The human condition of growing old has been described as ‘the mind making a promise the body can’t keep’. This could apply equally to automobiles, a fact well illustrated recently when Peugeot previewed its new 308 GTi in Australia.
The Peugeot people wanted to give the media the chance to compare the new, which will go on sale in February, with the old, in this case the iconic 205 GTI, which as far as hot hatches go holds a special place in the lexicon.
After a decade of stellar performance, the car described as the ‘best hot hatchback of all time’ ended its production run in February 1994, 30 of the last cars selling in Australia as the Peugeot 205 GTI Classic for $37,500.
It was one of these vehicles that Peugeot Australia lined up at the Sydney Motorsport Park (nee Eastern Creek) for the media to run against one of the new 308 GTi’s. Unfortunately, automotive nature intervened and the 205 GTI suffered heat stress and was unable to be brought back to full fitness for the challenge.
It was left to a 208 GTi and 208 GTi 30th Anniversary model to present the benchmark against which the new 308 GTi was to be measured. To say the least, some of the rougher edges of the hatch have been removed, with the new model presenting what the maker refers to as ‘restrained aggression’.
There would not be a more comfortable hot hatch on the market. On a couple of laps of the track the car remained well within limits of grip, while steering a steady course through quick and tight corners.
Steering is in complete harmony with the advanced technology of the powertrain, putting the car on the correct line for any turn in the road.
So what gives the new 308 GTi the ability to deliver all this? A near perfect blend of state-of-the-art automotive technology.
The French car will be available in two specifications with two levels of tuning – the 184 kW 308 GTi 250 will carry a recommended retail price of $44,990, while the 200 kW 308 GTi 270 one of $49,990, both plus on-road cost. They are available to pre-order now.
The two variants each dance to a different tune – the 250 clearing the 100 km/h barrier in 6.2 seconds from a standing start, the 270 stopping the same clock in a flat six seconds.
Peugeot Sport is responsible for the two-level tuning of the Euro 6-compliant 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, with a supercharged charge-air installed below the front bumper, both of which develop peak torque of 330 Nm at just 1900 rpm and feature six-speed manual transmissions.
Sitting 11 mm lower than the standard 308, with a wider track of 1570 mm at the front and 1554 mm at the rear, the 308 GTi has been engineered to offer exceptional grip.
The GTi 270 alone has a Torsen limited-slip differential incorporated into the transmission to improve cornering traction. By channelling torque to the wheel with the best grip it is able to accelerate faster out of bends than would normally be the case.
The power steering also takes its lead from the Torsen technology, while sportier electronic stability programming allows more latitude, with enhanced drift on bends, all points adeptly reinforced on track day. The ESP can be fully disconnected.
GTi 250 versions are shod with 225/40 R18 92W Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres on Diamant alloy wheels, while the GTi 270 features new 19-inch Carbone light-weight alloy wheels with Michelin Super Sport 235/35 R19 91Y tyres.
The front features full LED headlamps, flanking a new black radiator grille.
The air intake is surrounded by sequential LED indicators. Below the bumper, two spoilers optimise aerodynamic performance.
Redesigned door sills hint at the car’s no-nonsense nature, while the sleek new rear features a gloss-black section incorporating twin exhaust pipes. The GTi signature is there for all to see on the front wings and tailgate.
Hot hatches are not normally known for comfort, owners often turning a blind eye to shortcomings in this department. The GTi 270, during limited track time, provided a welcoming environment for a driver not familiar with the surroundings. However, we’ve yet to try it on not so smooth roads away from the track.
If that all sounds a bit Sunday drive(ish), pressing the Sport button on the centre console brings to life the standard Sport Pack, which switches the display from white to red, shows additional information on the central read-out (power, torque, boost, lateral and longitudinal acceleration), enhances the engine’s throaty growl and changes accelerator pedal mapping for a more inclusive driving experience.
If we were to do a Darwinian comparo of the 205 GTI with the GTi 308 270, some interesting figures are thrown up: 2.0-litre engine (205 GTI) versus 1.6 litres (308 GTi 270); 75 kW v 200 kW; 142 Nm, 330Nm; five-speed manual, six-speed manual; zero to 100 km/h 10 seconds, 6 seconds; fuel consumption 8.3 litres per 100 kilometres, 6 litres per 100 kilometres; 14-inch wheels, 19-inch. Evolution, indeed.
The Peugeot 308 GTi is something to look forward to.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Peugeot GTi 250: $44,990
Peugeot GTi 270: $49,990
Note: These prices do not include dealer or government charges. Contact your local Peugeot dealer for drive-away prices.
