Peugeot 308 1.6 GTi Turbo Glass Roof (M) Review
29 Mar 2012|36,061 views
Power and performance - they are the two most highly-sought-after elements which allow the automotive world to stay hungry, and to ensure the supply of exciting, intoxicating adrenaline rush through metal boxes on four wheels. Carmakers, as always, have been on the move, evolving its machineries to deliver same old power in a variety of different ways.
With the limitless of variants they have churned out, they have also become increasingly obsessed with the badging of sports acronyms for its offerings (think S, R, RS). Needless to say, this also includes the badge which is now synonymous with the hot-bootless offering from the Wolfsburg carmaker - "GTi".
Let's not forget that sometime back in the 1990s, a subtle little hatchback made a big bang, bearing a similar "GTi" badge on its rump - this is none other than the 205 from the Frenchmen. The Peugeot 205 GTi was considered one of the very best hot hatches of its era.
Years apart, it seems that now the badge has finally been re-lived, appearing on this latest iteration of the 308 hatchback.
Subtle-badging differentiates this hot hatch from its lesser brethens
With the limitless of variants they have churned out, they have also become increasingly obsessed with the badging of sports acronyms for its offerings (think S, R, RS). Needless to say, this also includes the badge which is now synonymous with the hot-bootless offering from the Wolfsburg carmaker - "GTi".
Let's not forget that sometime back in the 1990s, a subtle little hatchback made a big bang, bearing a similar "GTi" badge on its rump - this is none other than the 205 from the Frenchmen. The Peugeot 205 GTi was considered one of the very best hot hatches of its era.
Years apart, it seems that now the badge has finally been re-lived, appearing on this latest iteration of the 308 hatchback.
 |
 |
On the outside, the 308 GTi looks very much similar to its less powerful brethrens. Up front, it takes a keen eye to spot the tinted headlamps with Xenon function. Other aesthetical upgrades include gunmetal five-spoke alloys in 18-inch applications, chromed twin-tailpipes, and a roof spoiler.
 |  |
Our test car came in a dark-greyish-hue, which makes the 308 GTi sprucely subtle - the only tell-tale signs of its performance under-pining would be the larger-than-stock darkened alloys wrapped in low profile rubber, and perhaps, the twin pipes. Even the "GTi" badge is absent on the boot-lid, only appearing on both flanks behind the front wheels.
In a way this seems appropriate - the idea of a hot-hatch is all about matching convincingly underrated looks with overtly powerful drivetrains, isn't it?
 |
Interior
The basic framing and outlay of the GTi's interior follow much of the others in the French marque's lineup. For the less technology-devoted motorists, the conventional manual-stick and handbrake level does offer a fuss-free experience. Climate and infortainment functions are also relatively easy-to-grasp, so is the Bluetooth connectivity for handsfree and music-syncing.
Sports seats with leather surrounds and fabric centres provide adequate support, though the lack of electric-powered seat adjustment may take up more time and effort should you decide to switch drivers.
Sports seats provides good support, looks the bit too
The basic framing and outlay of the GTi's interior follow much of the others in the French marque's lineup. For the less technology-devoted motorists, the conventional manual-stick and handbrake level does offer a fuss-free experience. Climate and infortainment functions are also relatively easy-to-grasp, so is the Bluetooth connectivity for handsfree and music-syncing.
Sports seats with leather surrounds and fabric centres provide adequate support, though the lack of electric-powered seat adjustment may take up more time and effort should you decide to switch drivers.
 |
Steering column can be adjusted for rake and height, but does not help with the slightly awkward pedal positions which are slightly slanted to the left. One may also find the interior bits a tad dated, with many of the components and switches found on earlier variants.
Panaromic skyroof adds upclass feel to cabin
That said, the hatchback is by no means under-equipped. On the contrary, the cabin feels nicely put together, comforting for both the drivers and rear occupants. The rear quarters may not pack class-leading dimensions, but feels snug to be in. Like its Turbo stablemate, the 308 GTi gets a full-length sky-roof, and rear air-con vents.
 |
That said, the hatchback is by no means under-equipped. On the contrary, the cabin feels nicely put together, comforting for both the drivers and rear occupants. The rear quarters may not pack class-leading dimensions, but feels snug to be in. Like its Turbo stablemate, the 308 GTi gets a full-length sky-roof, and rear air-con vents.
 |
The Drive
On paper, the top-of-range 308 GTi comes with 200hp and 275Nm of torque - a promising composition if you consider the 1.4 tonne kerb weight.
Off the line, the GTi feels sprightly and relatively lag-free. Extend the revs closer to the red-line, and the car responses with an exciting exhaust note, adding onto the driving joy from the lively sprint. On the downside however, the front wheels are caught grasping for traction in some instances, especially during spirited sprints on the lower gears.
