RE: Peugeot Sport 308 GTI 270 | Spotted
Discussion
smuj1972 said:
Yes it’s quick, handles well and subtle looks to be commended. However, reliability is a major issue as the 1.6 engine is stressed at 200bhp in the 208gti and you can’t see the speedo due to the weird steering wheel set up. It was almost there...
Reliability is a major issue? What a pack of lies.Burgerbob said:
So many comments by people who trust what Clarkson says.
Did you know that Peugeot are the largest shareholders of Faurecia? Guess what, they make interiors for all sorts of companies, including VW, BMW, Mercedes etc. Peugeot don't tell their own company to build crap for itself but decent stuff for others.
I made the exact same point regarding Faurecia on a previous Peugeot thread and typically along came some PH know all to suggest that’s exactly what PSA do. Did you know that Peugeot are the largest shareholders of Faurecia? Guess what, they make interiors for all sorts of companies, including VW, BMW, Mercedes etc. Peugeot don't tell their own company to build crap for itself but decent stuff for others.
I'll also echo a lot of boozyjay’s points on the ergonomics and overall quality having owned a 308 GT line over a similar period of time and 30k miles.
On the face of it it's a tempting prospect however I wouldn't but one based on the build quality of the 508's we have on fleet at work, I still find their build quality to be behind that of even Ford, never mind VW etc.
One such example, if you hold the A pillar trim by the alarm sensor pod the whole trim is easily slid forwards and backwards clearly held on by nothing but friction from the rubber seals at either side.
One such example, if you hold the A pillar trim by the alarm sensor pod the whole trim is easily slid forwards and backwards clearly held on by nothing but friction from the rubber seals at either side.
Burgerbob said:
So many comments by people who trust what Clarkson says.
Did you know that Peugeot are the largest shareholders of Faurecia? Guess what, they make interiors for all sorts of companies, including VW, BMW, Mercedes etc. Peugeot don't tell their own company to build crap for itself but decent stuff for others.
If you read the Evo reviews they reckon it's one of the most exciting hot hatches, when you drive it hard. But it's very relaxing and easy to drive when not driving hard. Isn't that exactly the point of a hot hatch?
The steering wheel does take a few journeys too get used to it, hence people who have only driven the car a couple of times can find it odd, but once you've got used to it, it makes sense, makes many other cars feel like a bus, and the high set dials are in sight.
The car is more subtle looking that many of the current breed of hot hatches, but it's only the last few years that people think a hot hatch should look like a touring car. I much prefer the 80s and 90s idea when they were purposely just tweaked from the standard versions.
Peugeot top the JD power reliability survey, so the idea they fall apart is simply a myth.
Overall it's a fantastic all rounder of a car and at this price a bargain.
Yes, I am biased, I've had mine for 2 1/2 reliable years. It's a great comfy, practical, fun car.
Yes, you are biased. And you're also a bit defensive.Did you know that Peugeot are the largest shareholders of Faurecia? Guess what, they make interiors for all sorts of companies, including VW, BMW, Mercedes etc. Peugeot don't tell their own company to build crap for itself but decent stuff for others.
If you read the Evo reviews they reckon it's one of the most exciting hot hatches, when you drive it hard. But it's very relaxing and easy to drive when not driving hard. Isn't that exactly the point of a hot hatch?
The steering wheel does take a few journeys too get used to it, hence people who have only driven the car a couple of times can find it odd, but once you've got used to it, it makes sense, makes many other cars feel like a bus, and the high set dials are in sight.
The car is more subtle looking that many of the current breed of hot hatches, but it's only the last few years that people think a hot hatch should look like a touring car. I much prefer the 80s and 90s idea when they were purposely just tweaked from the standard versions.
Peugeot top the JD power reliability survey, so the idea they fall apart is simply a myth.
Overall it's a fantastic all rounder of a car and at this price a bargain.
Yes, I am biased, I've had mine for 2 1/2 reliable years. It's a great comfy, practical, fun car.
I'm not talking about quality of interior components - I'm talking about design and ergo. This is where Peugeot have failed for years.
I can only echo the positives mentioned in this thread and like others, I have experienced zero issues during my ownership. I'm 6'3" and find the driving position perfect and that includes the steering wheel and view of the instruments. It fits me and my size 12s like a glove, which isn't always a given.
