2018 Peugeot 308 GTi Explained – Video

Peugeot Sport, is responsible for the development of the 308 GTi, we hope the lack of updates mean the team is hard at work on a new Le Mans LMP1 entry or something similar.

Either that, or the 308 GTi didn’t need changing… Peugeot could have easily squeezed more power from the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, but it’s already claimed to be the most powerful production engine of its size, with a rather decent 268bhp on offer.

It needs around 3000rpm before it gets going, but you wouldn’t know it was 400cc down on most rivals. And we like the 308 GTI’s supple suspension, sweet steering, the subtle character that isn’t overtly aggressive but is entertaining and exciting.

The Peugeot’s styling is understated, and the chassis is underrated. The gearbox could be a tad tighter, and body roll marginally tauter, but this is nit-picking an overall package that flows with real control and compliance.

 

 

The front bumper, bonnet and black grille are new, while the headlights and tail lights have been tweaked in line with revisions to the rest of the 308 range. There’s a sharper 9.7-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system too, complete with TomTom 3D navigation, and now a load of extra safety systems including active lane assist and blind-spot monitoring.

The rest of the interior comes close to that evergreen Golf GTI too, with heavily bolstered and supportive Alcantara and faux-leather seats, and decent materials elsewhere as well.

But it’s still got that tiny steering wheel, which you’ll either love looking over the top of, or downright loathe. And why does the touchscreen do away with all the buttons, including those for the air-con, when the only thing the dash features in their place is a CD player.

As before the 308 GTi is up to whether you see it as a like for like Golf GTI rival or an underpowered player with the big boys. When the high-powered opposition costs around £3.5k more, there’s definitely a place for a hot hatch like this one.