highly awarded vehicle and applied their engineering prowess to give it the performance credentials worthy of the badge.

“The launch of the 308 GTi signals Peugeot is back and we are back doing what we do best; offering fun, efficient, enjoyable, comfortable and, in the case of 308 GTi, thoroughly engaging performance vehicles.

“The 308 GTi will certainly give hot- hatch customers a reason to look forward to 2016,” said Startari.

Pricing is yet to be announced but expect the standard 308 GTi to be priced somewhere between the Focus ST (from $38,990), Golf GTI (from $40,990) and Megane RS265 (from $43,990).

The high-output 270, meantime, is likely to be positioned against the Golf GTI Performance ($46,490), Megane RS265 Cup Premium ($47,990) and Golf GTI Performance ($46,490), below VW's 206kW AWD Golf R ($52,740).