The BEST CHEAP Hot Hatchback For UNDER £10k?! (308 GTI Review)

[@scramb19]

I own one of these, would recommend. You can carry big speed through corners and very late on brakes. I’ve come from M2 comp, lotus exige and GT86 and I’m happy with this car.

[@danballard6264]

Does the gearbox issues not raise concern? I’m interested in one

[@scramb19]

@@danballard6264I wasn’t aware of a gearbox issue. I would say the gearbox isn’t quiiite as nice as the GT86 one but it does the job. Issues for me: when off boost (which isn’t very often because it’s a twin scroll turbo) you can tell it’s a 1.6L. Also, brakes are vulnerable to corrosion - if buying make sure that it’s not a ‘winter commuter’ or that the aftermarket fix has been done - ~£400 for corrosion resistant anodised pistons (iirc). Overall it’s a fantastic car - so much car for the money, practical, rare, and a sleeper

[@spolo123]

I've rented an M2 comp prior to buying my 308 gti and thought to myself, I'm so happy my pug carries as much speed in corners and brake as late as an M2 comp. Am I wrong?

[@BZ2YYZ]

Currently own one of these, 270 version. It's absolutely brilliant; everything I need from a car.

[@svetoslavivanov6882]

Best in its class! Top power to weight ratio, 32 meters from 100-0km, 8L per 100km fuel consumtion, under 6 sec from 0-100km .... so rare and underrated. Own one with Miltek exaust - dream car😊

[@SeanSimmons-c8h]

Not only that but it comes with a torsen diff, Alcon race brakes, forged engine, only car people know what the 308 GTi is fact....

[@eccboy7]

Beautiful car! I have a 20 plate 263hp version and its mega 👍😁

[@stanleybuchan4610]

One Peugeot often overlooked, apart from those in the know, was the 309 GTI. Just as good as the 205 and less likely to put you into a hedge.

[@kipa170]

Peugeots best ever car is the one nobody talks about. 306 Rallye!

[@ApothecaryTerry]

The best thing about this car is the owner is clearly so intelligent and attractive 🤣 That and the Cars with JB sticker, of course! It's definitely a car that encourages use of the Google maps "avoid motorways" feature (and the speed camera alert...). Love it, and thanks for cutting out the bits where I was stood opposite looking like I'd been stood under a hose 😂

[@CarsWithJB]

😅 agree with all of the above! And no problem, managed to just about get rid of you in the edit 🤣 thanks again for letting me drive it!

[@ApothecaryTerry]

@@CarsWithJB Was a good day out! And an excuse to nerd out on cars (and see my sister which is rare!). Now I have to work out what the next one will be...I keep coming up with ideas and then convincing myself they're wrong 😆

[@zaink7037]

Interested to know what made you go for the switch from the cayman? I've driven the RCZ R and that was nice. Was dad's friends car who lent me it to machine polish and ceramic coat it. Had someone compliment it when I was driving it home after getting more cleaning products

[@ApothecaryTerry]

@@zaink7037 Honestly the biggest factor in selling the Porsche was that I got it to 80k miles and I was pushing my luck on depreciation - sold that for nearly £25k and bought this for £15k. I live >200 miles from my office so the next car had to then be more refined. Choosing the Pug basically came down to driving all the cars I could - I can remember driving an A110, Supra, Giulia QV, M4 Comp, 540i, S4, Macan GTS, F-Type, and at least 1 version of every hot hatch chassis (I had some fun 😄). I got into the 308 and thrashed it down a B road immediately, nothing else made me feel that comfortable. The F-Type felt like an oil tanker on that road. Every other C-Segment hot hatch is just a diesel rep-mobile with manual gears. Not "bad" cars - an FK8 is a beast round a track, but it was too serious on a public road, it wants to set a lap so you're just managing understeer (as per most hot hatches). In the Pug, you go in way too fast, lift-off oversteer to the apex and then abuse the diff on the way out. Not the fastest, but it's so much fun 😁 I got the i30N to do it, but it wasn't happy about it, too heavy. All the others either wouldn't do that stuff at all (VAG hatches) or were more interested trying to kill me (Giulia, Supra). The M4 was a pleasant surprise actually, I'd have considered one if it was equal price to the Pug, not 2.5x more. Oh and buying a cheap car to get that cash back meant I might be able to get something really stupid next 🤔

[@AChadburn]

I've always said, future classic. Pretty rare, quick, nice on the eye and it's a pug.

