Review of the Peugeot 308 2020: GT

If variety is the spice of life, then Australia's hatchback market must be one of the busiest in the world, given the sheer variety of vehicles on offer to consumers.

And this is very good, and it means that you can choose from world-famous mass marques such as Toyota Corolla or Volkswagen Golf, or choose from the best Asian and more niche catalogs in Europe.

Take the Peugeot 308 GT tested here. It probably doesn't need to sell in Australia, where sales numbers are ludicrous compared to its presence in Europe. But it is, and it makes us feel better.

The 308 may not be the car that Australian budget hatchback buyers are picking up, but rather a more discerning audience that wants something a little different.

Does it live up to its "left of field" promise and semi-premium price? Let's find out.

Peugeot 308 2020: GT
Safety Rating	-
engine's type	1.6 L turbo
fuel type	Regular unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	6l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$31,600

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10

One thing that should probably be perfectly clear is that the 308 GT is not a budget hatch. Landing at $39,990 excluding roads, it's almost playing in proper hot hatch territory.

For a bit of context, I'd say the VW Golf 110 TSI Highline ($37,990), Renault Megane GT ($38,990) or perhaps the five-door Mini Cooper S ($41,950) are direct competitors to this car - although those options are it's a bit unique in its positioning.

Although it is hardly a budget purchase. You can get a really good midsize SUV for this price, but I'm guessing if you bothered to read this far, this is not what you're buying.

The 308 GT comes with 18-inch Diamant alloy wheels.

The 308 GT is a limited edition with only 140 cars available in Australia. It's also the highest level 308 you can get with an automatic transmission (the GTI remains manual only). That's good too, as Peugeot is using this car to debut its new eight-speed automatic.

Unique to this car are the stunning 18-inch Diamant alloy wheels and the leather/suede interior. Standard equipment list includes a massive 9.7-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, full LED front lighting, sporty touches on the exterior, auto folding mirrors, keyless entry and start, front and rear parking sensors, heating front seats, as well as seat trim in artificial leather and suede.

The 9.7-inch multimedia touchscreen comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In terms of performance, the GT also gets some genuine upgrades, such as a lower, stiffer suspension and a "Driver Sport Pack" - essentially a sports button that actually does something other than tell the transmission to hold gears - but more on this in the driving section. this review.

In addition to its equipment, the 308 GT also gets a pretty impressive active safety package that includes active cruise control - read about it in the safety subheading.

So it's expensive, pushing hot hatch territory in terms of price, but you're not getting a poorly equipped car by any means.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

For some, this car's distinctive style and personality will be enough to justify its price tag. The 308 GT is a warm hatchback with character.

Appearance is smooth. This pug is not a freak. It's rough in the right places to give it an attitude. Its side profile is its most tame angle, showing off stereotypical European hatchback proportions, only with the wow factor of those massive wheels.

The rear is restrained, with no flashy spoilers or large air vents, just a rounded rear end with neat LED headlights accentuated by glossy black highlights on the trunk lid and rear diffuser.

Our test car was painted in "Magnetic Blue" for $590.

Up front, the 308 has scowl-faced LED lights to remind you it's a little angry, and a thin, shimmering chrome grille. I usually don't really like chrome, but this Pug uses enough chrome on the front and sides to keep it looking classy.

The more I looked at our test car in its "Magnetic Blue" shade (a $590 option), the more I thought it fought the VW Golf for an understated yet sporty look.

Inside, if anything, even sportier than outside. You sit deep in this car's sharply contoured sports seats, while the driver is greeted with Peugeot's i-Cockpit signature style.

It consists of a small wheel with a flat bottom and top, and the instrument cluster is located on the dashboard. It's a different take on the overused formula, and it all looks really cool if you're exactly my (182cm) height. In short, the instrument cluster begins to block the view to the hood of the car, and if it is higher, then the top of the steering wheel begins to block the instruments (according to office Giraffe Richard Berry). So this cool design won't be to everyone's taste...

Peugeot takes a minimalist approach to dashboard design, and the 308 features i-Cockpit signature styling.

Other than that, the dashboard is a super-minimalist layout. Between the two central air vents sits a fantastically large media screen surrounded by a tasteful amount of chrome and glossy black. There's a center stack with a CD slot, a volume knob, and nothing else.

About 90 percent of the plastic in the dashboard is well-made and soft to the touch—finally, Peugeot's nasty plastic days are over.

How practical is the interior space? 7/10

Peugeot's minimalist approach to dashboard design comes at a price. There seems to be almost no room for passenger storage in this car. Behind the gear lever and small top drawer, there is one somewhat awkward cup holder/storage space. In addition, there are small, uncomfortable cup holders in the doors, a glove compartment and that's it.

You can't place the phone under the center console where the USB socket is, so you'll have to route the cable elsewhere. Annoying.

