unlike the everyday 308, there aren't any mechanical changes or new engines. that means you get the same turbocharged 1.6-litre motor with 266bhp that initially got here from the rcz r. it drives via a six-speed manual gearbox to a torsen confined-slip differential that sits among the front wheels.
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as earlier than, there’s additionally an 11mm drop in ride peak in comparison with ordinary 308s, more bad camber and michelin pilot extremely good recreation tyres. braking is sorted by means of 380mm alcon the front discs with peugeot game branding.
you wouldn’t anticipate a few nips and tucks to make any difference to the manner the automobile drives, and they don't. even though we have been unable to force the 308 gti on the street, it felt same to the model we ran as a long-termer.
although it's 400cc down on the majority of mid-sized warm hatches, the 308 gti’s engine feels sturdy and has a pleasingly linear power shipping. it received’t rev like the honda civic type r’s 2.zero-litre faster unit, and the augmentation of the sound isn’t mainly convincing, however it’s truly an effective engine.
grip tiers are high, way to the ones pilot extraordinary sports, however they do spotlight a chassis that’s a bit too gentle for genuinely difficult track paintings. you definitely experience the diff pulling the nose of the automobile in the direction of the apex under energy, but it too can be harder in operation. the stability of the auto is predominantly nose-led, however a lift will tuck the front in. surely bung it right into a nook and also you’ll locate the tail edges around however is effortlessly caught when you’re lower back at the strength.
if only peugeot had taken the possibility to retune the 2 matters that virtually allow the gti down: the guidance and gearbox. due to the excessive-set up tool cluster (i-cockpit in peugeot communicate), the wheel is tiny and connected to a very short rack. while it approach little wheel twirling is wanted, the steering can feel hyperactive at instances and transmits precious little comments from the front tyres.
as for the gearbox, the ratios are properly chosen, but the shift fine is indistinct and on no account pleasurable. to be sincere, though, the track is not the nice area for the 308 gti. no, it’s much higher thought of as a fast however enormously sensible hatchback within the mildew of the volkswagen golf gti. here you could respect the affordable gas financial system, a experience that is more at ease than greater hardcore competitors and agreeable co2 emissions.
we’ve already touched at the interior, where you’ll locate that i-cockpit either works for you or doesn’t. some might locate the wheel obstructing the instruments while it's set to your preferred function, however the format might be first-class for others.
as for indoors pleasant, there’s a good unfold of smooth-touch plastics, and the nappa leather at the guidance wheel and door pulls looks and feels stylish. there are enough gti-precise touches to differentiate it from normal 308s, inclusive of supportive sports activities seats, purple highlights and some gti logos.
as for the new infotainment gadget, it does appearance marginally crisper but nonetheless frustrates in other ways. a number of the icons are a piece small, however the primary problem is that the display controls nearly the entirety. which means delving into the menus to alter the air con, as an example; from time to time buttons are just better.