The good news continues from Peugeot! After years in the doldrums it finally appears to be picking up its fast car game again. Following the
208 GTI 30th
RCZ R
- both very good cars - the
308 GTI
has now been confirmed for a Goodwood debut.
Seriously, who would pay £1,300 for that paint?
The important stuff? Two models, a GTI 250 and a GTI 270 (you can probably figure those out), a Torsen limited-slip diff, wider tracks, 380mm front brakes and brand new front suspension. And, because it's a fast new Peugeot, the option of that gross 'Coupe Franche' two-tone paint.
Look beyond the paint though and there are some intriguing if quite restrained body changes. The GTI sits 11mm lower than a regular 308, the grille, intakes and sills are more aggressive and the rear features two fairly prominent exhausts. It's certainly no Civic Type R to look at but then subtlety seems to sell at the moment, with just enough purpose to hint at the performance.
The GTI 250 rides on 18-inch 'Diamant' wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 3s, the 270 upgraded to 19-inch 'Carbones' with Michelin Super Sports. The springs and dampers have been fettled by Peugeot Sport, there are aluminium wishbones and a "more malleable" rear anti-roll bar to "ensure a better match with the rear axle to enhance grip". The Torsen diff seen in the other two also features, with the steering "designed specifically" to work in conjunction with the LSD. Traction control? Well of course, but a sportier design allows, in Peugeot's own words "more latitude, with enhanced drift on bends." It can be fully disengaged too.
Both the GTI 250 and 270 produce 243lb ft, while also officially returning 139g/km and 47.1mpg. A six-speed manual is the only gearbox option, which is a nice thing to write. Sounds like the GTI 250, much like the
lower-powered Leon Cupra
, could be the one to have with very nearly identical performance but an improvement in ride quality thanks to the smaller wheels. Let's see. Peugeot claims a top speed of 155mph for both, with 62mph coming up in six seconds for the 270 and 6.2 for the 250.
So far so promising for the 308 GTI then. But then it needs to be given it follows both 309 and 306 GTIs as Peugeot's C-segment hatch. Both quite good you might say... Following the Goodwood debut the GTI will be available to order soon from Peugeot dealers at £26,555 for the 250 and £28,155 for the 270. For reference a Cupra 280 five-door (remember the 265 is three-door only) is £28,210 and a Focus ST-3 £26,295. Sounds like there are some very interesting comparisons coming up soon!