Peugeot powers up 308

Peugeot's keenly awaited powered-up 308 GT has officially arrived Down Under with a choice of turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines.

Priced from $41,990 for the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol variant (the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is $1000 more), the 308 GT tops off the 308's Aussie rollout until the yet to be confirmed high-performance GTi becomes a reality.

Voted European Car of the Year in 2014, the local 308 range will also be expanded by the addition of a new mid-output 1.6-litre petrol. The THP 150 (for 150ps) will be offered on Allure and Allure Premium grades of the hatch and Touring (wagon) and arrives alongside the GT this week.

But make no mistake, it's the five-door GT hatch that Pug devotees have been waiting for... The newcomer promises a return to warm hatch performance for the French brand, at the very least. The 1.6-litre turbo petrol is rated at 151kW and 285Nm and is available with six-speed manual gearbox only, while the 133kW and 400Nm turbo-diesel is auto only, but benefits from a reprogrammed transmission to improve sports performance.

Both 308 GT models feature lower ride height (-7mm at the front and -10mm rear) and revised suspension settings compared to their more sedate siblings. Steering and throttle mapping have also been sharpened. Brakes have been uprated (330mm front rotors) and the GT rolls on Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres.

Specification changes include upgraded interior trim, a GT-specific steering wheel, 18-inch alloy wheels and a driver info centre that includes "read-outs from the car's ECU, including levels of power and torque being delivered, turbo boost pressure, plus longitudinal and transverse acceleration".

The GTs also get unique intake and exhaust tuning for an "amplified and sportier engine note" and will also be offered in a new 'hero' colour – fittingly a French racing blue dubbed Magnetic Blue.

A 240mm touch-screen incorporating reversing camera and satnav output are also standard equipment in Aussie spec cars. Also standard locally is Peugeot's 'Driver Assistance' pack that includes blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise and park assist.

Peugeot says the 151kW turbo-petrol GT returns a frugal 5.6L/100km on the Euro combined cycle. The 133kW turbo-diesel is even more abstemious at 4.0L/100km. Stop-start is standard on the petrol.

"The arrival of GT tops off a five month rollout of 308 for Australia," said Peugeot Australia, General Manager John Startari.

"The GT Line will give us the ability to offer a vehicle that offers visual and performance upgrades, while still maintaining the comfort and practical features of a vehicle that is driven daily," he said.

With the arrival of the GT and 110kW 1.6-litre petrol additions the Peugeot 308 range now covers five models, five drivetrains and two transmissions, across five-door hatch and wagon body styles.

Look out for our first drive review of the new Peugeot 308 GT later this week.