RE: Peugeot 308 GTI: Driven
Discussion
I'm a big fan of this 1600cc Prince engine. One of my favourites of recent years, to be honest.
We had the same unit in 181 bhp guise in a Mini Cooper S and it was brilliant. It always felt muscular and willing, seemed to love being driven hard, and had a lovely exhaust note that was very pleasantly old school in character. Bags of character, even down the ever so slightly lumpy at idle, and good on fuel when not being thrashed. I thought the B48 that replaced it in the newer Cooper S didn't have anything like the same sense of fun about it.
With another 89 bhp (putting the inevitable reliability / longevity questions aside - are Peugeot still advocating 20,000 mile service intervals on these things?), it must be a bit of a beast.
We had the same unit in 181 bhp guise in a Mini Cooper S and it was brilliant. It always felt muscular and willing, seemed to love being driven hard, and had a lovely exhaust note that was very pleasantly old school in character. Bags of character, even down the ever so slightly lumpy at idle, and good on fuel when not being thrashed. I thought the B48 that replaced it in the newer Cooper S didn't have anything like the same sense of fun about it.
With another 89 bhp (putting the inevitable reliability / longevity questions aside - are Peugeot still advocating 20,000 mile service intervals on these things?), it must be a bit of a beast.
SuperBaaaad said:
I'd still love to know who would buy one over say, an S3, which is a mere £3k more.
Me. I have owned several Peugeots (all 306 XSIs), and I have driven the lesser 308 as I have the Audi A3. Why would I prefer the Peugeot?1. It's more than £3k less for reasons mentioned already. In fact, a brief play on the configurators reveal a £7k difference. Add discounts, and that's c.£10k.
2. It handles rather better than the Audi (as a car type; I cannot comment on the hot versions of both)
3. Its interior is just as nice as the Audi - and a lot less infuriating to use (apart from the infotainment; Audi is light years ahead)
So - apart from the fact that the price difference (and power difference) instantly makes comparisons somewhat pointless, I'd still buy the Peugeot.
I buy cars, not badges.
WCZ said:
yeah, enjoy your £30k pug knowing for the same price you could have bought a 350bhp bmw 1 series !
No you can't. Not if you are comparing like for like. As has been pointed out, you can get a discounted 308GTI for about £24k. The BMW is about £30k, discounted. The 140i is an attractive option, which sadly is about the only attractive thing about it. Any car that looks like Scooby Doo's head isn't cutting it in the beauty parade for me. As for the manual gearbox, just don't; it's appalling. More rubbery and obstructive than a latex-clad bouncer.
WCZ said:
Ray_Aber said:
I buy cars, not badges.
the audi is 306bhp and 4wd and you can also get £4k discounts on it too Edited by WCZ on Thursday 6th July 13:17
I don't want 4wd although I appreciate that it suits the S3 and its powertrain. They are - as I mentioned - competing in different sectors and have different performance. Which is more enjoyable though?
aaron_2000 said:
At 1280kg, it's barely heavier than a Focus ST170, but with 100bhp more. This or a Leon 300 would be my brand new hot hatch of choice.
I'd like to know 100% that the stated weight is correct.I'm sure Renault basically stated that their new Clio 200 Turbo (EDC), when it was first released, would weigh no more than the previous model, despite it having a DCT gearbox and being bigger and having 5 doors. I'm sure it turned out they were basically lying and it was a fair bit more heavier when it was actually weighed elsewhere.
If it is true though, that is very impressive.
Ray_Aber said:
I don't want 4wd although I appreciate that it suits the S3 and its powertrain. They are - as I mentioned - competing in different sectors and have different performance. Which is more enjoyable though?
i'm just saying that your 'I buy cars no badges' was implying that the only appreciable difference between Audi and Pug is the badge when an extra 36bhp and AWD (regardless of whether you think it detracts from enjoyment) is something most would consider as a formidable difference. The sooner they kill the cut'n'shut paint job the better. I'm surprised it made it past the facelift.
I had a regular non-GTI 308 1.2 turbo auto as a hire car earlier this year & it was a hoot. But the steering wheel in your lap with the instruments over the top was a strange driving position. The reverse rev counter reminded me of a 2nd gen Fiat X1/9 or scabby Vantage I once drove. The words 'quirky' and 'French' come to mind with the whole dashboard set-up.
I had a regular non-GTI 308 1.2 turbo auto as a hire car earlier this year & it was a hoot. But the steering wheel in your lap with the instruments over the top was a strange driving position. The reverse rev counter reminded me of a 2nd gen Fiat X1/9 or scabby Vantage I once drove. The words 'quirky' and 'French' come to mind with the whole dashboard set-up.
