A Return To Form? Peugeot 308 GTi Review

Peugeot has been rather inconsistent in the hot hatch game. The French brand has produced the mighty, but has also produced the rather mediocre. So then, where does the Peugeot 308 GTi fit in?
I tested it recently to find out. On paper, it looks pretty enticing. It may only have 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol - smaller than its rivals - but it packs a rather noble 268bhp with 330Nm of torque. This power is fed to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox; these two combined will get this French pocket rocket to 62mph in 6 seconds dead and it will continue to a top speed of 155mph.
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Music Credit:
Dexter Britain - The Tea Party
David Hilowitz - Declassified Memo
Audiobinger - Cabin Fever

[@nickhastings6705]

A fantastic car. Absolutely love mine and it’s great in all aspects. Lot of character whilst still being practical

[@CarObsession]

Sorry for the very delayed response, I've only just seen this comment. Thanks for watching Nick, and thanks for the comment.

[@dgbservices6049]

I’ve just noticed something that I don’t think anyone else has, the car featured in this video is the exact car that auto express had in their track test.... where it smashed the i30n by 1.2 seconds! 😁

[@dgbservices6049]

@Lance Lee Right. Thanks for the random advice. We tend to watch Netflix though

[@foxhounduk2k8]

Great review! Keep up the good work! I love the HD footage and your thorough analysis.

[@CarObsession]

Thank you very much foxhounduk2k8, I really appreciate that! Thanks for watching.

[@mikedodd8487]

The alarm when the door open is to signify you've not put the handbreak on whilst getting out of thr car....

[@CarObsession]

I know what it's there, but I personally find it annoying and needless. I've been driven for almost 11 years and I can't think of a time where I've needed it. Thanks for watching.

[@maxmaxington5873]

Nice review mate, well done. I would definitely consider one of these. Second hand it’s pretty undeniable value.

[@CarObsession]

Hello Oscar, thanks for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@henryhol8538]

Awesome Review! I have this cars little brother as my daily and it shares many of these features. Brilliant car!

[@CarObsession]

Thanks for the feedback Henry!

[@jamiep61]

Another Great Video Review. I like the Design and Style of the Peugeot 308 GTi

[@CarObsession]

Yeah, the styling is not in your face, but I rather like its subtle approach. Looks fab in Ultimate Red, too. Thanks for watching.

[@leemason666]

Good review. I have the 308 GT version THP 205bhp and the car inside is practically the same. Great car and the steering wheel issue is easily fixed as I just dropped the steering column down so the speed dials are in full view and I’m quite small. Did an extended test drive in the GTI when it first launched and loved it but couldn’t justify the monthly payments at the time.

[@CarObsession]

Hi Lee, thanks for the feedback, and thanks for watching!

[@alanhyper9266]

Hello Lee, upgraded to the GTI yet? ive had one 6 months and im very happy with it

[@Birmingham_racing]

Great review as usual. Just like most people I lost interest after the 306 gti when it comes to performance hatches. The 208 gti finally changed that and I’ve heard good things about the 308 gti

[@CarObsession]

Cheers buddy, thanks for watching.

[@eyeeyeful]

Well done great review

[@CarObsession]

Hi Gordon, thank you very much! Thanks for watching.

[@alittlebitofjustaboutevery9354]

You can flip the cup holder down it is there

[@Ambienfinity]

Very quick but with ergonomic issues then? Great review as ever.

[@CarObsession]

Yeah, I get why Peugeot does the whole 'small steering wheel' thing, but if it was THAT good then other brands would have followed suit, but they haven't... - Thanks for watching.

[@Ambienfinity]

Yes, I think it's an overt attempt to say "it's a sporty car from the steering wheel outwards", but it has to work with all the other things around it.

[@MrSunnyBhoy]

watched this again, as next year I'm thinking of getting one of these, choice between this, Seat Leon cupra (similar to your model) or Renault Megane Rs 250. Tough choice.

[@CarObsession]

A very tough choice indeed. The SEAT will probably have the best build quality, if that is important to you.

