Peugeot has a long history of creating fun-to-drive hatchback’s, of both the petrol and diesel
variety, and with the current 308 already being far better to drive than the old one,
the arrival of a range-topping GT model should be great news for fans of the French brand.
If you need more space, you can even go for the SW estate version we’re testing here
today.
But, the competition has swelled while Peugeot has been away, with the Golf GTI and GTD now
joined by a new Focus ST petrol and diesel, and the talented SEAT Leon FR also selling
very well.
So, can Peugeot’s £25 grand GT compete?
Let’s find out…
Well, first things first, after the unveiling of the 308 GTI at Goodwood, we know a more
hardcore version of the 308 with up to 270bhp is on the way, so this GT should be thought
of as a warm hatch with lots of kit, rather than an out-and-out sports model.
If you are looking for driving thrills, you might be disappointed.
But, with a surprisingly comfortable ride, lots of grip and decent power, the 308 GT
does make a rather rapid car which is well-suited to covering long distances.
There are two engines available, a petrol 1.6-litre turbo with 202bhp and 285NM of torque
and this 2.0-litre diesel with less power at 178bhp, but a whopping 400NM of thrust.
The petrol is quicker off the line, hitting 62mph in 7.5 seconds with a manual gearbox,
though rather oddly, you can only get it in the hatchback, not the estate.
This diesel takes around eight-and-a-half seconds to hit 62mph and comes with a six-speed
automatic and these flappy-paddles as standard.
Left in its normal mode, it feels brisk, with all that torque adding useful grunt to the
driving experience.
Press the sport button and the dials turn red, the gearbox sharpens up and the steering
gets very heavy, but most noticeably the speakers also seem to mimic an American Muscle car.
Depending on your outlook, you’ll either love this sound or hate it.
But, what isn’t in doubt is that you’re better off with the petrol hatch if you want
a really fun drive.
And that’s because the larger diesel engine puts far more weight over the front wheels,
making it feel less agile and fun to drive.
We also wish the gearbox didn’t suddenly downshift when you accelerate hard in manual
mode, and that the hazard warning lights didn’t come on when you brake heavily, as these things,
although relatively minor, add up to make the GT feel less like a driver’s car than
it could be.
We’re sure the GTI will be far more enthusiast-orientated, but for now, the GT – at least in diesel
form – is best seen as a stylish and well-equipped, quick cruiser.
Peugeot has done a good job with the cabin, with an upmarket design and drastically de-cluttered
dashboard.
In fact, while I’m a fan of minimalism, this dash takes it slightly too far, as you
have to use the infotainment system just to adjust the climate control, which is a bit
of a faff.
Some people find Peugeot’s i-cockpit troublesome too, with the small steering wheel obscuring
these top-mounted dials, but plenty of seat adjustment means you can usually find a compromise.
Sporting touches include a chunkier feel for the leather steering wheel and plenty of red
stitching, and the add-ons stay the right side of classy.
This car has optional leather seats costing £1,200, along with a huge panoramic sunroof,
which seems like good value, adding £500.
Strangely a CD player is an £80 option, for those of you who still can’t face putting
your music collection in the cloud.
For more information on the interior, check out our review of the standard 308 SW
It’s an appealing car, the 308 GT.
We think it looks good, it’s quick, surprisingly comfortable and well-equipped.
But, with competition as good as the Golf GTD and Focus, if fails to be the driver’s
best car.
Hopefully the GTI will be a sharper drive, because the basic ingredients are all there.
But do you think the 308 GT is sporty enough for you?
Let us know in the comments section and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel.
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