Peugeot 308 GTi Is The Automaker’s Answer To The VW Golf GTI

Peugeot once again offers a rival for the VW Golf GTI, the first one since the popular 306 GTi-6

It’s called the Peugeot 308 GTi and it has been officially unveiled at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Based on the regular 308 five-door hatchback, the Peugeot 308 GTi looks and goes faster, thanks to a sportier body kit and a high-performance powertrain. Developed by Peugeot Sport, the turbocharged 1.6-liter THP S&S four-cylinder engine is available in two states of tune: 250 PS (247 hp) and 270 PS (266 hp). Both versions develop a maximum torque of 330 Nm (243 lb-ft), available from just 1,900 rpm.

Both models are offered with a standard six-speed manual transmission, with the 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint taking 6.2 seconds for the 308 GTi 250 and 6.0 seconds for the 308 GTi 270. Top speed is electronically-limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) in both cases. The more powerful model also comes as standard with a Torsen limited-slip differential for improved traction in corners.

We may be talking about a hot hatch, but Peugeot is adamant that the 1.6L THP S&S engine is the most efficient in its category, with a combined fuel consumption of 6 l/100 km (39.2 mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 139 g/km. The carmaker also says the 308 GTi 270 has a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio of 4.46 kg/hp, while the 308 GTi 250 has 4.82 kg/hp. Stopping power is supplied by 380 mm brake discs in the front and 268 mm discs at the rear, with red Peugeot Sport calipers on all four wheels.

Styling-wise, the Peugeot 308 GTi has a rather understated look, with discreet modifications including an 11-mm lower suspension, new black radiator grille with horizontal checkered pattern and gloss-black finish, full LED headlights, red lettering for the Peugeot logo, more prominent side sills and a gloss black rear diffuser with twin exhaust pipes. GTi logos on the front fenders and tailgate, as well as exclusive alloy wheels round out the exterior upgrades.

The range-topping 308 GTi 270 also gets the exclusive Coupe Franche paint scheme, which combines Ultimate Red with Perla Nera Black.

Inside, the Peugeot 308 GTi comes with red stitching for the upholstery, door panels, gearshift lever and floor mats, as well as aluminum GTi and Peugeot Sport logos, aluminum pedals, foot rest and gear knob. In addition, the 308 GTi 270 gets bucket seats upholstered in leather and Alcantara.

European deliveries begin in autumn 2015.