The success enjoyed by the award-winning Peugeot 308 looks set to reach even greater heights with the arrival of the dynamic and stunning new 308 GT flagship in 2015.
Available in hatchback and SW body styles, both GT models offer assertive new styling, outstanding petrol and diesel performance-oriented engines, and bespoke chassis modifications. The result is an exceptional on-the-road experience that will delight even the most enthusiastic drivers.
The new Peugeot 308 GT retains all the elements which have made the 308 range a commercial hit throughout Europe - striking exterior design, innovative Peugeot i-Cockpit cabin, versatile interior, and high perceived quality. However, the 308 GT’s enhanced design quality is immediately obvious, clearly embodying Peugeot’s continued move up-market.
Exterior-wise, the iconic Peugeot Lion emblem has moved from the bonnet to the front grille, mirroring the new Peugeot 508. It sits on 18” Diamant wheels, shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres. At the rear, the 308 GT offers a striking and distinctive posture, with a lacquered black diffuser and stylish twin exhaust pipes. The GT signature is integrated into the tailgate, as well as the front grille and wheel arches. Top-of-the-range headlights made up of 62 LEDs have been fitted. Exclusive new direction indicators further distinguish the 308 GT from other models.
Inside the car’s cabin, both the roof lining and upper window pillars are finished in anthracite. Red stitching on the upholstery trim is also found on the dashboard, door panels, gear lever gaiter and floor mats. Aluminium detailing on the pedals and stainless steel sill finishers in the door apertures, add the finishing touch. The signature Peugeot compact steering wheel is finished in a perforated leather trim and carries the GT badge. The instrument panel bears a new chequered flag motif background and switching on the ignition produces a GT welcome message. The large touchscreen colour scheme is a sporty red and black.
The Driver Sport Pack, standard on every 308 GT, includes an amplified, sporty engine noise, firmer and more responsive power steering, more responsive accelerator pedal mapping and a more responsive automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles. The instrument panel displays power and torque delivered, turbo pressure, longitudinal and transverse acceleration. The driver can choose to turn off the Driver Sport Pack setting for a more comfort-orientated drive, using a button on the centre console.
Ride height has been lowered by 7mm at the front and 10mm at the rear for a more dynamic drive. The revised suspension is mated to a choice of high-performance engines, one petrol and one diesel that already meet stringent Euro 6 emissions standards. The 1.6-litre THP 205bhp stop & start petrol engine is specified with a six-speed manual gearbox to make the most of its 285Nm of torque, available between 1,750 and 4,500rpm. This high level of performance is combined with well controlled CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, from just 130g CO2/km and 50.4mpg for the hatchback and 134g CO2/km and 48.7mpg for the SW.
The 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180bhp diesel engine, coupled to an EAT6 6-speed automatic gearbox, delivers its maximum power of 180hp at 3,750rpm and maximum torque of 400Nm at 2,000rpm. With a capacity of 1,997cc, it presents remarkable CO2 emissions of just 103g, equal to fuel consumption of 70.6 mpg for the hatchback and 107g CO2/km and 68.9mpg for the SW.
The 308 GT’s suspension set-up (pseudo MacPherson at the front, deformable beam at the rear ) has been given specific settings to suit the engines and the spirit of the car. The focus is on a performance-oriented and dynamic drive with excellent body control, while still maintaining a high level of comfort.
The new Peugeot 308 will be available in Ireland for special order from this spring. Final specifications and price details will be announced closer to launch.