[@peterthwaites5891]

Another good review, i like the 308 GTI and personally i think i`d take it over the latest Golf...and yes manufacturers should stop this obsession with burying the climate controls etc within a confusing touch screen, far too dangerous, what was wrong with the simple climate controls we already had? but your complaint about the door open buzzer is wrong, because the proper handbrake has all but gone now, to be replaced by a switch, its not just saying you have a door open, its telling you to put the handbrake on before you get out of the car!..

[@SteveLBMK]

Peter Thwaites Hmm, that is interesting and makes sense. My Golf will emit an annoyed sound if you open the drivers door with the ignition on. Of course, as soon as the ignition is turned off, the electronic handbrake engages automatically and it is happy.

[@CarObsession]

Yup, I can see where you're coming from Peter, but as Steve states with his Golf, I'm pretty sure the Peugeot automatically engages the parking brake once you turn off the ignition. Plus I'm not TOO fussed it makes a noise when you open the door; I just wish it was so panicky and frantic! In regards to the climate control - amen! I don't mind most of the controls being touchscreen orientated, but I'd MUCH rather have physical controls for the climate control. Thanks for watching.

[@dancooper2072]

This is an important alarm I'd say. Because if you open the driver's door without turning engine off the handbrake doesn't engage. So if you pop out of your car to drop a letter off in post box and this siren doesnt go off, you end up posting your car into someone's house.

[@gopinathkumaravelu5411]

Hi, Whats the condition of this car?. This is exactly the car with same reg I booked and will eb delivered next week. How is it to drive?

[@CarObsession]

Hello Gopinath, thanks for watching. The car's condition is absolutely fine and it drives as it should - it's only done a few thousand miles. I'm a bit confused as to how you're having it delivered to you as it's a press car. Do you review cars as well?

[@CarObsession]

Ah ok, interesting.

[@tonyb1223]

Another good review, yes the 308 GTi isnt perfect and it takes a bit of time to set up the driving position correctly (it can be done with minimal intrusion on the instrument panel), but it shows that Peugeot still have it when it comes to hot hatches. It is a more grown up hot hatch though, and does it really need a sports button or should it just come out of the factory like its already in sports mode (the RCZR didnt have a sports mode and thats a great car as it is), ok rear leg room can be a little tight (found the same in the i30N), and the climate controls via the touch screen are not the best (much better in the 3008 SUV that replaced my 308 BlueHDi, as is the instrument panel), and they can be had for a bargain price as an ex demonstrator. Just a shame you dont see more of them about and you can get seriously good mpg if you take your time (high 40's to low 50's on a long run). Parkers have a long term 308 GTi and they seem to like theirs :) Should mention that production on these has stopped for the next 3 months due to the new euro 6.2 regulations and some modifications they need to do to get it to pass.

[@SteveLBMK]

Tony B Completely agree. Just make the best car without artificially "boosting" the sportiness, exactly as you observe about the RCZ R. Even if you might think they are a bit soulless, VW nailed that balance with the Golf GTi and Type R, though I still am hanging on like a dinosaur to a manual gearbox and am glad that the 308 GTi has kept this.

[@CarObsession]

Yeah, some nat disagree with me, but the car feels a bit 'flat' in normal mode, and if I were to own one of these, I would only drive in Sport Mode. Thanks for watching.

[@SteveLBMK]

I have the fondest memories of my 306 GTi6 and have been disappointed to hear several reviewers comment on the disappointing gearbox in the 308 GTi. Based on driver enjoyment, practicality and quality, if you made me buy a hot hatch tomorrow, it would be the Civic Type R even with its dodgy looks. P.S. Your reaction to the door open alarm was spot on. I would be exactly the same. But as Peter points out below, this is probably because of the electronic handbrake. My Golf does the same, though I hardly notice because I turn the ignition off generally to ensure the handbrake is engaged. Although I was sceptical initially, I reluctantly have to say that it works very well indeed. P.P.S. Artificially pumping the sound through the cabin, I personally don't like that and would like the option to disable that, but don't think that's possible on the 308?

[@CarObsession]

You're right in regards to the Civic Type R, I think that really is the best hot hatch right now. It's not the best looking, but one drive will soon change your mind! Thanks for watching.

