Peugeot 308 GTi. Peugeot’s latest hot hatch
Compact, aggressive, featuring a predator-like air intake, the Peugeot 308 GTi is the highest expression of the sports compact car segment from France. And this is Peugeot’s latest production hot hatch. It has been produced since 2015, while its restyling took place in 2017. It is essentially a high-performance version of the Peugeot 308 compact hatchback. The main competitor of the Peugeot 308 GTi is the dynamic Golf GTI, but the ambitious Frenchman really outperforms the carefully calibrated German in terms of many characteristics.
Until recently, Israeli buyers could purchase the second generation Peugeot 308 after restyling in 2017. It was a 5-door hatchback. In March 2021, the manufacturer released the third generation, which we cannot wait to see on our market. The new hatchback is noticeably larger and has over 70% new components. The platform is adapted for the creation of hybrids and electric vehicles. So it makes sense to expect an electric Peugeot 308 in the future, but for now, we should be happy with a plug-in hybrid, albeit in two versions at once.
Exterior
According to Peugeot’s minimalist concept, the Peugeot GTi version is not much different from the original model, the classic Peugeot 308 hatchback, which is currently available in Israel. The car has kept the same dimensions and wheelbase. The front bumper has several specific trim elements, a slightly lowered suspension, and dual exhaust pipes. For better road visibility, the “sporty” 308 is equipped with elegant Peugeot LED headlights.
Interior
The Peugeot GTi’s interior is clearly sporty, featuring racing seats and a power steering. The front part of the passenger compartment offers a lot of space for the driver and passenger and for storing small items. However, the rear seat is not very spacious, which is due to a huge trunk, which can accommodate a large baby stroller and even something more.
The new GTi is one of the best equipped cars in the market. This is a connected car, that is, many devices work via the Internet. Recent innovations include the Mirror Screen function, which allows you to control many options via your smartphone, and on-board telematics with a touch screen with connected 3D navigation.
Engines and chassis
The 2021 Peugeot 308 GTi is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged THP S&S 270 gasoline engine with 279 hp. The charged hatchback is characterized by an excellent power-to-weight ratio, 4.46 kg per 1 hp, which allows you to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6 seconds. This, by the way, is half a second faster than the VW Golf GTI. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
The car features a McPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-independent suspension at the rear, which is perfect for smooth asphalt. The front self-locking differential improves traction. The hot hatch comes standard with 19-inch wheels, 380mm front and 268mm rear brakes.
Safety
The new Peugeot 308 GTi is a reliable car with the highest safety ratings and a number of modern features, including:
- active safety brake with distance alert;
- active lane departure warning system;
- driver alert system;
- travel time indicator (when driving for more than two hours at a speed of more than 65 km/h, the option advises to pause);
- automatic headlight control depending on driving conditions;
- traffic sign recognition system;
- adaptive cruise control with Start-Stop function;
- active blind spot monitoring system and much more.