Explore further, and you may be in for a surprise - the hatchback is well-insulated from road and wind noise. This makes cruising enjoyable, especially so with the supple suspension absorbing small humps with relative ease.
Throw the GTi around the bend, however, and it becomes oblivion that the soft damping coupled with the less sporty chassis setup can result in quite a bit of body roll. Steering, on the other hand, provides decent feel and feedback, but may be a tad over-weighted during low-speed manoeuvres.
On paper, the top-of-range 308 GTi comes with 200hp and 275Nm of torque - a promising composition if you consider the 1.4 tonne kerb weight.
Off the line, the GTi feels sprightly and relatively lag-free. Extend the revs closer to the red-line, and the car responses with an exciting exhaust note, adding onto the driving joy from the lively sprint. On the downside however, the front wheels are caught grasping for traction in some instances, especially during spirited sprints on the lower gears.
Explore further, and you may be in for a surprise - the hatchback is well-insulated from road and wind noise. This makes cruising enjoyable, especially so with the supple suspension absorbing small humps with relative ease.
Throw the GTi around the bend, however, and it becomes oblivion that the soft damping coupled with the less sporty chassis setup can result in quite a bit of body roll. Steering, on the other hand, provides decent feel and feedback, but may be a tad over-weighted during low-speed manoeuvres.
Conclusion
At S$12k more than the standard 308 1.6 Turbo, what you get with the 308 GTi is 40-odd more horses and an array of visual niceties. The competent twin-scroll turbo delivers a beefy power band on-tap, which is great for sprints in our urban landscape.
Though the 308 GTi may seem less-tuned for agility and outright performance when compared to its arch-rivalling German contenders, what the car aces in is providing enjoyable point-to-point trips.
Trendy on the outside and uplifting and relaxing ambience on the inside is what the 308 GTi will offer for a notably different driving experience.
At S$12k more than the standard 308 1.6 Turbo, what you get with the 308 GTi is 40-odd more horses and an array of visual niceties. The competent twin-scroll turbo delivers a beefy power band on-tap, which is great for sprints in our urban landscape.
Though the 308 GTi may seem less-tuned for agility and outright performance when compared to its arch-rivalling German contenders, what the car aces in is providing enjoyable point-to-point trips.
Trendy on the outside and uplifting and relaxing ambience on the inside is what the 308 GTi will offer for a notably different driving experience.
Power and performance - they are the two most highly-sought-after elements which allow the automotive world to stay hungry, and to ensure the supply of exciting, intoxicating adrenaline rush through metal boxes on four wheels. Carmakers, as always, have been on the move, evolving its machineries to deliver same old power in a variety of different ways.
With the limitless of variants they have churned out, they have also become increasingly obsessed with the badging of sports acronyms for its offerings (think S, R, RS). Needless to say, this also includes the badge which is now synonymous with the hot-bootless offering from the Wolfsburg carmaker - "GTi".
Let's not forget that sometime back in the 1990s, a subtle little hatchback made a big bang, bearing a similar "GTi" badge on its rump - this is none other than the 205 from the Frenchmen. The Peugeot 205 GTi was considered one of the very best hot hatches of its era.
Years apart, it seems that now the badge has finally been re-lived, appearing on this latest iteration of the 308 hatchback.
Subtle-badging differentiates this hot hatch from its lesser brethens
With the limitless of variants they have churned out, they have also become increasingly obsessed with the badging of sports acronyms for its offerings (think S, R, RS). Needless to say, this also includes the badge which is now synonymous with the hot-bootless offering from the Wolfsburg carmaker - "GTi".
Let's not forget that sometime back in the 1990s, a subtle little hatchback made a big bang, bearing a similar "GTi" badge on its rump - this is none other than the 205 from the Frenchmen. The Peugeot 205 GTi was considered one of the very best hot hatches of its era.
Years apart, it seems that now the badge has finally been re-lived, appearing on this latest iteration of the 308 hatchback.
|
|
On the outside, the 308 GTi looks very much similar to its less powerful brethrens. Up front, it takes a keen eye to spot the tinted headlamps with Xenon function. Other aesthetical upgrades include gunmetal five-spoke alloys in 18-inch applications, chromed twin-tailpipes, and a roof spoiler.
| |
Our test car came in a dark-greyish-hue, which makes the 308 GTi sprucely subtle - the only tell-tale signs of its performance under-pining would be the larger-than-stock darkened alloys wrapped in low profile rubber, and perhaps, the twin pipes. Even the "GTi" badge is absent on the boot-lid, only appearing on both flanks behind the front wheels.
In a way this seems appropriate - the idea of a hot-hatch is all about matching convincingly underrated looks with overtly powerful drivetrains, isn't it?
|
Interior
The basic framing and outlay of the GTi's interior follow much of the others in the French marque's lineup. For the less technology-devoted motorists, the conventional manual-stick and handbrake level does offer a fuss-free experience. Climate and infortainment functions are also relatively easy-to-grasp, so is the Bluetooth connectivity for handsfree and music-syncing.