[@CarObsession]

Very true, which is why I don't deem it to be a PROPER rival for the 308 GTi. It's more powerful and faster, therefore I think it's in the tier above. In the same way I wouldn't really class the outgoing Focus RS as a rival either. In my opinion, the key rivals for this car are the Golf GTi and the i30N, followed by the Megane RS and the Leon Cupra 300.

[@simaoleal6757]

I'm trying to figure out if I want this or the i30n.. I currently own a tuned to 190hp 207 gt and I cant decide between the two.. Hyundai attracts me with its suspencion options, overall better interior and better exhaust notes but it is more expensive and I'd probably have a better return for my peugeot at peugeot.. So I don't really know what to do

[@CarObsession]

Hi there, thanks for watching. I'd personally have the i30N, it sounds better, drives better, offers a less awkward driving position and comes with a 5 year warranty.

[@simaoleal6757]

@@CarObsession here it comes with a 7 yr warranty, problem is, it's 40k euros..

[@CarObsession]

@@simaoleal6757 interesting, it's 5 years in the UK.

[@KING0SISQO]

I’d go with the i30n. Purely to pick an unfamiliar car. The joy about having a newer expensive car is that it’s different to the last one. I own a 308 gti. I30n was a choice for me. But they didn’t have a sunroof option in the uk. So it was kinda biased and much easier for me to choose the gti.

[@dgbservices6049]

@oSoyman I’d take the 308 because it’s lighter on it’s feet and I’d have the bragging rights of ‘my 1.6 can beat your 2.0 on a track!’ 😁

[@simeonparlapanoff39]

So which one is the best hot hatch then?

[@CarObsession]

In my opinion, the Honda Civic Type R - thanks for watching 👍🏽

[@simeonparlapanoff39]

@@CarObsession I ask because I am going to buy a hot hatchback and actually I dont really like the design of the Honda, so can you advice for other good ones? Thanks!!

[@CarObsession]

@@simeonparlapanoff39I've edited my answer as I misread your response so I've re-worded my reply. I understand aesthetics can be a large factor when deciding a car but I'd urge to at least try the car. Having said that, I do want to help you. The i30N Performance is a cracking car, plus it's got a 5 year warranty which INCLUDES track usage. The new Focus ST is also very good, as long as you don't mind spending a bit more.

[@hoagy_ytfc]

Who the hell would want it in an auto?!

[@CarObsession]

Maybe those that live in the city? Or perhaps, those that are physically able to drive a manual, or may only have an automatic license? (that's not meant to read as passive aggressive as it may look) Thanks for watching David, and thanks for the comment.

[@pauladams5673]

Please don't mix units. BHP is the old British measure. PS is metric. You use Nm (Newton Metres), which is metric. So, please be consistent, preferably PS OR Kilowatts for power and Nm for torque, which are both metric units.

[@CarObsession]

Hello Paul, thanks for watching, and thanks for the feedback - I'll bear that in mind for future videos. No-one has ever picked me up and it's never been raised as a problem, but I can see what you're getting at. I hope that didn't ruin your enjoyment of the video.

[@pauladams5673]

Most KZbinrs do it. I suspect most don't know what torque is.

[@CarObsession]

Interestingly, I've noticed that some car brands are starting to quote figures in this manner (bph and Nm). I've just come across spec sheets from Caterham and Kia that used that method as opposed to bhp and lb ft or ps/hp and NM...🤔

[@onlythetruthone2809]

Is this krytons brother presenting this?!

[@CarObsession]

I have no brothers that I know of, so I don't think so 😂Thanks for watching.

[@jacobzimmermann59]

When it comes to FWD hot hatches these days there is the Megane RS and the Civic Type R, and then there is everything else.

[@CarObsession]

Hi Jacob, thanks for watching, and thanks for the comment.

[@brettooops7663]

I love the look of the 308 GT & GTi but that central screen which controls pretty much everything puts me right off. When I test drive the Allure version, I hated the dash and the annoying buzzers and chimes. Not for me for those reasons.

