So far, Peugeot has been doing rather well with its new 308 hatchback. But there's one thing the French haven't been able to do, which is to launch a credible hot hatch.
The 308 GTI is on its way… hopefully. But for now, buyers are being wooed into showrooms by the 308 GT, essentially a warm hatch that's available with a 205 hp 1.6 turbo or a 180 hp diesel.
Even though the diesel model costs an absurd €34,000, we never publicly criticized the French car because we knew it would have a nice interior. Our only gripe was that the press release claimed it came with sporty "pseudo MacPherson at the front", which sounds like a bad joke.
But today, we learned a horrible truth about the 308 GT. During a press launch that took place last week, Peugeot released quite a few videos, including ones that show the acceleration of the model. Only one really caught our attention.
It clearly shows the exhaust sound coming into the cabin is artificial, produced by the speakers. The company actually admits this is true and calls its system "Driver Sport Pack", available as standard on all 308 GTs. Besides amplifying the sound by using speakers, is also firms the steering and changes the mapping of the engine. On models with the EAT6 automatic, it also increase the gearbox response times.
Anything else I should know about?
There are two engines to chose from. The base unit is a 1.6 turbo THP borrowed from the 208 GTi and available with a 6-speed manual. It starts at just over €30,000 in France. The other model is equipped with the new 2-liter diesel from the 508 facelift and gives you 25 less hp but offers impressive fuel consumption: 4 l/100km combined (70.6 mpg UK).
Both are also available in estate forms with larger trunks for €1,000 extra. Standard kit includes LED headlights and sharply cut bi-color alloy wheels, a subtle body kit, twin exhaust and black leather seats.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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