Peugeot's motorsport boffins are ready to show the fruits of their labor today, the brand new 308-based hot hatch having just been revealed. Interestingly, the French deemed their creation unworthy of the GTi badge and stuck the lesser GT badge one instead. Why? We think it all has to do with power.
In a hot hatch market where most cars pack 2-liter turbo engines producing over 250 hp, theirs uses a 1.6-liter turbo, borrowed from the smaller 208 GTi. Output is limited to 205 hp and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque. There is also a 2-liter engine available, however, this one uses diesel. That's right, it's a rival to the Golf GTD, delivering a very compelling 180 hp and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. How long before we have natural gas powered hot hatches?
At a glance, it's actually the diesel version of the 308 GT that features the most technology and, in a world where buyers are obsessed with fuel costs, it makes the most sense. This is especially true since the Volkswagen Golf GTD model isn't sold as a wagon, while the Peugeot is.
The 1.6-liter THP is only available with a manual six-speed gearbox, but the diesel model comes with a brand new automatic transmission called EAT6. It's been designed in collaboration with Aisin and due to reduced internal friction boasts almost the same efficiency as the manual with added comfort for the driver.
The 2.0 BlueHDi 180 diesel engine features 3rd generation common rail injection, a new combustion chamber, seven-hole injectors and a low viscosity lubricant. The result of all this is CO2 emissions of only 103 grams per kilometer, equal to fuel consumption of 4 l/100km (70.6 mpg UK).
The rest of the 308 GT's powertrain engineering isn't as impressive as the engines. Its suspension setup features "pseudo MacPherson at the front, deformable beam at the rear", while the 330mm brake discs are only about the size of those on a Clio RS. Pseudo MacPherson struts? That's like saying your wife is almost gorgeous, or that your dog as nearly loyal.
The design also suggests these Peugeot variants are designed for a more grown-up audience. Changes are on the subtle side, with only the twin exhaust pipes and 18-inch alloy wheels making a noticeable statement. Still, if our neighbor parked a 308 GT in this driveway in this Magnetic Blue color, we would give him a polite nod of approval.
As we've mentioned, you will be able to buy the 308 GT both as an estate and a conventional hatch, both coming with either the 1.6L petrol or the 2.0L diesel with an automatic. Full details and specification will be announced at the Paris Motor Show, after which the the model will become available in November. Deliveries will commence at the beginning of January, 2015.
Updated: Here's a video of the all-new 308 GT. Same colors, same two cars – very cool. Peugeot might not have a Golf R rival on its hands, but for anybody looking for something softly sprung, well equipped and good looking… wow.
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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