Peugeot’s 308 GTi duo will arrive in Australia from under $50k

2016 Peugeot 308 GTi 270 front quarter

Peugeot’s hotly anticipated 308 GTi duo will launch in Australia next year from under $50,000.

Available in two specifications, both powered by Peugeot Sport’s 1.6-litre THP turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, the 184kW 308 GTi 250 will come in at $44,990 plus on-road costs, while the more potent 200kW 308 GTi 270 will be priced from $49,990 plus on-road costs.

Both cars will be available to pre-order from December at local dealers nation wide.

2016 Peugeot 308 GTi 270 rear quarter

At the heart of both vehicles is a Euro 6-compliant 1.6-litre turbocharged engine developing 184kW or 200kW, with maximum torque for both rated at 330Nm at 1,900rpm. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard and channels drive to the front wheels.

The GTi 270 also gains race-developed 380mm ventilated discs mounted on aluminium hubs at the front, clamped by four pistons in a fixed caliper, and 268mm disc at the rear.

The hot hatch is suspended on pseudo-MacPherson strut in the front and a twist-beam rear suspension. According to Peugeot, the entire vertical suspension system in the front is unique to the new 308 GTi, and includes bespoke spring stiffness and shock absorber calibration. The semi-hollow anti-roll bar is more malleable to ensure a better match with the rear axle.

2016 Peugeot 308 GTi 270 front quarter-1

The range-topping GTi 270 also comes with a Torsen limited-slip differential incorporated into the transmission to improve cornering traction.

Both cars sit 11mm lower than the standard 308 and features full LED headlamps flanking a new black radiator grille with horizontal chequered pattern and gloss-black finish.

There are two front spoilers below the bumper to boost aerodynamic. At the back, there is a pair of twin exhaust pipes.

The GTi 250 rolls on 18-inch ‘Diamant’ alloy wheels shod with 225/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres, while the GTi 270 features 19-inch ‘Carbone’ light-weight alloys equipped with Michelin Super Sport 235/35 R19 tyres.

2015 Peugeot 308 GTi 19-inch alloy wheel

The headline news, of course, is the GTi 270’s two-tone ‘Coupe Franche’ paint that contrasts the new ‘Ultimate Red’ colour with Nera Black.

Other colours include Ultimate Red, Pearlescent White, Magnetic Blue, Nera Black, Cumulus Grey, along with a non-metallic Hurricane Grey.

2015 Peugeot 308 GTi interior

Inside, red stitching is used on the upholstery, door panels, gear lever and floor mats. The door sill carries the GTi and Peugeot Sport signature and is finished in aluminium.

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