Peugeot reveals 308 GTI

Fifth Gear  Thursday 20 May 2010

Peugeot has launched a GTI-badged version of their latest 308 hatchback.

The new car will be powered by the 1.6-litre THP petrol engine which is also found beneath the bonnet of the RC-Z coupe.

The revival of the GTI marks a significant turnaround for the French manufacturer, who claimed at the end of last year that the badge was set for retirement.

However, thanks to a far-reaching rebranding exercise, Peugeot are now driven by the ‘Motion & Emotion’ ethos emblazoned beneath their redesigned corporate logo. The new direction has seen the introduction of a distinctive family nose and an increased enthusiasm for driver-focussed cars such as the RCZ.

The move was seen as necessary to distinguish Peugeot’s products from that of its PSA sister company Citroen, and restoring the GTI name – a three letter synonymous with the brand – is another step in the right direction.

Perhaps not a big step though. While the 200bhp THP engine is undeniably excellent (it was co-developed with BMW after all) not much else has changed. The five-door GTI model sits 10mm lower than the standard 308, but the car’s suspension has been very gently tweaked rather than comprehensively tuned.

So no return to 205 GTI handling just yet, but as the new engine includes the best of the industry’s much heralded latest tech – turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing – it should give Peugeot’s hatchback a decent performance boost over the current range-topping 1.6 THP 156. The manufacturer’s own figures suggest the 0-60 sprint is cut by just over a second.

Economy should be pretty good too. The manufacturer claims the petrol engine should be capable of 40mpg and will emit 159g/km CO2.

So it stands out from the more humdrum 308s the GTI gets a new styling pack including a new front bumper, rear spoiler and twin chrome tailpipes, while inside there’s an aluminium gear knob and a leather sport steering wheel.

The new model goes on sale in France next month with a price tag ?26,900. Peugeot won’t confirm if the model will make it to these shores wearing the GTI badge, but the RCZ is unlikely to remain the only UK recipient of more powerful THP engine.