There's plenty of room up front thanks to the high roofline and low seats.

At the very least, front passengers get plenty of room thanks to the high roofline, low seats and reasonably wide cabin. The 308's front seats aren't cramped.

Life in the rear is not great, but not bad either. My friend, who is slightly taller than me, had a little trouble squeezing into the seat behind my driving position, but I climbed in with my knees pressed against the back of the seat.

The rear passengers do not have air vents and can be a little soft for taller people.

There's also no air conditioning vents, though the comfortable seat trim continues with the added benefit of leather door cards for the elbows. Rear-seat passengers can take advantage of small bottle holders in the doors, seat-back pockets and a fold-down center armrest.

Pug makes up for the lack of space in the cabin with a gigantic 435-liter trunk. That's more than the Golf 7.5 (380 litres), much more than the Mini Cooper (270 litres) and on par with the equally good Renault Megane with its 434 liters of boot space.

With the rear seats folded down, the trunk volume is 435 liters.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10

The 308 GT comes with the latest version of the Groupe PSA 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

This engine is special because it is the first in Australia to be equipped with a petrol particulate filter (PPF). Other manufacturers would like to bring particulate filtered gasoline engines to Australia but are open about the fact that our lax fuel quality standards mean they simply won't work due to the higher sulfur content.

The 1.6-litre turbo engine delivers 165 kW/285 Nm.

Peugeot locals tell us that the PPF was able to launch in Australia thanks to a different coating method inside the filter itself that can handle the high sulfur content in our fuel.

Very cool and environmentally friendly, although this means that this little pug needs at least 95 octane gasoline. You also have to be belligerent about sticking to this recommendation, as it is not known what can happen if you run it on a low quality 91.

Since the 308 GT is equipped with a PPF filter, it requires gasoline with at least 95 octane.

Power is good too. The 308 GT can use 165kW/285Nm, which is strong for the segment, and puts it in real warm hatch territory given its slim curb weight of 1204kg.

The engine is mated to an all-new torque converter eight-speed automatic transmission that feels great. It will soon be extended to the rest of the Peugeot lineup.

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How much fuel does it consume? 7/10

Against a claimed/combined fuel consumption of 6.0L/100km, I scored 8.5L/100km. Sounds like a miss, but I enjoyed the thrill of driving a Peugeot quite a lot during my week, so overall it's actually not that bad.

As mentioned, the 308 requires gasoline with at least 95 octane to match the gasoline particulate filter.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10

The 308 has been upgraded with additional safety features over time and now has a more than respectable set of active safety features. These include automatic emergency braking (operating from 0 to 140 km/h) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, active cruise control with full stop and go support, lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring.

You also get six airbags, the usual stability and traction controls, two ISOFIX child seat anchor points on the outboard rear seats, and a rearview camera with parking assist.

The 308 GT does not have an ANCAP safety rating as it has not been tested, although its diesel equivalents since 2014 have the highest five-star rating.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10

Peugeot offers a competitive five-year unlimited mileage warranty that also includes full five-year roadside assistance.

While limited-price service is not yet available on Peugeot's website, brand representatives tell us the 308 GT will cost a total of $3300 over its five-year warranty, with an average maintenance cost of $660 per year.

While it's not the cheapest service plan, Peugeot assures us that the program includes fluids and supplies.

The 308 GT requires service once a year or every 20,000 km.

What is it like to drive? 8/10

Like any good Peugeot, the 308 is a drive. The low, sporty stance and small, lockable wheel make it incredibly attractive right from the start.

In economy or standard mode, you'll struggle with a bit of turbo lag, but once you've reached peak torque, the front wheels will spin instantly.

Handling is excellent, the pug is easy to direct exactly where you want. A trait that comes from its good chassis, low suspension, thin curb weight and big wheels.

GT Sport Mode does little more than remap the transmission to hold gears longer. It enhances the sound of the engine, enhances steering effort and instantly makes the accelerator pedal and transmission more responsive. It also causes the instrument cluster to turn red. Nice touch.

All in all, it's a really exciting driving experience, almost like a real hot hatchback, where the periphery of the car dissolves and everything becomes wheel and road. This is a car best enjoyed on the nearest B-road.

However, everyday use has its drawbacks. With its commitment to sportiness and those giant alloy wheels, the ride tends to be a little stiff, and I found the paddle shifters not as attractive as they should be, even with sport mode activated.

However, for the enthusiast willing to spend less than $50K, this is a strong contender.

Verdict

The 308 GT isn't a budget hatchback, but it's not a bad price either. It exists in a world where "warm hatches" are most often turned into sticker packs, so its commitment to true performance is to be commended.

You get good media and great security packed into a stylish package, and while it's somewhat of a niche with just 140 cars available to Australian consumers, it's still a great showcase for Peugeot's new technology.