[@runnasza5065]

What else would recommend at this price. (Maybe a whole video)

[@louiiis922]

Always liked these and they seem massively underrated. How did you get on with the i cockpit, steering wheel blocking dials etc?

[@ApothecaryTerry]

I can't speak for JB, but as the idiot in the passenger seat of the review...the dial position is fantastic honestly, it's a really elegant solution to never blocking the dials while turning, without needing a HUD. The wheel blocking thing is only an issue for people who like their wheel really high up, which I find really odd anyway - do these people have their mouse & keyboard at chin height too? 🤣 I do bang my knee on the wheel when braking, but I have silly long legs and T-Rex arms. No car ever has enough telescopic adjustment so I always have to sit too close to the pedals and bang me knee - the Pug is identical to an Audi A6 in that regard, whereas an F-Type is almost undriveable for me... The reverse rev-counter, useless sport button and redline being 500rpm short of the limiter are non-issues too, plus personally I like the gear knob. It does have 1 heinous crime in that area though - a scroll wheel on the wheel for skipping tracks. It's 1 step up from touch buttons, sort of like how getting stung in the eyeball by a wasp is better than an entire swarm, I hate both. But the iCockpit is fine 😁

[@ianelliott229]

Hot hatches should be light and agile, not the lumpen dead feeling in the way Merc makes them.

[@Driver987]

I've had a RS250 Cup a stage 1 ST180 and a stage 2. My next will be a stage 3 with an S280 turbo, big brake kit, coil overs and a diff. Of all the cars I've driven, nothing puts a smile on my face more than the ST. Granted once my budget increases over the years it will change. The end goal is a GT3.

[@Hali88]

Quite a tempting fun daily. You didn't mention the weird cockpit layout that Pugs have these days with the little low steering wheel that you see the speedo etc over rather than through. As a fairly short bloke with an even shorter wife I worry that we wouldn't be able to see the speedo over the wheel!

[@ApothecaryTerry]

(Owner here) I can't find a driving position where it's a major issue - being shorter, you'll sit closer which gives your eye line a better angle. It does block the bottom a little for me, but that's just the odometer so that's less of an issue than blocking the dials when you turn the wheel in a normal car. It takes a little getting used to, as does the reversed rev counter, but if you keep a car for >1 month that's a non-issue. Best thing though - give one a go! Then you'll know if it's an issue, and if so, whether it's enough of an issue to balance the pros. Honestly I think you'll find that stuff no problem, my guess is the biggest issue you'd have in this car with your wife, is the Frenchness of the interior - specifically that there's only 1 front cupholder (2 rear) because "we French do not drink coffee while driving! Non, we stop at a patisserie!!" (that would be offensively stereotypical if it wasn't entirely true😆).

[@samtheman407]

I had one 67 play by Peugeot sport Didn’t quite gel with it had enough of the callipers seizing

[@stevendoran6342]

Still wouldn't have one about me mate, but thanks for the info

[@MaximilianoGonzalo-j3n]

hey man, I’m from Argentina, and I’m trying to decide where to get this car or a 2007 BMW 130i, which is a bit cheaper, what do you recommend? Have you tried a 130i? thanks!

[@spolo123]

I've tried several times the 130i and although I like the principle (rwd) I now prefer fwd with torsen differential. The 130i won't let you put gas mid corner like this Peugeot (I own one now)

[@maximilianogonzalo5451]

@@spolo123thanks bro! Is difficult to decide cause I like the rwd philosophy and 3liters line 6 that produce more torque and also power or I could said similar, but is almost same price between a 2007/2008 to a 2017 and the 309 look more newer so I don’t know, also thp engines have my doubts.

[@spolo123]

@maximilianogonzalo5451 this is the thing: this thp (272, 263 and 225hp) is safe but everyone skips it from ignorance. I'm the Facebook group, there are no engine that break. In two years I saw it once or twice. The car has expensive brakes and even that isn't an issue (they hold very well in the time). I'd say test both the 130i and the 308. I was put off in the bmw by the esp that was very intrusive. In the 308 you never see it working, thanks to the diff and an inversible chassis. Only thing for sound, remove the mid silencer. To avoid the canister issue, take one built after June 2017. Check that the engine got serviced each 15000km and the gearbox every 30000km except the first time at 20k. Spark plugs must have been changed at each service. Change the calipers' pistons for stainless steel ones in after market. This is all you need to know. On the 130i I know nothing so you'll have to go and find the issues if there are any...

