Peugeot 308 gti

Peugeot 308 GTI – Overview

The new Peugeot 308 is undeniably one of the sharpest-looking hatchbacks ever due in our shores aside from its competitors. Reviving the legendary GTi nameplate, Peugeot 308 GTi was introduced to restore the brand’s once legendary reputation among petrolheads. Though they were once known for their playful handling, the 2020 release of the GTi was stated to be even more fun and exciting.

For some unknown reasons, Peugeot is not a brand that’s too popular here in Malaysia. But over in the Western side of the world, the French marque still holds some prestige in the hot hatch market – thanks to its GTi models, starting from the Peugeot 205 GTi way back in the 80s.

The Peugeot 308 GTi is the hot hatch version of the French firm’s small family car. It is an alternative to the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI that comes with a minimalist cabin and a spacious boot, as well as a surprisingly powerful little engine. The 308 GTI is an enjoyable thing, but it might be competitive against its rival in the same class honours, – the established VW Golf GTI and young upstarts like the Hyundai i30N.

Fettled by Peugeot’s motorsport division Peugeot Sport in developing the car, it gets the powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the RCZ R model. Not to mention, the significantly lower suspension and uprated brakes, plus a Torsen limited-slip differential promised to improve more traction.

Talking about the local market, Peugeot Malaysia had released two trims of its 308 line up – namely the 1.6L THP for RM 129,888 and the 1.6L GTi for RM 199,888. Malaysia is the only country in the region that gets this powerful GTi version, while other countries get 250bhp.

Peugeot 308 GTI - Exterior

In keeping with that minimalist theme, from the outside, there is not much that distinguishes the Peugeot 308 GTi from other 308s. There are a few red trim pieces in the front bumper, as well as lowered suspension and twin exhaust pipes. Like the 308, the GTi version gets a discreet upgrade that consists of a new nose, bumpers, skirts, and wheels.

The front is similar to the 308 GT where the lion is caged in the grille instead of sitting on top of it, but the grille inserts feature the trademark chequered pattern as seen on the 208 GTi. Also fitted are full-LED headlamps with front and rear LED signature lighting. 

Moving to the side, there are additional side skirts, discreet GTi badge on the front fenders, 19-inch lightweight “Carbone” alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires fitted with 380mm front brake discs, red-painted Peugeot Sport callipers, and 268mm rear brake discs.

\Updates to the back is the lower diffuser with dual circular tailpipes and the obligatory GTi badge on the boot lid. Boasting all the stylish evolutions of the new Peugeot 308, this GTi version transpires sportiness and exclusivity without ever being ostentatious.

Peugeot 308 GTI – Interior

Undoubtly, it is all very nice in the current Peugeots, with material quality and fit and finish right up there with the Germans. Like the exterior, the GTi treatment is quite subtle but still noticeable. Diving into the cabin, there is a plush-looking Peugeot Sport bucket seats with Alcantara upholstery and red stitching.

It is then, matched with a GTi-badged flat-bottom steering wheel (with red centre marking), contrasting red stitching extends to the door panels, dashboard and aluminium door sills (with “Peugeot Sport and “GTi” script). Although the front seats are mounted fairly high up within the car, tall people will still have plenty of head and leg room. 

The sports seats are a little short, in both the bottom cushion and the backrest, but their lateral support is exceptional.
In addition, Peugeot provides a couple of generously sized door bins and room beneath the central armrest for storing keys and other small valuables out of sight.

Further back, the second-row seats are short on both head and leg room compared with the Golf GTI. However, the 308’s boot can accommodate more luggage than its rival, and thanks to 60/40-splitfolding rear seats, you can expand that space when the need arises. The only disappointment is that the seatbacks don’t lie completely flat when you do so.

In the back, there is plenty of boot space if drivers like to carry equipment or luggage around with them. It is a fairly small car, but its capacity will most likely surprise you. The boot space accommodates up to 470 litres at a maximum capacity.

Peugeot 308 GTI – Features

As expected from a top-of-the-range model, the 308 GTi is garnished with plenty of extra features and equipment. The 308 GTi’s bucket seats for example, still equipped with electric lumbar adjustment and massage function while being sporty. Not to mention, the high perceived quality and the perforated leather steering wheel which surely grips well in your hands.

