Peugeot reveals 308 GT warm hatch

Peugeot had revealed a new GT version of the 308, offering a step-up in performance while buyers await the hotly-anticipated new GTi version.

The 308 GT range is offered in both hatchback and SW estate models, with a choice of petrol and diesel versions. The firm has lowered the suspension, enhanced the styling and even introduced a new colour called Magnetic Blue.

Inside, there’s lots of aluminium trim and red stitching, while the roof has been finished in GTi-style dark anthracite for a moodier feel. Sticklers for detail, the Peugeot engineers have also designed a new red and black colourscheme for the 308’s central infotainment touchscreen.

This packs a new range of sports displays, including the amount of power and toque being delivered, turbo pressure plus longitudinal and transverse acceleration.

The petrol 308 GT uses a 1.6-litre THP 205 engine, which Peugeot says will do 50.4mpg and emit 130g/km CO2, but which it hasn’t released any performance stats for. Similarly, the 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 turbodiesel can do 50-70mph in fifth gear in just 5.5 seconds, and average 70.6mpg… but Peugeot hasn’t revealed the benchmark 0-62mph dash for this engine yet, either.

Just as odd, while the petrol car has a six-speed manual gearbox, Peugeot’s selling the diesel as an automatic. At least it has paddleshifters as standard.

The 308 GT range should handle well, though. Peugeot’s stiffened it by up to 20% depending on version, and fitted Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres to the 18-inch alloys as standard.

Peugeot 308 GT models also feature some advanced lighting technology. Not only do they get LED headlights as standard, they also get a new ‘dynamic’ indicator, which sweep from the inside to the outside, thus pointing in the direction of travel.

The Peugeot 308 GT will be officially launched at the Paris Motor Show 2014 in October; ordering will open when prices are announced in November, with first deliveries starting in early January 2015.

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By motoringresearch.com