Remember, remember the 5th of November. It's not just the theme from the movie V for Vendetta where they use the letter V a lot, but also the date when the Peugeot 308 GTi will launch in Britain.
It's an exciting hot hatch that uses a smaller engine than all its competitors and yet is just as fast. Prices are also quite low for a car with two exhaust pipes and 19-inch wheels.
The GTi makes its return to Britain after a 15-year absence. Customers have all but forgotten about the French Lion's roar and moved to Renault or Volkswagen. However, the 308 GTi will give them plenty of reasons to come back.
For starters, the car weighs only 1,205 kg (2,656 lbs) and I'm sorry, but that's just incredible. A Fiesta with a diesel engine weighs about as much and the Megane RS tips the scales at 1,354 kg (2985 lbs).
Not having too much weight to carry around makes a world of difference for a hot hatch. Recently revealed specs state the basic 308 GTi uses its 250 horsepower to get to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.2 seconds. While that's impressive, the 270 PS top-spec model can do the same sprint in 6.0 seconds.
Come November, the basic 250 model will be available from £26,555 while the 270 version will cost you £28,155. For the record, a new Golf GTI will set you back £27,500 as a 3-door car with 220 horsepower.
However, we'd avoid the bargain base model and go for the 308 GTi 270 because it comes with not just more power but also a Torsen differential, 19" wheels, larger front brakes and sports seats. You can have the seats as an £800 optional extra on the 250 model, plus the big wheels for the same amount. Buy why would you want to miss out on the power and diff?
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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