Peugeot 308 GTI by PS
An updated 308 joins our fleet – and we’ve got some tough challenges waiting for it
YOU’RE RIGHT – IT’S NOT THAT LONG since we last ran a 308 GTI on our fleet. That car departed just over a year ago (see evo 236), having largely impressed us with its value for money, its capable and involving drive, and its practical shape and size. So with all that already established, why are we now running another one? Well, for starters this 308 isn’t quite the same as the last one we ran, as it benefits from a facelift outside and in – an update that includes a new infotainment system that we’re hoping will address our concerns about the slow-reacting old one.
But the real reason we wanted to welcome a 308 GTI back onto our fleet is that the hot hatch landscape in which it sits has changed significantly in recent months. The Hyundai i30 N has arrived, as has a new Honda Civic Type R, and given we’re running both of those models as long-termers too, finding out how they compare with the refreshed 308 as ownership propositions seemed like a question that needed answering. Then there’s the small matter of the new Renault Mégane RS, which now sports a smaller, 1.8-litre engine with 276bhp, bringing it closer to the 308 Gti’s 266bhp 1.6. A meeting between these two French rivals in these pages is therefore also inevitable.
In the meantime, what exactly have we taken on? Our new 308 GTI by Peugeot Sport is, rather refreshingly, about as option-free as longtermers come: the only addition to the £28,595 basic price is Pearlescent White paint at £675. I’ll confess that I was relieved to discover that our 308 didn’t sport the horrible (to my designer’s eyes) Coupe Franche dual-colour paintjob (£1300), as that would have been a hard sell to Mrs Browne. But on the other hand its absence means that our Peugeot doesn’t exactly shout about its talents. Its exterior styling is very simple, almost plain next its rivals’, giving few hints as to what this GTI is capable of. There’s the nice double exhaust and the odd bit of red trim, but that’s about it.
The tone inside is similar: very minimalist and button-light, so lots of controls, such as those for the air conditioning, remain tucked away in the touchscreen system. The sportylooking seats are actually some of the softest I’ve experienced and, quite curiously for a hot hatch, even feature back massagers. And, yes, that controversial tiny button of a steering wheel remains. Of course, I’d heard all the stories about it potentially obstructing your view of the dials. More on which in a moment…
So, in short, it all feels very comfortable. Very nice. Very unassuming and almost apologetic. Which is at odds with what happens when you push the Start button. As before, the performance is obvious from the first use of the throttle, and only now is this Gti’s true edge shown. The turbocharged engine generates speed with ease, while the chassis offers bite and control and has the measure of Bedfordshire’s potholed roads.
The Peugeot continues to shun fancy
‘It’s all very unassuming and almost apologetic. Which is at odds with what happens when you push the Start button’
driver modes, offering just a single Sport setting, which turns the instruments red and introduces an artificial engine noise, but doesn’t seem to massively enhance performance. The brakes, meanwhile, with their 385mm front discs, work exceptionally well and soon fill you with confidence.
It’s only when you drive the 308 that the small steering wheel makes sense. It really does add to the experience, making your steering inputs feel lightning quick. Although, yes, the way it blocks your view of certain levers and dials does take away from this somewhat.
But my first drive home in the 308 GTI was nothing short of pure fun. Sure, it’s not perfect, but I’ve got a feeling it’ll be putting up a strong fight against all those new rivals waiting for it.
Date acquired June 2018 Total mileage 4855 Mileage this month 1200 Costs this month £0 mpg this month 37.2