2nd PEUGEOT 308 GTI
More powerful contender here puts up a strong fight, but ultimately can’t take crown from VW’S perennial class leader
THE 308 is based on Peugeot’s EMP2 scalable platform. This is the answer to Volkswagen’s MQB architecture that underpins the Golf GTI, and it’s a decent base from which to develop a hot hatch. Macpherson struts at the front match the Golf ’s, but the torsion beam rear axle isn’t as sophisticated as the VW ’s multi-link set-up. However, additional tweaks from Peugeot Sport help ensure this GTI 270 is a proper rival to the Volkswagen.
In fact, it offers more power than even the GTI Performance, with Peugeot Sport’s engineers extracting 268bhp from the 308 Gti’s smaller 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo. The unit is slightly down on torque, though, with only 330Nm to play with, delivered higher up, at 1,900rpm. This reflects the engine’s peakier character. The smaller capacity means the motor has to be revved harder to extract the performance, but it’s an eager engine that hurls the Peugeot along when the turbo is spinning. This was reflected in the 308 Gti’s quicker 0-60mph time of 6. 2 seconds, even though it uses a six-speed manual rather than the faster DSG in the VW.
Unlike in the Golf there’s no dual-clutch auto option, so you’ll have to make do with the manual. Despite a slightly long throw, the gearbox offers more engagement than the VW ’s admittedly quick DSG. However, it’s not quite as effective in raw performance terms, and neither is it as sweet as the Golf ’s standard-fit six-speed manual.
The 308’s slightly lower torque output doesn’t seem to have a detrimental effect on in-gear performance; the 159kg lighter kerbweight gives the car an advantage. For us, it pulled strongly even in fifth gear, completing the 50-70mph dash in 4.4 seconds. The Golf took more than a second longer, completing the same test in 5.7 seconds.
As part of the Peugeot Sport tweaks, the 308 GTI also gets big Alcon brakes. These offer good feel, even if they give no more stopping power than the VW’S set-up. Where the 308 loses out to the Golf is in ride and handling. The Peugeot’s dampers are fairly firm, so body control is good in quick corners, but the car doesn’t have the same split-personality feel as the Golf, and it’s not as compliant during normal driving or on long journeys. It’s not uncomfortable, but doesn’t offer the finesse of the VW ’s damping set-up.
The driving position isn’t as natural, either. Peugeot’s i-cockpit layout features a narrowdiameter steering wheel, which means the 308 turns in quickly. There’s plenty of grip on offer to match the speed of the steering, but this gives a more frenetic feel more of the time.