Peugeot, not wanting to let the Golf GTI steal the show, has just launched their counter attack, called the 308 GT. Based on the new 308 that was launched last year, this new 308 GT will be offered in both a station wagon (estate for other parts of the world) and a hatchback variant.
Power for this new 308 GT comes either a petrol or a diesel engine. The 308 GT’s petrol engine option will offer 202 hp and 284 NM of twisting power. All these power comes from the familiar tried and tested Prince 1.6L engine. The only transmission choice offered for the petrol engine is a 6 speed manual. Meanwhile, for the diesel fans, Peugeot offers a 177 hp diesel engine option. Torque is rated at 400 NM, which is very impressive. Too bad that the only transmission choice for the diesel engine is an automatic gearbox. Zerotohundred is dealt in a mere 7.5 seconds for the petrol model.
The Peugeot 308 GT certainly looks the part, as Peugeot is offering a new colour, called Magnetic Blue for this new model. The Diamant 18 inch wheels are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 rubbers to offer optimum grip. Ride height has been lowered 7mm up front and 10mm at the back end.
Numbers aside, this Peugeot 308 GT wont be worrying the Volkswagen Golf GTI as yet. Nonetheless, the 308 GT will find homes with those who wants a car that isn’t mainstream (Read:VW). Besides that, the 308 GT is also offered as a wagon, something the Golf GTI lacks. Perhaps, the Peugeot 308 GT will pave the way for something more potent in the future? Maybe a 308 GTI?
Wait and see, we suppose.