A new hot hatch to rival the VW Golf GTI or Ford’s Focus ST is a big deal, especially when it’s one from a manufacturer like Peugeot. The French automaker is no stranger to sporty rides, it’s just not had that many for sale in recent years.
But that is changing with the introduction of the 208 GTi and the RCZ-R, two of the first fun to drive Peugeots in a long time. Now the 308 GTi is here and journos already have an opinion about it after driving it at the official launch venue in Portugal.
Basically, what they’re saying is that it is highly competent, but it’s not the friskiest car in the segment. It apparently exudes a strong planted feeling when on the move, even in high speed cornering maneuvers.
Its engine is already known from the RCZ-R and thanks to the 308 GTi’s lowest in class weight, it has no problem sending it to 100 km/h or 62 mph in six seconds dead. The handling is still fun, and the reviewers all recommend you opt for the more expensive 308 GTi version.
It comes with bigger but lighter 19-inch rims, bigger brakes up front, a Torsen front diff and 20 extra hp.
via InsideLane (a UK review, not at the launch event), Drive.com.au, Autoblog.nl (with subtitles)