[@maximilianogonzalo5451]

@@spolo123 I know that 130i have not major issues cause is aspirated engine, o my check oil gasket and maybe fails abs module. I will take your suggestion to test a 308 (I have done on 130i, and I love it) and then choose between something new or older with similar things, both manual and hothatches. Thanks again!

[@kennyd7667]

0:34 the irony of the statement, "are Peugeot back?" when they don't even make hot hatches anymore and only have 1 performance model left in their portfolio and their last GTi was from 2020/2021. Non electric hot hatches are a dying breed man and its a shame.

[@Smile160482]

I have a video idea. Cheap cars that make massive gains modified

[@davidsanderson2960]

How would you compare this to the Mk4 Megane RS of a similar age ?

[@ApothecaryTerry]

As the owner, I test drove an RS280 before buying this. They're very different experiences, the Megane is more refined, better looking and probably more coherent. The 308 is much lighter and madder - it drives like it's overdosed on caffeine, whereas the Megane never felt to me like it wanted to go fast, or that comfortable doing it. On the limit it might be great, but at 8/10s on a public road it feels like it wants you to slow down, while the Pug wants to be thrashed - and is *much* better at doing it. Also, in case you care, see Lovecars for how much faster the Pug is! Personally I hated the Megane, it's not for me so I'm critical, but it's just a very different character. If you want a gentle cruiser that can go fast if you really want to, it may be a better choice (but a Golf is probably better at that). If you want a car matching your childhood dreams of a hot hatch, the Megane won't tick that box at all - only a 308, i30N, i20N or Fiesta ST get close for me.

[@davidsanderson2960]

@ApothecaryTerry Thanks for your reply. I actually own a RS Megane 300 and it's fast, deceptively fast especially on minir roads, probably as you point regarding the refinement it may not feel fast but with the edc gearbox believe me this version is fast. I think the Megane looks alot nicer than the 308, looks more aggressive. The 308 just looks like another 308.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

​@@davidsanderson2960 The Megane definitely looks nicer - I 100% agree with that! On the performance, neither is slow of course, but the 308 is ~240kg lighter, you really feel that in corners but I also find the 308 chassis wants to turn more even though the Megane has rear-steer, not sure if the Pug is stiffer or if the weight just let them tune the suspension differently. The torsen really makes a difference though, off a corner the Pug is a monster. In terms of numbers, the Megane is 1443kg with 300hp (208hp/tonne) while the Pug is 1205kg with 270hp (224hp/tonne) but with an EDC the Megane I imagine is (a *LOT*) quicker until the Pug hits boost in 2nd - after that it's interesting, I know the Pug is indistinguishable from 30-70 to a 7.5 Golf R or previous gen S3, done that a few times (which really seems to annoy the VAG owners 🤣). I'd love to see a proper side-by-side, same-day/driver test. The Megane on track may be quicker, although with the same tyres the Pug has an advantage in weight, plus the diff and brakes mean into, through and out of a corner it should be quicker. That said, the Megane has a wider torque band and is less tail-happy so in/out of some corners it'll win. Down a straight, the Pug has short gearing but the EDC and power band should give the Megane the edge. My prediction: Megane is quicker round flowing tracks, e.g. the 'Ring, Tsukuba, Silverstone; Pug is quicker on anything tight - street circuits especially, where the diff, brakes and weight matter most. I'd also suggest the latter translates to a B-road so I'd bet on the Pug there, but on a Welsh A-road the Megane may have it. Sorry, going full nerd on this one as it's genuinely interesting. I'd still pick the Pug all day regardless of performance, it's all about character for me!

[@davidsanderson2960]

@ApothecaryTerry The Megane is a bit of a unit in terms of weight and the 4 wheel steer probably has something to do with it, so yeah it's down on power weight ratio but makes handling alot more involving. Interestingly, watching reviews of the Megane prior to buying one (big Renault RS fan btw), they were saying the 4 wheel steer will take getting used too. I found it totally intuitive and natural in handling, might be my driving style? I've not driven the 308gti so I'll bow down to your experience on that. I mostly drive in sport mode which is very responsive but yet to try race mode. Only criticism is the mpg but then again you buy a car like these not for their economy. 😄

[@davidsanderson2960]

Oh, just to add too, my car isn't the trophy just the Sport so doesn't have the slip diff but not noticed much difference except for the odd front wheel spin at the lights when setting off abruptly.

