The 2016 Peugeot 308 GTi will launch in Australia from just under $50,000 with pre-ordering available from December.

PEUGEOT AUSTRALIA HAS announced it will launch the 2016 Peugeot 308 GTi in Australia from less than $50,000 with the list price for the 185kW 308 GTi 250 from $44,990 (+ORC) and the big banger 200kW 308 GTi 270 from $49,990 (+ORC). Both vehicles will be available to pre-order from December.

The 308 GTi is powered by a Peugeot Sport tweaked Euro 6-compliant 1.6-litre THP S&S (stop-start) engine, available in outputs of 184kW and 200kW – enough to see the vehicle accelerate to 100km/h in as six-seconds (6.2 for the 184kW drivetrain). Both versions develop peak torque of 330Nm at 1900rpm and feature six-speed manual transmissions.

The GTi 270 runs race-developed 380mm ventilated discs mounted on aluminium hubs at the front. Braking force is applied via four pistons (38mm and 41mm) in a fixed caliper and the rear discs have a diameter of 268mm. The front-end of the 308 GTi runs a pseudo-MacPherson strut, while the rear axle gets a twist-beam system. There’s also a semi-hollow anti-roll bar and aluminium wishbones. The entire vertical suspension system in the front is specific to the new 308 GTi, and includes bespoke spring stiffness and shock absorber calibration.

With a wider track of 1570mm at the front and 1554mm at the rear the 308 GTi has been engineered to offer “exceptional” grip. GTi 250 versions are shod with 225/40 R18 92W Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres on ‘Diamant’ alloy wheels, while the GTi 270 versions feature the new 19-inch ‘Carbone’ light-weight alloy wheels and are equipped with Michelin Super Sport 235/35 R19 91Y tyres, which showcase the 380mm front discs, complete with solid red four-piston calipers and Peugeot Sport signature.

The 308 GTi 270 is available with a Torsen limited-slip differential, but the 185 version misses out. The limited-slip differential also draws on new traction control guidelines to ensure optimal implementation, while sportier ESP programming allows more latitude, with enhanced drift on bends. The ESP can be fully disconnected.

The 308 GTi gets exclusive styling front and rear the car sits 11mm lower than the standard 308. 

The nose features full LED head-lights, and a new black radiator grille with a horizontal chequered pattern and gloss-black finishing.  The same motif is echoed on the air intake, which is surrounded by sequential LED indicators and a red detail strip (chrome on Ultimate Red cars).

“Adding to the performance experience is the standard fitment of the Driver Sport Pack.

Pressing the Sport button on the centre console changes the display from white to red, shows additional information on the central read-out (power, torque, boost, lateral and longitudinal acceleration), enhances the engine’s throaty growl and changes accelerator pedal mapping for a more engaging driving experience,” Peugeot said.

National Marketing Manager for Peugeot Australia, Dimitri Andreatidis, said the 308 GTi brings an iconic badge back to a legendary segment.

“After a decade of absence of the GTi badge from our 3-series hatch models, we return with not one but two models; both developing more power and torque than any model before it,” said Andreatidis.

“The 308 GTi signals more than the relaunch of Peugeot performance product and it signifies the growing importance of Australia for Peugeot, with the vehicle available to limited countries worldwide.

“We are very excited about the return of the GTi badge to the hot hatch segment and believe it will resonate with Australian’s and their appetite for sports and performance product, offering fun, efficient, enjoyable, comfortable and thoroughly engaging drive experience.

“The 308 GTi will certainly give hot hatch customers a reason to look forward to 2016,” said Andreatidis.

Don’t miss our 208 GTi review and comparison of the 208 against a Toyota 86.