Currently reading: New Peugeot 308 GTi revealed at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Range-topping 308 GTi comes with 268bhp and will go on sale in September

Peugeot has unveiled the Peugeot 308 GTI, a fast but frugal 268bhp five-door hot hatch, intended to rival a raft of competitors including the Seat Leon Cupra and the Ford Focus ST, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

As expected, the new model uses the same 1.6-litre THP petrol engine as the RCZ-R, albeit tweaked for Euro6 compliance. Its CO2 emissions of 139g/km are class-leading, and backed by a 6.0 sec 0-62mph time.

Read our full review on the Peugeot 308

Alongside the 268bhp headliner, Peugeot will offer a 247bhp version of the same engine. Torque output for both is 243lb ft, driving the front wheels exclusively via a standard manual six-speed gearbox.

The chief difference between the two is the fitment of a mechanical Torsen limited slip differential to the more powerful variant. This too is a carryover from the RCZ-R and the 208 GTI 30th edition.

Like those models, the GTI is the work of Peugeot Sport, the brand’s performance division. In development for around a year, the new 308 boasts a suitably enhanced chassis to go with its performance boost.

Even when compared to the recent warmed-up GT, the GTI sits fully 11mm closer to the ground on dramatically firmer springs - Peugeot insisting the rear torsion beam is 100 per cent stiffer than previously.

The dampers have also been recalibrated, as have the hydraulic bump stops. The camber on the standard 19-inch wheels (18-inch for the 247bhp version) is increased, and the tracks widened front and rear.

Predictably, the 308’s electric steering has also been revised, the engineer’s admitting that managing torque steer and the interaction of the new differential have been among their hardest challenges.

The decision to allow the ESP to be completely switched out by the driver will have hopefully come easier, as will the inclusion of yet bigger brakes - the front discs now measuring 380mm.

The extent of its enhancements notwithstanding, Peugeot insists the GTI is a road car first and foremost; better measured against the VW Golf GTI than the intentionally fierce Renault Megane RS.

Certainly the styling garnish has been kept to the modest end of the scale. An exclusive black grille, additional spoilers and intakes, sill extenders, a gloss black diffuser and twin exhausts have been added.

None are outrageous, though. Extroverts will be steered instead to the paint options where the Coupe Franche version - a black and red split livery - is an additional £1300 option for the 268bhp edition.

Following a September launch, expect that car to go on sale in the UK at around £28,250. Expect the entry-level version to cost about £2k less.

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superstevie 18 June 2015

I like it, but it isn't

I like it, but it isn't special enough over a standard model. I'm not saying they should go down the Type-R route, but a Golf GTi looks subtle but quite different over a standard hatch. Same for a Focus ST. Even the Kia C'eed GT looks different enough. The 308 GTi just looks like it has bigger alloys, and that's it.
bol 19 June 2015

It's like they've got a different designer for each bit

There's absolutely no coherence to the design inside or out. Who would have thought 20 years ago that Korean manufacturers would be delivering better resolved designs than Peugeot? The Golf might look staid, but at least it knows what it is.
scotty5 18 June 2015

When will they update 208 / 308 interior?

Each time I see an interior shot of the 208 / 308, I'm reminded that whilst NCAP concern themselves with all sorts of safety peculiarities, the ability to see the speedometer isn't a concern to them.
michael knight 18 June 2015

Retardation

scotty5 wrote:

Each time I see an interior shot of the 208 / 308, I'm reminded that whilst NCAP concern themselves with all sorts of safety peculiarities, the ability to see the speedometer isn't a concern to them.

If you've ever actually used a 208/2008/308 and been unable to work out how to adjust the wheel so that you can see the dials ABOVE the wheel, you shouldn't be on the road.

Rob3038 18 June 2015

Couldn't agree more. My wife

Couldn't agree more. My wife has a 208 GTI and I have no trouble getting a comfortable driving position and seeing all the dials clearly.
catnip 19 June 2015

scotty5 wrote: Each time I

scotty5 wrote:

Each time I see an interior shot of the 208 / 308, I'm reminded that whilst NCAP concern themselves with all sorts of safety peculiarities, the ability to see the speedometer isn't a concern to them.

Don't know about the steering wheel position, but the same could be said of the ability to adjust the climate control without needing to take your eyes off the road. Minimalist interiors look great, but safety should be considered before looks.

xxxx 18 June 2015

1.6 v 2.0

Emm 268hp from a 1.6, think I'd rather have a bigger engine that was less strained but then I am a worrier