Paris show: Peugeot 308 GT revealed

PEUGEOT’S spicy new 308 GT hatch and wagon is destined for Australia at some point after its debut at next month’s Paris motor show.

More warm than hot, the 308 GT offers improved handling and dynamics, a sportier look and higher engine outputs.

However, with152kW of power and 285Nm of torque on tap in 1.6-litre petrol form, the new 308 variant falls short of current benchmark front-wheel-drive hot hatch rivals, the 2.0-litre 162kW/350Nm Volkswagen Golf GTI and 162kW/340Nm Renault Megane GT220.

The 308 GT will go on sale in Europe after its October debut at the Paris event. Peugeot Australia said it would announce local pricing and an expected arrival date after the international launch.

The 152kW/285Nm 1.6-litre direct-injection turbo four-cylinder petrol engine has 37kW more power and an additional 45Nm of torque than the regular petrol 308.

An alternative 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel gets an extra 14kW and 60Nm for an output of 134kW and 400Nm.

Both engines get idle stop, helping to return a fuel consumption figure of 5.6 litres per 100km in the petrol variant with standard six-speed manual (5.8L/100km in the wagon) and 4.0L/100km in the diesel with the standard six-speed automatic transmission (4.1L/100km in the wagon).

The petrol hatch has a claimed 0-100km/h time of 7.5 seconds – 1.6 seconds quicker than the regular 308.

Peugeot said the 308 GT has stiffened suspension that comprises MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam in the rear with adaptive dampers instantly adjusting to driving conditions.

Compared with the standard model, the 308 GT is lowered 7mm at the front and 10mm at the rear.

Variable power steering for a direct response when cornering has also been added.

Stopping power is supplied by 330mm discs at the front and 268mm units at the rear.

Both variants get the same kit that includes 18-inch Diamond wheels wearing Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres, black lacquered wing mirrors, tinted windows, gloss-black diffuser, twin tail pipes and GT badging. The 308 GT also has top-of-the-range headlights with 62 LEDs.

The 308 GT comes standard with Peugeot’s Driver Sport Pack that includes amplified engine sound, instruments with red display plus dials for power, torque, turbo pressure and G-forces, firmer steering, more responsive engine mapping gear changes in the automatic that also gets shifting paddles.

Peugeot will also offer various driver assistance systems bringing Dynamic Cruise Control, Emergency Collision Alert System, Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring and Park Assist.