struggle Power
Does Peugeot’s’ revampedd 308 GTI have what it takes to blow away rival Volkswagen and Skoda hot hatches?
AS hot hatchbacks have become ever more powerful, offering as much oomph as some out-and-out sports cars, prices have risen inevitably, too.
There are a handful of these models that have resolutely remained affordable, though, while also advancing performance, comfort, practicality and efficiency. So they deliver exactly what a hot hatchback should.
The facelifted 308 GTI by Peugeot Sport is one example, featuring some styling tweaks and an updated infotainment system like the regular model to make it more usable, without affecting the engaging chassis and performance that made its predecessor a hit.
If you’ve got around £30,000 burning a hole in your pocket, or alternatively a £3,000 deposit and the monthly budget to afford one of these cars, the trio we’ve assembled here are the answer to the question ‘how can I go as fast as possible for my money?’. However, the manual-only 308 GTI might have its work cut out against the new, DSG auto box-equipped, Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance and Skoda Octavia VRS 245, both of which deliver ruthlessly effective pace.
All three models in this test boast big brakes, clever differentials and focused chassis technology, having recently been updated and honed to deliver maximum driver thrills and ability without much compromise. Which is the best solution? Read on as we deliver our verdict.
THANKS to its smaller engine size and lower kerbweight, the 308 was the most economical car here, returning 34.6mpg in our hands.
However, the margin to the Golf wasn’t huge, because the VW’S fuel economy came in at 33.7mpg, which was only 0.2mpg ahead of the Skoda due to their identical powertrains. As a result you’ll spend £1,875 on fuel over one year or 12,000 miles of driving in the 308 GTI, and this undercuts the Golf and Octavia by £50 and £61 respectively at the pumps.