Peugeot 308 GTi launches in Ireland

What's the news?

Following on from some great hot hatches like the 205 GTi and 306 GTi-6 (along with some decidedly average ones: the 206 GTi springs to mind), Peugeot has announced that the hot 308 is now available on special order in Ireland. The 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport, to give it its full title, can be specified in 250hp or 270hp versions, both fair figures for the little 1.6 THP turbo engine. It wasn't that long ago that 200hp was the theoretical power limit that a front-wheel drive car could handle without turning every journey into a torque-steering mess, but now every manufacturer and its dog are churning out 250hp-plus hot hatches.

There are numerous differences between the 270 GTi and the 250 GTi versions, with the higher-output machine gaining 19-inch alloys, a massage function on the seats, bigger brakes and a Torsen limited slip differential to help keep the front end pinned into each apex on your favourite backroad. The 270 GTi also features Michelin's Pilot Super Sport tyre as opposed to the Pilot Sport 3 adorning the 18-inch wheels of the 250 GTi. Performance wise, there's a 0.2-second gap on the 0-100km/h sprint, with the 270 GTi's six-second time slightly bettering the 250 GTi's 6.2 seconds. Both models feature the Driver Sport Pack as standard, which provides a sharper throttle response and exhaust note, along with extra information on driving parameters when Sport mode is engaged. The 270 GTi can also be specified with the 'Coupe Franche' paintjob, a lurid two-tone combo of red and black similar to that which appeared on the 208 GTi 30th Anniversary edition previously.