BFleming said:
The sooner they kill the cut'n'shut paint job the better. I'm surprised it made it past the facelift.
I had a regular non-GTI 308 1.2 turbo auto as a hire car earlier this year & it was a hoot. But the steering wheel in your lap with the instruments over the top was a strange driving position. The reverse rev counter reminded me of a 2nd gen Fiat X1/9 or scabby Vantage I once drove. The words 'quirky' and 'French' come to mind with the whole dashboard set-up.
It may have been dropped, it's not on the Peugeot UK website as an option anyway.I had a regular non-GTI 308 1.2 turbo auto as a hire car earlier this year & it was a hoot. But the steering wheel in your lap with the instruments over the top was a strange driving position. The reverse rev counter reminded me of a 2nd gen Fiat X1/9 or scabby Vantage I once drove. The words 'quirky' and 'French' come to mind with the whole dashboard set-up.
Edited by FN2TypeR on Thursday 6th July 13:50
culpz said:
I'd like to know 100% that the stated weight is correct.
I'm sure Renault basically stated that their new Clio 200 Turbo (EDC), when it was first released, would weigh no more than the previous model, despite it having a DCT gearbox and being bigger and having 5 doors. I'm sure it turned out they were basically lying and it was a fair bit more heavier when it was actually weighed elsewhere.
If it is true though, that is very impressive.
Alot of sources say it's 1205, other say it's more around 1280. Either way it is very impressive. Those are early 00's weight figures, but with late 10's power and refinement. Very impressive car, the equivalent Leon weighs at least 100kg more the the GTI. Never seen a 308 GTI on the road which is definitely a shame. I'm sure Renault basically stated that their new Clio 200 Turbo (EDC), when it was first released, would weigh no more than the previous model, despite it having a DCT gearbox and being bigger and having 5 doors. I'm sure it turned out they were basically lying and it was a fair bit more heavier when it was actually weighed elsewhere.
If it is true though, that is very impressive.
WCZ said:
i'm just saying that your 'I buy cars no badges' was implying that the only appreciable difference between Audi and Pug is the badge when an extra 36bhp and AWD (regardless of whether you think it detracts from enjoyment) is something most would consider as a formidable difference.
Fair point, and I can see how I missed your implication. Apologies. Im surprised people here are not bemoaning the lack of a 'Rallye' version despite the fact that very few would actually buy one.
I lost interest in Peugeot about 15 odd years ago when the stopped rallying and started making s
t looking cars. This looks no better and the small steering wheel just looks weird. That said If I took one for a spin this attitude could be wiped out if it drive like the old 306 (at least relatively). In addition the new 507 (ie the equivalent to the Mondeo) looks very nice.
But all this aside, can you trust the electrics in a Peugeot these days?
I lost interest in Peugeot about 15 odd years ago when the stopped rallying and started making s
t looking cars. This looks no better and the small steering wheel just looks weird. That said If I took one for a spin this attitude could be wiped out if it drive like the old 306 (at least relatively). In addition the new 507 (ie the equivalent to the Mondeo) looks very nice. But all this aside, can you trust the electrics in a Peugeot these days?
Ray_Aber said:
No you can't. Not if you are comparing like for like. As has been pointed out, you can get a discounted 308GTI for about £24k. The BMW is about £30k, discounted.
The 140i is an attractive option, which sadly is about the only attractive thing about it. Any car that looks like Scooby Doo's head isn't cutting it in the beauty parade for me. As for the manual gearbox, just don't; it's appalling. More rubbery and obstructive than a latex-clad bouncer.
I paid less than £30k with a load of options on it including the auto box.The 140i is an attractive option, which sadly is about the only attractive thing about it. Any car that looks like Scooby Doo's head isn't cutting it in the beauty parade for me. As for the manual gearbox, just don't; it's appalling. More rubbery and obstructive than a latex-clad bouncer.
Not the best looking car, but when you're behind the wheel, you don't care.
confused_buyer said:
A few interweb clicks gives actual prices of:
308 GTI (270): £25800
Golf GTI (245): £26800
BMW M140i (345): £27850
Before any options on all of them.
At that price, the 140i is a steal. I suppose you could (a) get the paddleshift and (b) buy it in black so you can't see how ugly it is. It's quite pleasant inside - AND you can get the seats in non-black! Woohoo!308 GTI (270): £25800
Golf GTI (245): £26800
BMW M140i (345): £27850
Before any options on all of them.
Ray_Aber said:
No you can't. Not if you are comparing like for like. As has been pointed out, you can get a discounted 308GTI for about £24k. The BMW is about £30k, discounted.
