2015 Peugeot 308 GTi Photos, engines & full specs

Peugeot was known for its GTi models that followed after the successful 205 model, which was the initial wearer of this badge, and later it transferred it to several other hatchbacks, such as the 308, which broke covers in 2015.

The French automaker introduced the second generation of the 308 in 2013, but it didn’t rush to unveil the sportiest version of it, the GTi. But in 2015, this version made it to the market, and customers received it with a mixed feeling. On the upside, it was a fresh hatchback that could run fast and wasn’t very expensive. On the downside, it was only available with five doors, which was somewhat in contradiction with the original idea behind this three-letter badge. Still, after the initial shock, people understood it: it was the sporty compact hatchback good for young families, so everyone onboard could enjoy it.

Right from the start, customers could recognize the sportiest version of the 308 family thanks to the revised front fascia. There, Peugeot installed a sportier grille above the bumper surrounded by a chromed trim, while on the lower side, in the apron, it placed a broad grille adorned by a red trim on the lower side, flanked by a pair of fake scoops. Another essential update for this version was the LED headlights, which improved visibility and increased safety. From its profile, the GTi featured a lower ground clearance than its regular sibling. To hide the rear doors, the automaker offered customers the option to get the car in a two-tone paint that made the five-door hatchback look like it had just three doors. Finally, at the back, the carmaker installed side exhausts at the lower part of the bumper that flanked a fake diffuser.

Inside, the sporty treatment continued with a three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel adorned by a GTi badge on the lower spoke. Moreover, Peugeot added aluminum pedals for it and several light-gray trims around the cabin. Just like its siblings, it featured a two-dial instrument cluster with an LCD between the rev counter and the speedometer. In addition, the center stack housed the screen for the infotainment system. The high-bolstered front seats promise customers that they’ll stay in place during high-speed cornering maneuvers, and they’ll also offer enough comfort. In the back, the carmaker placed the same split-folding bench seat as in the regular 308, albeit upholstered in more expensive materials.

But the most important part of a GTi was under its skin. Peugeot installed the same 1.6-liter turbocharged engine under the hood and made it available in two power versions: a 250 PS unit and a 270 PS one (247 HP and 266 HP, respectively). All versions were paired with a sleek six-speed manual that sent the power to the front wheels only. The more powerful version was also offered with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.