[@skykid4000]

Kings of the hot hatch in the 80s? Hmm.. I think that crown went to the golf mk1 and 2 gti.

[@FACTZILLER]

I beg you do undo 10 k suv type cars - for those who want a bigger nicer car with some presence and that ygm pal

[@TigerT72]

Sorry, but Peugeot peaked at the 205 GTi (I owned a 1.9 version back in the day) and are never likely to get to that level again. Modern ‘hot hatchbacks’ are obviously much heavier than they were back in the day, so I know it’s probably unfair to compare them, but if Peugeot are serious about making a name for themselves in this class again, they probably need to make a small, powerful, lightweight, aggressive looking car, with short gear ratios to engage the driver as much as the old cars used to.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

Peak Pug was the same for all hot hatches really - 80s and 90s, for Pug that's the 205 GTi or 306 GTi-6. That said, the 308 meets most of the criteria you've mentioned: - Lightweight: 1205kg, that's 10kg lighter than a 306 GTi-6 so not bad. 170kg lighter than the Mk7 Golf GTi (which I think is the 2nd lightest in class?). - Powerful: 270hp is waaay more than enough! That's 224hp per tonne - a 2025 Golf R 8.5 has 211hp/tonne...and accelerates faster for many obvious reasons but who cares 😁 - Short gear ratios: The 308 gearing is already at the limit of how short gearing in a road car should be, it's perfect for thrashing it but cruising economy does suffer - it's worse on motorways than the 3.4L Porsche was. 70mph in 6th is over 3k RPM so it's not a car that just sits in 2nd on all fun roads (Porsche issue). The 208 GTi (by PS, not regular which isn't so good) meets those criteria plus it's small and looks more aggressive too. Personally I wanted the 308 with its extra tech and refinement. It's also the most tail-happy car I've owned since my 306...with the 4 cars between all RWD too! Basically, Peugeot are by far the closest to getting hot hatches right - hence I bought this one. The 80s/90s magic isn't coming back sadly, it just can't. If you want a modern car that feels like a hot hatch though, I've driven most of them now and Pugs or a Fiesta ST are the only post-2010 choices that get it right. Also perhaps the i20N which I've not tried - the i30N I've driven multiple times and it's fine, but feels heavy.

[@TigerT72]

That’s a seriously in depth reply, so all credit! I’ve owned a few hot hatches through the years, from my first car (MkII XR2), to my current car (FN2 Civic Type R), and they have slowly become less exciting and much heavier. Pretty similar description of myself, to be honest! It was always going to happen though, as cars got more safety features as they got faster. I’ve toyed with the idea of revisiting my past and acquiring another 205 GTI as my next car, but as great as it sounds in my head, I’m questioning whether I REALLY want to return to having a cold, raw tin can as my every day driver at the age of 51. I’ve a feeling I’d miss the creature comforts a post 2000’s car offers.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

@@TigerT72 FN2 is an underrated car - I seriously considered one a couple of times, best looking Civic both inside and out as far as I'm concerned! It might be heavier than the EP3 (which seems to be the exact same weight as the 308 GTi? Interesting...) but I don't remember it feeling heavy - although I test drove it exactly 10 years ago this month I think. Modern parts (especially tyres) change the character of old cars a lot too, so if you're putting miles on them, they're tricky to keep in a condition that maintains the character. If you're anything like me, those old cars would be perfect as a 2nd car but as a daily, the novelty would wear thin far too quickly, especially with putting any miles on it. That also kills the value, so you'd have to buy a non-pristine one and then things start breaking so it's cheaper to just buy a 7 year old Porsche 🤔 I'd definitely miss the tech too, this Pug has way more than I expected - the app tells me the cost per journey, any maintenance stuff (even low fuel) and loads more, it's got all the usual Carplay/Auto stuff, plus silly things from the G-meter to massage seats. It's also not too noisy at speed - far nicer than the porker was, yet it's still 1/4 of a tonne lighter than an Emira and oversteers more than the last 4 RWD cars I've owned 😁 Every potential next car I look at seems to sacrifice too much of that for now, although I would like radar cruise (308 GT has it, not the GTi, because...French stuff).

