Peugeot 308 GTi
If you asked 100 people to name a car that qualified as a ‘hot hatch’, it’s a fair bet most would go for the Volkswagen Golf GTI. It’s been around for decades and is a badge that resonates even with people who don’t consider themselves car fans.
But it’s not the only choice in the segment – the Ford Focus ST has been a popular choice in recent years – and now there’s a new contender. The all-new Peugeot 308 GTi has three things going for it; firstly, Peugeot has some very tasty performance models in its back catalogue. Secondly, this one is developed on last year’s European Car of the Year. And thirdly, the work has been done by Peugeot Sport, the brand’s in-house motorsport division.
There are two versions – the 250bhp and 270bhp. In reality, most buyers will go for the latter, because that’s what ‘hot hatch’ enthusiasts usually do. At £28,155, it’s £1,600 more expensive than the 250bhp, but it’s also fitted with some tasty kit. That includes a limited-slip differential, technology which allows the driver to get the power down earlier out of corners without inducing understeer. Add in bigger wheels, larger brakes with sporty red calipers and the option of a striking two-tone paint finish, and you’ve got features that fans will pay for.
On the road, it’s lot of fun when you push it hard, makes an appropriate noise from the sports exhaust, and deserves to be on every hot hatch buyer’s consideration list.
