Peugeot 308 GT gets 1.6-litre turbo power
This is the third Peugeot 308 derivative launched in the last three months. It is however the only one that’s currently complete, in the metal and on sale. The other two, for interest’s sake, include the Peugeot 308 R with a 300kW hybrid powertrain and then the 200kW Peugeot 308 GTi. For now though, the 308 GT is the flagship model in the South African range, taking over the reins from the less potent but still brilliant 308 GT Line.
Under the hood of the 308 GT lies a 1.6-litre THP engine which produces 151kW and 285Nm from very low rpm and smoothed to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Lag is minimalized by a trio of methods; the twin scroll turbo, direct fuel injection and variable valve technology. Thanks to a healthy power to weight ratio of 125kW/ton the 0-100km/h requires 7.5 seconds and top speed raised to 235km/h.
Measures like start stop help the engine achieve efficiency levels of 5.6l/100km, endowing the Peugeot 308 GT with a theoretical range of 950km from its modest-sized fuel tank.
Alcantara and red stitching sum up the interior with curved bucket seats securing the driver behind a flat-bottom steering wheel and Peugeot’s i-cockpit layout. Additional features specific to the 308 GT include an instrument panel with chequered-flag design and a new red and black colour scheme to spur its driver on. Another key feature is the Driver Sport Pack. Pressing this button firms up the steering, sharpens throttle response and brings up a display that shows turbo pressure, G-forces and torque delivery. Importantly it changes the tone of the exhaust, of which there are now two tailpipes.
The front bumper of the 308 GT has been sculpted to direct more cooling to the engine and exterior mirrors sit in gloss black shells. Headlights get the work of Peugeot’s LED technology.
Although ride height has remained unchanged, new 18-inch alloys fill the arches, connected by a similar suspension setup to the 308 GT Line. Stiffer spring rates and uprated shock absorbers compliment the bigger front discs (330mm) and bigger rear discs (268mm) with electronic brake distribution and emergency brake assistance.
The Peugeot 308 GT reaches South African showroom floors in limited quantities this month. The recommended retail price is R369 900 which includes a three-year / 100 000 warranty, and a five-year/100 000 km full Premium Maintenance Plan.
