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308 GT: Low-down on a Pug hot hatch

  • Hatch and SW bodies
  • Diesel and petrol hatchback
  • Lower ride, unique design and spec
  • Exhilarating drive

PARIS, France - The showroom success enjoyed by the Peugeot 308, its maker says, seems likely to reach even greater heights with the arrival of the 308 GT.

Peugeot South Africa says the 308 GT will arrive locally during the second half of 2015.

Available in hatchback and SW body styles, both variants feature assertive styling, performance-oriented engines and bespoke chassis modifications and lower ride height (7mm at the front and 10mm at the rear). The result, claims the automaker, is an "on-the-road experience that will delight the most enthusiastic drivers".

SPORTY STYLING

The iconic Peugeot Lion badge has moved from the bonnet to the grille, with three horizontal blades on either side. The new 308 GT has headlights comprised of 62 LEDs.

New direction indicators also distinguish the 308 GT from other models as it is placed above the new air scoops. The 308 GT’s black lacquered door mirrors merge with the tinted windows, which are widened by its side sill finishers while it sits on 18” Diamant alloys shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres.

At the rear, there’s also a lacquered black diffuser and twin exhausts with the GT signature integrated into the tailgate as well as the grille.

Inside, both the roof lining and upper window pillars are finished in anthracite, says Peugeot. There’s red stitching on the upholstery trim, dashboard, door panels, gear lever gaiter and floor mats. Aluminium detailing on the pedals, coupled with stainless steel sill finishers in the door apertures, add the finishing touch.

The instrument panel bears a new chequered flag motif background and switching on the ignition produces a GT welcome message. The automaker says to complement this, the large touchscreen displays a new colour scheme dominated by red and black, titled ‘Redline’.

PERFORMANCE

The new 308 GT is available in either petrol or diesel guise, both mated to a six-speed manual.

Its four-cylinder 1.6-litre THP is capable of 152kW/285Nm. Equipped with stop/start, fuel consumption is rated at 5.6-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 130g/km.

The four-cylinder two-litre BlueHDi 180 diesel engine is capable of 135kW/400Nm. Equipped with a diesel unit, fuel consumption is four litres/100km with emissions of 103g/km.

The 308 GT’s has a Bosch 9CE central unit distributing the braking effort between four discs. At the front, the 330mm diameter and 30mm thick discs are gripped by floating calipers with 60mm pistons. At the rear, the discs are 268mm diameter on 308 GT and 290mm on 308 GT SW.

Driver assistance systems include a blind spot monitoring and LEDs in the door mirrors which illuminate to warn the driver that there is a vehicle in the blind spot and park assistant.


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