The 270hp Peugeot 308 GTI may trail the class leaders on power, but does it deliver elsewhere asks Al Suttie?
1 – After recent stints in the 310hp Honda Civic Type R and Ford Focus RS with 350 ponies, the 270hp 308 GTI is welcome readjustment to the real world.
2 -That sort of power is more than enough for swift overtaking and fun on favourite roads, and it offers 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds flat.
3 – So, the Peugeot is no slouch, but you really do have to work that 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine to get the best from it.
4 – Wring it neck with the Sport button engaged and the noise is a rather irksome drone instead of a pleasing cackle.
5 – However, it livens up the car no end and I’m glad Peugeot has stuck with a traditional manual gearbox.
6 – Driven in normal fashion, the GTI is a brisk, comfortable car, though I’d ditch the Coupe Franche paint for a subtler approach.
7 – Given its rounded abilities, it’s a pity the comfy front sports seats rob a sizeable chunk of rear leg room.
8 – Press harder on twisty roads and the 308’s front end begins to scrabble for traction earlier than I expected.
9 – The grip and handling are easily managed, but a paucity of steering feel is the big let-down.
10 – 47.1mpg and 139g/km Co2 emissions are good for a hot hatch, but we’d still rather pay a little extra for a finer driving experience.