I must be the only person who doesn't have an issue with the touchscreen as I love it and find it very intuitive but then I'm rarely far from my smartphone or tablet. Climate is set to Auto and I rarely if ever touch the temperature controls as I find it a very accurate system, so temperature changes tend to follow the seasons, rather than the constant adjustments made on a manual system or poor auto system.
I tend to leave mine on the DAB screen, so I thus have very little interaction with the screen during a typical drive as most of what I need can be accessed from the steering wheel, and it's the same with the other audio sources.
If you're not fortunate enough to have the Denon speaker upgrade then fear not as Peugeot offered a Focal system for other Peugeot models and the speakers are a direct plug & play fit in the 308. Not only do they provide a great upgrade in sound quality but they can be had for as little as £28.00 each! You'll need four and the part number is
9809350880.
The nav accepts 7 digit postcodes if you enter them into the city field, although you may need to update the firmware via USB, which can be downloaded from the 308 forum sticky. You will also find speed camera database updates here plus map updates too, although the latter are also free via the Peugeot website for 5 years for all 308s from 2015 onwards.
The 308 received a mild facelift in late 2017 and this included a change from SMEG + to NAC entertainment system. The NAC provides much faster processing and response plus it comes with Car Play and Android Auto as standard. I am more than happy with the SMEG +, which has improved with subsequent firmware updates but others have retrofitted used NAC units along with the required screen, the latter of which can be had new for around £70.00 via Aliexpress.
The Prince 1.6 was extensively revised over the years, so the 1.6 found in the GTI, which entered production in 2015, is a very different beast from the 1.6 THP launched around 2006. The 308 GTI engine benefits from numerous modifications including Mahle forged aluminium pistons with oil jet cooling, reinforced connecting rods and bolts, reinforced gearbox etc. I believe it puts out more BHP per litre than a 458 Italian.
Peugeot had an RCZ R concept running 300 bhp and the changes amounted to a new turbo recirc valve, ecu tune and a less restrictive exhaust.
A 4H-Techb P Shift quick shift kit can be had for under £70.00 and addresses the longer throw mentioned by some owners.
Plugs are NGK ILZKR8C8G (90909) at around £14.00 each and need changing every 2 years, although some change annually. Super unleaded is a must but that's hardly a surprise.
The Alcon brake discs are very expensive and only available via Peugeot whilst I don't know of any aftermarket alternatives as yet but then I'm a long way off needing discs. Some owners have swapped to the 250 GTI discs and calipers, which I believe are also shared with the 308 2.0 HDI 160/180, so I wouldn't let the cost of brake put you off what is an extremely good car.
If you're just after pads to work with your Alcon discs and don't want to pay Peugeot prices then take a look at the Ferodo
DS2500 (FRP3135), which can be had for around £180.00!
I'm not going to repeat the numerous pleasures that come from 308 GTI ownership as they are much better summarised in many of the glowing road tests and long term tests available online.
It's not perfect but the 308 GTI punches way above its weight as a used buy in terms of performance, handling, build quality, comfort, specification and makes for a truly brilliant daily, which makes it a pretty compelling hot hatch in my eyes. I couldn't care less about a badge or country of origin!
Hopefully some of the above will be of use to those either contemplating a 308 GTI or fortunate enough to own one.
I must be the only person who doesn't have an issue with the touchscreen as I love it and find it very intuitive but then I'm rarely far from my smartphone or tablet. Climate is set to Auto and I rarely if ever touch the temperature controls as I find it a very accurate system, so temperature changes tend to follow the seasons, rather than the constant adjustments made on a manual system or poor auto system.
I tend to leave mine on the DAB screen, so I thus have very little interaction with the screen during a typical drive as most of what I need can be accessed from the steering wheel, and it's the same with the other audio sources.
If you're not fortunate enough to have the Denon speaker upgrade then fear not as Peugeot offered a Focal system for other Peugeot models and the speakers are a direct plug & play fit in the 308. Not only do they provide a great upgrade in sound quality but they can be had for as little as £28.00 each! You'll need four and the part number is
9809350880.