Sports seats with leather surrounds and fabric centres provide adequate support, though the lack of electric-powered seat adjustment may take up more time and effort should you decide to switch drivers.
Sports seats provides good support, looks the bit too
The basic framing and outlay of the GTi's interior follow much of the others in the French marque's lineup. For the less technology-devoted motorists, the conventional manual-stick and handbrake level does offer a fuss-free experience. Climate and infortainment functions are also relatively easy-to-grasp, so is the Bluetooth connectivity for handsfree and music-syncing.
Sports seats with leather surrounds and fabric centres provide adequate support, though the lack of electric-powered seat adjustment may take up more time and effort should you decide to switch drivers.
|
Steering column can be adjusted for rake and height, but does not help with the slightly awkward pedal positions which are slightly slanted to the left. One may also find the interior bits a tad dated, with many of the components and switches found on earlier variants.
Panaromic skyroof adds upclass feel to cabin
That said, the hatchback is by no means under-equipped. On the contrary, the cabin feels nicely put together, comforting for both the drivers and rear occupants. The rear quarters may not pack class-leading dimensions, but feels snug to be in. Like its Turbo stablemate, the 308 GTi gets a full-length sky-roof, and rear air-con vents.
|
That said, the hatchback is by no means under-equipped. On the contrary, the cabin feels nicely put together, comforting for both the drivers and rear occupants. The rear quarters may not pack class-leading dimensions, but feels snug to be in. Like its Turbo stablemate, the 308 GTi gets a full-length sky-roof, and rear air-con vents.
|
The Drive
On paper, the top-of-range 308 GTi comes with 200hp and 275Nm of torque - a promising composition if you consider the 1.4 tonne kerb weight.
Off the line, the GTi feels sprightly and relatively lag-free. Extend the revs closer to the red-line, and the car responses with an exciting exhaust note, adding onto the driving joy from the lively sprint. On the downside however, the front wheels are caught grasping for traction in some instances, especially during spirited sprints on the lower gears.
Explore further, and you may be in for a surprise - the hatchback is well-insulated from road and wind noise. This makes cruising enjoyable, especially so with the supple suspension absorbing small humps with relative ease.
Throw the GTi around the bend, however, and it becomes oblivion that the soft damping coupled with the less sporty chassis setup can result in quite a bit of body roll. Steering, on the other hand, provides decent feel and feedback, but may be a tad over-weighted during low-speed manoeuvres.
On paper, the top-of-range 308 GTi comes with 200hp and 275Nm of torque - a promising composition if you consider the 1.4 tonne kerb weight.
Off the line, the GTi feels sprightly and relatively lag-free. Extend the revs closer to the red-line, and the car responses with an exciting exhaust note, adding onto the driving joy from the lively sprint. On the downside however, the front wheels are caught grasping for traction in some instances, especially during spirited sprints on the lower gears.
Explore further, and you may be in for a surprise - the hatchback is well-insulated from road and wind noise. This makes cruising enjoyable, especially so with the supple suspension absorbing small humps with relative ease.
Throw the GTi around the bend, however, and it becomes oblivion that the soft damping coupled with the less sporty chassis setup can result in quite a bit of body roll. Steering, on the other hand, provides decent feel and feedback, but may be a tad over-weighted during low-speed manoeuvres.
Conclusion
At S$12k more than the standard 308 1.6 Turbo, what you get with the 308 GTi is 40-odd more horses and an array of visual niceties. The competent twin-scroll turbo delivers a beefy power band on-tap, which is great for sprints in our urban landscape.
Though the 308 GTi may seem less-tuned for agility and outright performance when compared to its arch-rivalling German contenders, what the car aces in is providing enjoyable point-to-point trips.
Trendy on the outside and uplifting and relaxing ambience on the inside is what the 308 GTi will offer for a notably different driving experience.
At S$12k more than the standard 308 1.6 Turbo, what you get with the 308 GTi is 40-odd more horses and an array of visual niceties. The competent twin-scroll turbo delivers a beefy power band on-tap, which is great for sprints in our urban landscape.
Though the 308 GTi may seem less-tuned for agility and outright performance when compared to its arch-rivalling German contenders, what the car aces in is providing enjoyable point-to-point trips.
Trendy on the outside and uplifting and relaxing ambience on the inside is what the 308 GTi will offer for a notably different driving experience.
Photos by Nicholas Low
Car Information
Peugeot 308 1.6 GTi Turbo Glassroof (M)
CAT A|Petrol|15km/L
Horsepower
149kW (200 bhp)
Torque
275 Nm
Acceleration
7.7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Peugeot 308
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