Peugeot 308 GTI is a chip off the old block
DESIGN: ★★★☆☆
PERFORMANCE: ★★★★☆
PRACTICALITY: ★★★★☆
VALUE: ★★★★☆
There is an unwritten rule of motoring journalism that any review of a sporty Peugeot must reference the 205 GTI. But while the “best hot hatch of all time” is undoubtedly an icon, it’s also an albatross. Its brilliance has cast a long shadow over every subsequent Peugeot.
However, rules were made to be broken. And frankly, it’s time to move on. After all, the 205 GTI ceased production 21 years ago, when John Major was prime minister and a band called Oasis were first troubling the charts.
So we’ll assess Peugeot’s new 308 GTI without any further mention of that car. And anyway, hot hatches have come a long way in the last two decades. While the Peugeot-that-shall-not-be-named mustered just 104hp (later 117hp), the 308 produces 250hp or 270hp from the same 1.6litre capacity. That puts it comfortably ahead of its archrival, the 220hp Volkswagen Golf GTI. Indeed, it’s snapping at the heels of the 300hp Golf R.
Admittedly, at 1,200kg, the 308 GTI is lot (300kg) heavier than its illustrious predecessor. For that, you can thank airbags, infotainment, cupholders and all the other stuff that barely existed in 1994. There’s no doubting its pace, though – 062mph in 6.2 seconds, or 6.0 seconds for the 270hp “GTI by Peugeot Sport”.
From the outside, the potent Pug (short for Peugeot, see?) is subtle almost to the point of invisibility. It’s the antithesis of the “winged warrior” Honda Civic Type R. Its interior is rather racier, though, with retro red pinstripes, and generous standard equipment, including sat nav and reversing camera. Build quality is impressive, even compared to that benchmark Golf. But we’re not convinced it looks special enough for a hot hatch.
Fortunately, the flagship 308 feels rather more special from behind its go-kartsized steering wheel. This car may speak softly, but it carries a big, turbocharged stick. And it will dispatch a British Broad with a ruthless rapidity that, back in 1994, was the sole preserve of 4WD rally replicas such as the Mitsubishi Evo.
We also tried the Peugeot on the track at Donington Park, which gave us the chance to explore its very high limits in relative safety. With stiffer springs and a lower ride height, there’s ample grip – even on what Clarkson would call “mildly moist” tarmac. And pushing too hard results in steady and predictable understeer (running wide), rather than the tailsnapping oversteer of its famous forebear.
It was at Donington that the difference between standard and Peugeot Sport GTIs was most evident. As well as a token extra 20hp, the Sport has larger 19in alloys, bucket seats, bigger brakes and – crucially – a Torsen differential. This clever box of cogs adjusts torque between the front wheels to really haul the car around corners (think “arm around a lamp post”). On the right road, it justifies the £1,600 premium. Nonetheless, mistyeyed car hacks don’t rave about a certain old Peugeot because it was brainscramblingly fast. What matters most in a hot hatch is fun; these cars should make you smile on even the most mundane of journeys. Here is where the 308 falls down a little. Its too-light steering offers little feedback on how well the front tyres are gripping the tarmac. And its chassis doesn’t provide the playful adjustability of a Renaultsport Megane or Seat Leon Cupra.
Yet the Tories are in power, there’s talk of an Oasis reunion and hot hatches are firmly back in fashion. Plus ça change. The 308 GTI is a worthy addition to this competitive class, but its blend of subtle styling and serious speed still wouldn’t dissuade us from buying a Leon Cupra or (for a few quid more) a VW Golf R.
And while every car becomes a “classic” eventually, we don’t think road testers in 2036 will still be mentioning the 308 GTI. Or not mentioning it, if you know what we mean…
PRICE: £26,555
0-62MPH: 6.2 secs
TOP SPEED: 155mph
CO2 G/KM: 139g/km
MPG COMBINED: 47.1mpg