The lower bumper section is home to a larger air intake, with additional, generous cooling apertures on either side.  In profile, the gloss black finish of the exterior mirrors is a stand-out feature, as are the dark-tinted windows and blacked-out B-pillar.

 

Subtle sill extensions underline the 308 GT’s low, wide stance, which is further emphasised by the new 18-inch alloy wheels and low-profile Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres. The rear view is dominated by a new, gloss black apron and stylised exhaust tailpipes, while the LED tail light clusters display Peugeot’s trademark three-claw lighting signature.

 

The interior continues the GT’s sporty, exclusive theme and looks really great and modern. The roof lining and B-pillar trim features an anthracite colour scheme, while the bucket seats feature leather bolsters with Alcantara inserts and red stitching.

 

Red stitching creates a contrasting highlight on the door panels, gear lever gaiter and the leather-trimmed steering wheel. Aluminium-trimmed pedals and stainless steel sill finishers add to the cabin’s dynamic and sporty ambience.

 

The 308’s i-Cockpit is perfectly suited to the more performance-focused GT model. The compact, flat-bottomed steering wheel is height and reach adjustable, ensuring a clear view of the analogue instruments, as well as the large, full-colour touch-screen display.

 

Exclusive to the GT is a chequered flag-inspired background for the instrument panel, and a new red-and-black colour scheme, known as Redline, for the touchscreen. Instrument illumination is red, too.

 

An innovative standard feature is Driver Sport Pack, which delivers sportier engine note, firms up the electric power steering, sharpens throttle response, and offers an extended display showing power and torque delivered, turbo pressure, and longitudinal and transverse acceleration.

 

 The Driver Sport Pack can be switched deactivated for a more comfortable driving experience. Driving the 308 GT in the different settings gives totally different feels of comfort or sportiness. Power delivery also differs when choosing one of the settings and power is available from low revs making the GT so much more enjoyable.

 

At the heart of the new 308 GT is a 1.6 THP four-cylinder engine. The high pressure-turbocharged 1 598 cc unit has a rated maximum output of 151 kW, achieved at 6 000 r/min, while the torque peak of 285 Nm is reached at just 1 750 r/min.

 

Technical highlights include a twin-scroll turbocharger to boost low-down response and overall tractability, direct fuel injection in the interests of combustion efficiency, variable inlet valve lift, variable valve timing, and stop-start technology to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

 

Rapid performance is the name of the game, with a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 7,5 seconds, and a 235 km/h top speed. The gearbox, which is a six-speed manual transmission to allow full use of the torque spread, sustained between 1 750 and 4 500 r/min. Combined cycle fuel consumption is just 5,6 litres/100 km. That figure suggests a range of 950 km from the 53-litre fuel tank.

 

The 308 GT offers a comprehensive array of standard passive safety features including six airbags (front, side and curtain), inertia reel seat belts, head restraints for all seating positions, and IsoFix child seat toddlers.

 

The Peugeot 308 GT will be available in South African showroom floors in limited quantities.  The recommended retail price is R399 900 which includes a three-year / 100 000 warranty, and a five-year/100 000 km full Premium Maintenance Plan.

 

The 308 GT is a real gem to drive and most enjoyable during every day driving. The 308 is really a great car to be considered in its class.