Getting to know the Peugeot 308 GT
We spent a week with the Peugeot 308 GT and found ourselves pleasantly surprised with the brand’s comeback.
Previous reputations of some french cars have left a bit of a bad impression for car buyers in South Africa, but the latest upgrades and improvements by manufacturers are rapidly salvaging those bad reps.
Gone are the days when you’d hear friends and family saying something like “Stay away from French cars” and the Peugeot 308 GT line is a great example of why you no longer need to take that advice.
A handsome looking car, outside…
From the outside, looks have been updated to suit a modern and sophisticated touch. Full LED headlamps are positioned alongside the indicator lights and fog lamps while neat lines and a dark lower airdam give the the 308 GT a striking and rather handsome look.
Last week I drove the ‘Narce white’ 308 and I absolutely loved this shade of white on the vehicle as it complimented its sleek exterior styling.
17 inch alloy wheels add to its sporty personality while contributing to efficient and agile driving pleasure.
and inside…
Step inside and you’re met with a superbly comfortable yet sporty interior that’s been almost completely redesigned with plenty of attention to detail. Half Leather trim, red stitching and chrome highlights validates assertive styling in the 308 GT.
A smaller steering wheel adds to an agile driving experience when turning sharp corners and maneuvering in and out of parking spots.
Most of the buttons that you’d expect to find around the centre console (aircon and various settings) are stored in the large touchscreen interface. A lack of buttons and switches around the touchscreen gives the interior a much more spacious and clutter-free feel. Initially, some might not be keen on the idea of having to access those settings via touchscreen, but once you’re used to navigating the settings you’ll appreciate the clean and simple look of the vehicle’s cockpit.
The head-up instrument panel is located rather high up from the steering wheel, making speed and rev counters easier to view while driving. Speaking of which, the rev needle works backwards (from right to left) when counting, something a bit different and…oh, so french!
On the road
Driving performance is enhanced by an extremely capable three cylinder 1.2 PureTech e-THP 130 which develops 96 kW at 5 000 r/min and 230 N.m from 1 750 r/min.
Innovative engineering involved in the design of the PureTech 3-cylinder petrol technology is what gave this engine its ‘International engine of the year’ in 2015.
A combination of reduced weight materials with the efficiency of direct fuel injection gives maximum pleasure behind the wheel and on the road. It’s ideal for long road trips!
The Peugeot 308 GT Line is priced from R357 900
Also read: Driving Review: Peugeot GT Line