Peugeot launched the 308 in 2007 as the successor to the 307. The company's new competitor to the Volkswagen Golf->ke164 and Ford Focus->ke440 was based on the same chassis as the 307 but received a redesigned body and a revamped interior. The 308 included a host of gasoline and diesel engines at launch, and it carried over unchanged until a facelift in 2011. A brand-new 308 was unveiled in late 2013, sporting Peugeot's->ke68 new design language showcased on the 508 sedan and the 208->ke3444 hatchback. Besides inaugurating the new Peugeot numbering system where the final digits remain fixed, the 308 received the 2014 European Car of the Year award, beating vehicles the likes of the BMW i3 and Tesla Model S->ke3329. As we're moving closer to the 2015 model year, Peugeot is introducing a warmed-up GT model that boasts extra power and sportier looks compared to the standard versions.

This new GT trim is available in both the hatchback and wagon models. Power is provided by either a gasoline or a diesel engine, with both mills being the most powerful of the 308 lineup as of September 2014. Beefed-up engines aside, the GT is also a more stylish proposition for hatchback and wagon consumers, as it comes with a host of unique features inside and out.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Peugeot 308 GT.

2015 Peugeot 308 GT

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Peugeot 308 GT
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 202
  • Torque: 210
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The GT's special status in the 308 lineup is immediately apparent on the outside. Up front, Peugeot's new trademark grille with three horizontal blades houses the company's lion badge. On the regular models, the lion rests on the hood, right above the grille. The full-LED headlamps, only an option on most 308s, is yet another hint that the GT is more than a regular 308. To further showcase the GT's superiority, Peugeot fitted the bumper with exclusive turn signals that feature a unique sequential operation from the inside out.

Around back, a black diffuser, twin tail pipes, and a GT badge set these vehicles apart from their standard siblings. Other notable features available on both the hatchback and wagon include black mirror caps, tinted windows, and 18-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tires. The 308 GT also benefits from an exclusive Magnetic Blue exterior color.

Interior

Sporty on the outside, the 308 GT is equally dynamic on the inside. The roof lining and window pillars are finished in Anthracite Gray, while the upholstery, which comes with standard TEP/Alcantara or available Nappa leather, is adorned by red contrast stitching. The same stitching is also on the dashboard, door panels, gear lever, and floor mats, while aluminum pieces replace the standard pedals.

Another unique feature to the 308 GT is the perforated leather-wrapped, compact steering wheel. Additionally, the instrument panel comes with a new checkered-flag motif in the background and the touchscreen displays a new red-and-black color scheme.

Naturally, the GT is equipped with a bevy of convenience and safety features, including Dynamic Cruise Control, Emergency Collision Alert, Emergency Collision Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Park Assist.

Drivetrain

Customers have a choice of two engines with the 308 GT. First up is the 1.6-liter, THP gasoline unit that comes with a GT 205 badge. It delivers 202 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque, making the 308 GT the most powerful 308 available as of September 2014. The four-banger mates to a six-speed manual gearbox and needs 7.4 seconds to get the 308 GT from 0 to 60 mph while returning 50.4 mpg on the British cycle (41.9 mpg on the U.S. cycle).

The second option is a diesel-sipping 2.0-liter BlueHDI engine that bears the GT 180 badge. It comes with 177 ponies and 295 pound-feet of torque on tap and a fuel economy estimated at no less than 70.6 mpg on the UK cycle (58.7 mpg in the U.S. cycle). The oil burner is bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission. Performance numbers are not yet available, but Peugeot claims it'll go from 50 to 70 mph in fifth gear in 5.5 seconds.

Model

GT 205

GT 180

Type

1.6-litre THP 205 S&S

2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 engine

Output

202 HP

177 HP

Torque

210 LB-FT

295 LB-FT

Transmission

6-speed manual gearbox

EAT6 automatic gearbox

Fuel economy

41.9 mpg

58.7 mpg


Prices

Pricing is not yet available but expect the 308 GT to sit above the range-topping Feline trim. Our best guess is these performance-oriented vehicles will retail from around £25,000 ($40,541 as of 09/16/2014).

Competition

Volkswagen Golf GTI

The brand-new Golf GTI arrived with subtle exterior changes highlighted by a slightly longer and wider body. While far from significant, interior modifications are enough to keep the hatchback fresh for a couple of years. The same trend continues under the hood, where the familiar 2.0-liter four-banger receives 10 additional turbocharged horses and 51 extra pound-feet of torque. The new output sits at 210 ponies and 258 pound-feet, enabling the GTI to charge from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 155 mph. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and six-speed dual-clutch.

Volkswagen charges at least $24,395 for the 2015 Golf GTI. Granted, the 308 GT lacks the power and speed of the legendary Golf GTI, but until Peugeot launches its very own GTI version, the GT remains a worthy competitor, with a hefty fuel-economy advantage on its side.

Conclusion

The 308 GT is unquestionably a cool car among regular 308 hatches and wagons, but its appeal is somewhat limited. In a segment dominated by the likes of Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus, the French hatch will find it difficult to attract much attention, despite its impressive features. Peugeot has to come up with more than that, and an even hotter GTI might be the answer every European enthusiast is waiting for.