[@TigerT72]

@@ApothecaryTerry I bought mine about 4 or 5 years ago as a cheap but fun daily to go to work and back in, as the MkIII Golf GTI I’d had for the previous 8 years was starting to replace itself, bit by bit. I originally wanted the EP3, but they are a bit too rough and ready for a middle aged bloke to commute in. A mate of mine bought an FN2 on release and I always liked the look of them, plus the interior is miles better than the EP3 for someone that likes a few more modern comforts. I will be replacing it some time next year and going for something a bit newer with a bit more go in it, as it is likely to be the last car I buy due to failing health. I’ve considered all the A45/Golf R/S3/M140 etc, but am now thinking of leaving the hot hatch world and going for a TTRS, as I hate the thought of losing big money on cars and I’ve a feeling that they have just about bottomed out now and will be on the rise again very soon.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

​@@TigerT72 The TTRS sounds awesome, so that can never be a bad choice! The M140i does offer a different experience too, worth a go if you've not driven one. Could also look at a Cayman since those don't really depreciate and the running costs are a little lower than on the TTRS (M140i is a bit cheaper than both). None of those 3 are likely to be well-equipped but the BMW is probably best in that area with the Audi 2nd. A 370Z Nismo may also be worth a test drive. Or some wildcards that also may surprise you on a test drive and shouldn't depreciate too much more: BMW 440i, Alfa Giulia Veloce, Jag F-Type, and Lexus IS F. Just throwing some ideas in there since I like nerding out on cars and those all seem vaguely similar to what you've suggested, not that I have a clue if they're right for you, of course! I like to do loads of test drives before buying anyway, some cars are very surprising - like how much I liked the M4, or how much I hated the Megane RS280 😄 Whatever the case, hopefully your health doesn't stop you enjoying the cars you like! I bought my Porsche after some family & personal health issues as a "screw it I might not get this chance again" purchase which, in my case at least, was well worth doing 🙂

[@riverrat_uk]

my Audi S1 is stage 1, 300bhp and a small pocket rocket

[@marcusbingham1625]

My 2004 Leon Cupra R is also stage 1, 275bhp, and it's a wow difference to the 225bhp

[@paulgurr1709]

For that money I would suggest either of: BMW M135i VW Scirocco R Seat Leon Cupra 280 All other would be very high mileage cars at £10k. Each of the above has pros and cons. BMW is pace and a 3.0 engine. The VW looks great and 280bhp. The Seat similar to the VW but newer and not quite as good looking. Great review. Keep up the good content.

[@shay7572]

Realistically this is not a 10k car, more like 14k if you’re wanting the facelift like this car (2018) and with decent mileage (around 40k)

[@scramb19]

All of those cars are worse than this car

[@KJLphotogallery]

Lease deal

[@ApnaChoud]

Thing is its a Peugeot and even worse the 1.6 THP engine is awful its a BMW lump same as in some of the mini's. Catastrophic timing chain issues and its made of monkey metal the heads melt for fun on a Saturday.

[@SeanSimmons-c8h]

Classic I know nothing statement, 1 it's forged from factory and 2 it's nothing to do with BMW 😂, so in fact it'll outlast any BMW engine, numpty you can put 400plus oh and it comes with a torsen differential and Alcon race brakes....

[@ApothecaryTerry]

@@SeanSimmons-c8h It does have a fair bit to do with BMW - the Prince block was a joint development by Peugeot and BMW (somewhat based on the older TU engine) that was used in various products for both. The main reliability issues do relate to BMW parts though, especially the timing chain - which is still a risk on this car but it's mostly solved. Statistically I believe it's slightly more reliable than a Golf...so the essence of your point is entirely correct, just that one detail worth clarifying 🙂 The heads definitely don't melt, although with a 2.5 bar turbo I'm honestly surprised how rarely those explode 🤣 Technically some BMW engines are also much more reliable, but that's largely since they've paid Toyota to help with that 😄 Anyone picking a German car over these for reliability though (or anything that isn't Japanese/Korean) is a muppet. In 1 year I've had no issues with this car except fixing what it came with - the Porsche it replaced averaged £1k a year to fix...although that did depreciate less in 3 years/20k miles than this did in 3 months and 2000 miles 🤣 Genuinely...

[@ApnaChoud]

@@SeanSimmons-c8h Do your homework Einstein!

[@peterjones2650]

Do you think driving with no hands on the steering wheel is safe ? watch this video and time how long you are driving with no hands on the wheel from start to finish.