The 140i is an attractive option, which sadly is about the only attractive thing about it. Any car that looks like Scooby Doo's head isn't cutting it in the beauty parade for me. As for the manual gearbox, just don't; it's appalling. More rubbery and obstructive than a latex-clad bouncer.
https://broadspeed.com/CarView/BMW/1-Series/43432/_M140i__3.0_Petrol_Manual_3_doorsThe 140i is an attractive option, which sadly is about the only attractive thing about it. Any car that looks like Scooby Doo's head isn't cutting it in the beauty parade for me. As for the manual gearbox, just don't; it's appalling. More rubbery and obstructive than a latex-clad bouncer.
£27k
https://broadspeed.com/new_cars/Peugeot/308/Choose...
£26k
not sure where the £24k deals are but for the sake of £1k difference for a 340bhp/369lbft rwd 6 cylinder bmw vs a 270bhp fwd pug, I think it's a no brainer
also not too bad standard spec on the 140i:
18" light alloy wheels M Double-spoke style 436 M with High-grip tyres
6.5" colour screen with iDrive controller
Air conditioning, automatic, two-zone
Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming (with USB connection)
BMW Emergency Call
BMW Professional radio with single CD player
Comfort Go (keyless start)
DAB tuner
Door sill finishers with M140i designation
Drive Performance Control with ECO PRO, Comfort and Sport modes
Exhaust tailpipes, Dark Chrome
Extended storage
Foglights, front
Kidney grille, Chrome with extra-wide High-gloss Black vertical slats
Dakota leather upholstery
M Sport multi-function leather steering wheel with speed limiting function
Rain sensor and automatic headlight activation
Tyre Pressure Monitoring, with three-level warning strategy
Ambient lighting - switchable BMW Classic Orange/Cold White LED
Exterior trim, High-gloss Shadowline
Gearshift lever with M designation, short-shift (manual transmission only)
Headlining, Anthracite
Interior trim, Aluminium Hexagon with Estoril Blue finisher
LED foglights, front
LED headlights, with automatic beam control
M aerodynamic bodystyling, model-specific
M designation, side
M Sport suspension, with individual, distinctive settings
Remote control with integrated key, with inset in Blue
Sport instrument cluster with Red highlight
Sport seats, front
Airblades, Ferric Grey
BMW Mobility System
Extended lighting
M Sport braking system
Mirror caps, Ferric Grey
Rear-view mirror, automatically dimming
Variable Sport steering, with model-specific characteristic curve
Full black panel display with M140i welcome logo
BMW Navigation System
BMW Online Services
BMW TeleServices
Battery age recognition function
Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI)
Welcome light with LED technology
60/40 split folding rear seat
Cupholders, two with sliding cover and inlay mat
Glove box handle with Chrome surround
Oil temperature display via on-board computer shown in central screen in instrument cluster
aaron_2000 said:
Alot of sources say it's 1205, other say it's more around 1280. Either way it is very impressive. Those are early 00's weight figures, but with late 10's power and refinement. Very impressive car, the equivalent Leon weighs at least 100kg more the the GTI. Never seen a 308 GTI on the road which is definitely a shame.
That's very light for a Golf-equivalent size car or any other car in that class. In fact, that's more a weight that would be typical of the class below I.E. Polo, Fiesta, Clio, etc.You won't see many due to the lack of attractive deals when new for PCP's/leases/other finance. Whereas, you'll see alot more of the fast Leon's, Golf's due to attractive offers.
I do seem to see a few of the GT models about though for the 308. Not sure they were the cheapest for the money either but they must have done a few fair deals on them at some point.
rastapasta said:
Im surprised people here are not bemoaning the lack of a 'Rallye' version despite the fact that very few would actually buy one.
I lost interest in Peugeot about 15 odd years ago when the stopped rallying and started making st looking cars. This looks no better and the small steering wheel just looks weird. That said If I took one for a spin this attitude could be wiped out if it drive like the old 306 (at least relatively). In addition the new 507 (ie the equivalent to the Mondeo) looks very nice.
But all this aside, can you trust the electrics in a Peugeot these days?
https://youtu.be/dezFVFCpmvs?t=55 not too bad.I lost interest in Peugeot about 15 odd years ago when the stopped rallying and started making s
t looking cars. This looks no better and the small steering wheel just looks weird. That said If I took one for a spin this attitude could be wiped out if it drive like the old 306 (at least relatively). In addition the new 507 (ie the equivalent to the Mondeo) looks very nice. But all this aside, can you trust the electrics in a Peugeot these days?
Re. the electrics, they aren't any worse than other OEMs.
Edited by drdino on Thursday 6th July 14:30
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