The instrument panel also features a new chequered graphics and Redline theme. For extra convenience, there is a Sport button on the centre console allows the driver to increase the responsiveness of the engine, change the instrument panel colour to red (from white) and display certain information such as acceleration, power delivery and turbo pressure.

In addition to this new feature, the 308 GTi has been kitted out with a fantastic 9.7-inch central display touchscreen system. This is packed with features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, to stream your favourite tunes and also MirrorLink, which allows drivers and passengers to sync their phones for sat-nav and more.

Not forgetting the features of a modern day’s car, Peugeot 308 GTi are well fitted with; automatic electric parking brake, steering wheel with audio control and cruise control, auto dimming rear view mirror, panoramic sunroof, one-touch electric window on all 4 windows, front centre armrest with storage and a rear centre armrest with 2 cupholders.

Standard safety kit is comparable with that in most rivals (six airbags come as standard), plus Peugeot offers a Driver Assistance Pack that brings several desirable extras. These include adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Security kit includes an engine immobiliser and deadlocks, plus the 308 GTi gets a Thatcham Category 1-approved alarm as standard.

The main benefit of the 2021 308 GTi model is the upgraded brakes. The limited-slip feature allows the car to be pretty aggressive. Even as aggressive as its close competitors with bigger engines. Additionally, the braking system allows the car to be a much more comfortable ride than previous 308 models. 

It is quick to the point of stopping and pretty firm, so drivers of any ability will find the 308 GTi easy to control.
Other safety features of the model also include; Child Safety Locks, Anti-Lock Braking System, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control System, Rear Camera, Parking Sensors, Crash Sensor, Front Impact Beams, Side Impact Beams and Door Ajar Warning.

Peugeot 308 GTI - Powertrain

Under the hood, this front-wheel drive GTi has a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine (which is all alloy) with strengthened internals for high performance delivering a decent 270 PS at 330 Nm. The drivetrain then mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, suits the “true driver” spirit.

The ultimate THP engine pushed the 308 GTi from 0 to 100km/h in only 6 seconds and takes only 25.3 seconds to travel 1000m from a standstill position. The 308 GTi is quick and surely brilliant at overtaking, but it’s also civilised. Despite having suspension that’s lower and firmer than a standard 308’s, and larger wheels, it gives a fairly comfortable ride.
Drivetrain

The standard 308 can feel twitchy to drive rather than the GTi which has more solid feel. You feel instantly confident as the front wheels point the Peugeot precisely, and they keep on gripping hard even as you accelerate out of a corner. That’s the Torsen differential at work.

The wheels are spaced further apart than is standard, and they lean inwards slightly at the top to make the Peugeot more eager to turn. Perhaps the comically small steering wheel fitted to all 308s will prove more than a gimmick in the GTi.
The GTi has an ESP stability control program, but if you switch it off – on a track, for example – the Peugeot feels barely any different. This suggests the engineers have got everything set up perfectly. Plus, the brakes are mightily effective, too.

Peugeot 308 GTI - Fuel Economy

Peugeot 308 GTI - Driving Performance

While most of its rivals have 2.0-litre turbocharged engines, some might think that the 308 GTi with its 1.6-litre motor would leave owners feeling shortchanged. But despite its small displacement, it can kick every bit as hard as its rival. This is a riotously entertaining hot hatchback which also manages to be a capable family car. It is a car that represents its creator’s beliefs rather than trying to cater for all tastes.

Overall, the Peugeot 308 GTi was meant to be more fun, convenient, diverse, and practical, which are all of the things drivers look for in day-to-day rides. For a small car, it can pack a punch and offer the driver, as well as passengers, with plenty of space and while the ride can be a bit firm, it is still quite comfortable by same class standards.

Peugeot 308 GTI - Conclusion 

In summary, not only the Peugeot 308 GTi offer convenience, stamina, and exclusivity, it also looks pretty impressive. The compact sports car exudes an athletic allure for the ultimate driving pleasure, perfect for the adventurous souls with a desire for exhilarating driving experiences.