That Peugeot has been languishing in the hot hatch doldrums for quite a while now isn't news to anyone. Since the 106 and 306, various 206s, 207s and 307s have failed to live up to their predecessors or match the contemporary opposition.
A hatch with this drivetrain sounds promising
But could the 308 R change that? In a market with opposition as talented as the
Ford Focus ST
Vauxhall Astra VXR
Renaultsport Megane 265
, even very good will simply struggle to make the grade any more. But, by the spec at least, the 308 R should be a more than worthy contender.
There's 270hp from a 1.6-litre turbo, 243lb ft also, a Torsen limited-slip differential and massive 380mm Alcon front discs. But hang on, haven't we heard all this before? Of course we have, because it's exactly the same spec as found in the RCZ R coupe.
Now VW (with the Scirocco and Golf R) as well as Audi (S3 and TT S) have shown identical powertrains can be used in both hatch and coupe, but with one fundamental difference over the Peugeot pair; the hatch has a USP in being 4WD. With no mechanical changes over the coupe, does the 308 risk being rather redundant before it goes on sale?
But can it beat the all-conquering Megane?
Well it does offer some five-door practicality of course, and we do love a hot hatch in Britain. But, how to put this politely? The 308 R isn't exactly a looker in concept form whereas the RCZ really is. Peugeot may claim 'sportiness is in the genes of this radical concept car', and that may well be a borne out in its dynamics, but two-tone paint? Unless it's a genuine racing car, it will always resemble something modified by a yoof with some leftover spray cans. Or a Toyota Picnic.
But that won't be the only colour option (hopefully), and the R's exterior does have some noteworthy points. The front track is 30mm wider, the car sits 26mm lower on 19-inch rims and only the roof and bootlid are carried over from the standard 308; the wings, doors, bonnet and bumpers are carbon fibre. Impressive.
Apparently the 308 R 'appears ready to pounce' from the rear, and is clearly so scary that Peugeot can't yet release a picture. We're told there's a matt black spoiler and a pair of tailpipes lurking back there too.
Other (non-red) hot hatch options too...
We'll also have to wait until Frankfurt to see the 308 R's interior. Peugeot says its latest 'i-Cockpit' design 'promises a new kind of sensation', but sounds very familiar to the 208's controversial cabin layout. There's a steering wheel 'of compact dimensions', dials that are to be viewed over the wheel and a large touchscreen to control the infotainment.
It's an intriguing thing, the 308 R, and one that shows a lot of potential in a highly competitive market. With the RCZ R set to be over £30K, the 308 could certainly pose a threat priced somewhere beneath it (details expected to follow at Frankfurt). But in white, or grey, or blue, or anything but red and black two-tone please.