New Peugeot 308 GT: official images and data

In addition to presenting an updated version of the Exalt prototype, Peugeot also has in store some novelties for its road-going range for the upcoming Paris Motor Show. One of the most anticipated previews is the 308 GT, the new name adopted by the sporty version of the French compact, which serves as a prelude to the future 308 R, even more powerful and already on its way.

The 308 GT will be available in both bodystyles: the five-door saloon and the SW estate. At the front, this variant stands out because the lion moves from the bonnet to the front grille, which features three horizontal chrome bars and a specific logo, and the conventional indicators on the bumper have been replaced by dynamic lighting units (running from inside to outside).

The side view is characterised by the gloss black exterior mirror housings, specific trim, the version’s badge on the front wings, and 18-inch “Diamond” alloy wheels painted in two tones and fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres.

The rear is somewhat more discreet and differs only in the diffuser in gloss black, the two chrome trapezoidal exhaust outlets and the GT logo on the right-hand side of the tailgate. Other features of the 308 GT visible from outside are the new exclusive exterior colour “Magnetic Blue” and the reduced suspension height, 7 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear.

Inside the cabin, the contrast between the anthracite upholstery and the red stitching present in several areas such as the seats, doors, glovebox and steering wheel, which is trimmed in leather and bears the GT initials, stands out. The aluminium pedals, the stainless steel sill plates, the new background for the instrument cluster (which displays additional information such as boost pressure or longitudinal and lateral acceleration) and the exclusive “Redline” theme for the dashboard screen make up the remaining distinctive features of the 308 GT’s interior.

Peugeot will offer two engines in this variant: the 1.6 THP petrol unit producing 205 CV and 285 Nm of peak torque between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, and the 2.0 BlueHDi producing 180 CV and 400 Nm of peak torque at 2,000 rpm, mated to a likewise six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel and Quickshift technology, which allows several gears to be downshifted simultaneously.

With the first option, combined-cycle fuel consumption reaches 5.6 l/100 km and CO2 emissions are 130 g/km. With the second, the corresponding figures drop to 4 l/100 km and 105 g/km respectively. The only performance data Peugeot has disclosed is that the five-door 308 GT with the petrol engine accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, and that with the diesel engine the car needs 5.5 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear.

The suspension has been reconfigured to reduce body roll, the stiffness of both axles has been increased, and it is possible to increase the steering firmness by activating the “Driver Sport Pack” function via a button on the centre console. This also includes a quicker response from the accelerator pedal and the automatic gearbox, and an increase in the volume and amount of engine sound entering the cabin.

Another package equipping the 308 GT is the “Driver Assistance Pack“, which includes switchable active cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, which activates if the driver fails to react to the alert. The equipment is completed by the blind spot monitoring system generated by the exterior mirrors, the Park Assist parking aid system, and the Peugeot Connect Apps, accessed using the 3G Plug & Play key, which allow traffic information, fuel prices or where free parking spaces are available to be checked.

With these premises, the clear rival to the 308 GT will be the new Ford Focus ST, which is likewise available in the same bodystyles as the French compact and whose restyling, presented at Goodwood last June, has added a diesel alternative to its engine range.

Other rivals the Peugeot will have to face are the Kia Cee’d GT and the Volkswagen Golf GTI, although these do not offer comparable estate bodies. Peugeot will accept orders at the end of October, and the 308 GT is expected to be more expensive than the Cee’d GT but cheaper than the Focus ST and the Golf GTI.

Source | Peugeot

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackPeugeot 30824 versions · from 31,770 €