The nav accepts 7 digit postcodes if you enter them into the city field, although you may need to update the firmware via USB, which can be downloaded from the 308 forum sticky. You will also find speed camera database updates here plus map updates too, although the latter are also free via the Peugeot website for 5 years for all 308s from 2015 onwards.
The 308 received a mild facelift in late 2017 and this included a change from SMEG + to NAC entertainment system. The NAC provides much faster processing and response plus it comes with Car Play and Android Auto as standard. I am more than happy with the SMEG +, which has improved with subsequent firmware updates but others have retrofitted used NAC units along with the required screen, the latter of which can be had new for around £70.00 via Aliexpress.
The Prince 1.6 was extensively revised over the years, so the 1.6 found in the GTI, which entered production in 2015, is a very different beast from the 1.6 THP launched around 2006. The 308 GTI engine benefits from numerous modifications including Mahle forged aluminium pistons with oil jet cooling, reinforced connecting rods and bolts, reinforced gearbox etc. I believe it puts out more BHP per litre than a 458 Italian.
Peugeot had an RCZ R concept running 300 bhp and the changes amounted to a new turbo recirc valve, ecu tune and a less restrictive exhaust.
A 4H-Techb P Shift quick shift kit can be had for under £70.00 and addresses the longer throw mentioned by some owners.
Plugs are NGK ILZKR8C8G (90909) at around £14.00 each and need changing every 2 years, although some change annually. Super unleaded is a must but that's hardly a surprise.
The Alcon brake discs are very expensive and only available via Peugeot whilst I don't know of any aftermarket alternatives as yet but then I'm a long way off needing discs. Some owners have swapped to the 250 GTI discs and calipers, which I believe are also shared with the 308 2.0 HDI 160/180, so I wouldn't let the cost of brake put you off what is an extremely good car.
If you're just after pads to work with your Alcon discs and don't want to pay Peugeot prices then take a look at the Ferodo
DS2500 (FRP3135), which can be had for around £180.00!
I'm not going to repeat the numerous pleasures that come from 308 GTI ownership as they are much better summarised in many of the glowing road tests and long term tests available online.
It's not perfect but the 308 GTI punches way above its weight as a used buy in terms of performance, handling, build quality, comfort, specification and makes for a truly brilliant daily, which makes it a pretty compelling hot hatch in my eyes. I couldn't care less about a badge or country of origin!
Hopefully some of the above will be of use to those either contemplating a 308 GTI or fortunate enough to own one.
You're very welcome!
Sadly many people won't ever consider one purely because it's not German and I find that's a mindset quite unique to the UK, although thankfully not all of us follow that particular affliction.
I've owned all sorts...Volvo's, 3 x 9-5s, the last of which was referred to as the Millennium Falcon, E63 5.5, Infiniti FX, numerous BM's and M's including M6 GC, X350 XJR, Alfas, Renault's, 2 x AMG CL63, I still have a 370Z and now the 308 GTI aka the pocket rocket.
All I can say is try one as I drive my brothers tuned 19 plate RS3 every other week or so and I feel just as comfortable in the 308 as I do in his RS3. He totally rates the 308 GTI and so do I!
Some excellent video's on YouTube of the 308 doing its thing on the Nurburgring, especially one titled something like 30 Overtakes. It's even more impressive when you realise towards the end that not only is this GTI 270 totally standard but it's also carrying 4 adults!!
Enjoy!
Sadly many people won't ever consider one purely because it's not German and I find that's a mindset quite unique to the UK, although thankfully not all of us follow that particular affliction.
I've owned all sorts...Volvo's, 3 x 9-5s, the last of which was referred to as the Millennium Falcon, E63 5.5, Infiniti FX, numerous BM's and M's including M6 GC, X350 XJR, Alfas, Renault's, 2 x AMG CL63, I still have a 370Z and now the 308 GTI aka the pocket rocket.
All I can say is try one as I drive my brothers tuned 19 plate RS3 every other week or so and I feel just as comfortable in the 308 as I do in his RS3. He totally rates the 308 GTI and so do I!
Some excellent video's on YouTube of the 308 doing its thing on the Nurburgring, especially one titled something like 30 Overtakes. It's even more impressive when you realise towards the end that not only is this GTI 270 totally standard but it's also carrying 4 adults!!
Enjoy!
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