[@ejdydmj1650]

I have mine for 3 years now and never had single issue! Amazing car so much and practical same time. My is modified tho but its running 330bhp atm. Love it 🖤 💙 🦁 I own facelift model but without GPF and old engine so very rare as every petrol from 2018 got GPF. So mine is lighter only 1205kg, better sound, more power than new model.. Great Denon Hifi audio system. Check out my channel, instagram Ejdy_308_gti if anyone interested 🦁

[@mrheisenberg72]

Nearly £2000 to replace pads and discs 😩

[@CarObsession]

How?! 😱

[@mrheisenberg72]

@@CarObsession pads and discs are alcon, same as a 911 turbo

[@CarObsession]

@@mrheisenberg72 Ah ok - is that price including labour, I really hope it is!

[@alanseam]

My calipers seized on the pistons and the discs warped. Total cost from dealer £3,100. Ended up taking off the Alcons and putting the brakes that are on the 250 bhp GTI . a saving of £2300. The Alcons have a problem the salt gets into the pistons and seizes them. They have a shelf life of 40k miles. Closed shop with the dealers and Alcon, so they have got you by the proverbials !

[@Jj-ff9vq]

Did you get that done by Peugeot or local garage? I'll be doing the same when the time comes.. !

[@SibrenDVchannel]

Bye clutch 👋 7:40

[@CarObsession]

Did you mean bye? 🤔 Edit: Also, I very much doubt that one launch would destroy the clutch, and the car was absolutely fine after that...🤷‍♂️

[@SibrenDVchannel]

@@CarObsession HAHAHA yes thats what i ment.. but yea it wouldnt last long with these shifts xD.. best way is to release clutch before getting on the gas if you ask me 😛... I'm looking for to buy one, but there are none in holland atm....😪

[@asasin29892]

you would insane to buy this over the i30N like for like NEW

[@CarObsession]

Well I suppose it comes down to personal taste, what you're looking for in a car, etc. For what it's worth, the 308GTi is over 200kg lighter than the i30N, which is quite a large difference. Plus Peugeot has got much more heritage when it comes to hot hatches. I know what you mean though, the i30N is a strong choice, but I wouldn't say you'd have to be insane to pick the 308GTi over it. Thanks for watching.

[@asasin29892]

@@CarObsession I have nothing against the pug I had the 205 back in the day but Hyundai understated the N performmace on paper on purpose no doubt. The N in stock can pull 5.3 0-60 time and again, and the toys you get with N are only found premium cars costing much more, just my view....a beer says you agree with me once you get one your channel haha

[@CarObsession]

I've already driven an i30N my friend (kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJqzpIKojLd0nKs), it's a very good car, and given the choice, I probably would buy it over the 308, but I think it's quite a stretch to say you'd have to be insane to buy the GTi over the N. Like I said, the 308 GTi is a lighter car, therefore it feels noticeably more nimble, plus I prefer the interior, even though though it has a quirky driving position and the touchscreen is a bit of a faff to use. The i30N is a tad boring inside if you ask me. Yes, it feels well put together, but it's not much to look at.

[@ctrmint]

Enjoyable video. I think its an average hot hatch, and you just wouldn't buy one compared the competition. It just looks too safe and PSG build quality is never the best either. Interesting review though. Had to smile at those gloves making an appearance in the glove box too. Though the size of the glove box is more shocking that the gloves ;-)

[@CarObsession]

Hi ctrmint, thanks for watching. I'd say is average is a bit harsh, but I'll agree it's not the best car in its class.

[@tonyb1223]

ctrmint have you seen the latest PSA group cars? The quality is better than a lot of their competitors, and the cars are actually very goid, even the 308 GTi which held its own against the likes of the i30N (and it actually grips in the wet unlike the Hyundai ;) ). Everyone thinks about that 7-8 years in the 00's when Peugeot made some mediocre crap like the 307, now they have a new CEO and new idea's, hence they have class leading cars like the 3008 which demonstrate PSA's ability to compete in a crowded market and come out on top. Considering they came back from the brink of bankruptcy, its a big turn around.

[@BarrySlisk]

Looks like a family car. BOOORING! I'll stick with my "new" 306 GTI even though it's slow by todays standards.