Peugeot 308 GTi video review: The Pug of Pugs?

Is this the best Pug yet? Ben Griffin got his mitts on the 248bhp, five-door Peugeot 308 GTi 250 by Peugeot Sport to find out in his Recombu Cars video review.

In such a fiercely contested market, Peugeot had its work cut out to make a hot-hatch you would consider over a VW Golf R, Honda Civic Type R or Ford Focus RS. But when the back catalogue contains the mighty 205 GTi, you know the potential is there.

On paper, the 308 GTi is less impressive than the competition, but let’s avoid being too hasty here. The Frenchie has been getting back into the sporty groove with the 208 GTi and RCZ R, and its latest creation can punch well above its weight.

I spent a week with the 250 version, which gives you 248bhp and 330Nm of torque. It’s surprisingly fast, practical and has great road manners but can (and will) take corners at speeds beyond what most of us would deem wise on public roads.

Even though it’s meant to be aggressive and loud, the GTi’s styling modifications are rather tame. Even the range-topping 270, complete with 266bhp, a limited-slip differential, dual-exit exhaust and red Peugeot Sport brake calipers with 380mm discs, plays it safe.

Driving it fast makes the modifications known, of course, but the ride is purposeful and solid yet never as harsh as it is in the 208 GTi. By being a touch softer, it is more capable of going fast on badly maintained roads – and the UK is riddled with them, after all.

It weighs next to nothing, too, which goes some way in explaining its impressive fuel economy and CO2 emissions. It’s one of the best in its class, in fact, and testament to the capability of that little 1.6-litre THP engine.

Given the £1,600 price difference, the 270 version is the one to go for but doing so edges the list price closer to its faster competitors. The thing is, the 308 GTi is a really fun car that has a big boot and feels special enough to justify its price tag. Job done, then.

Be sure to watch my video verdict of the Peugeot 208 GTi while you are here and subscribe to our channel for more where that came from.

Peugeot 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport review: The Pug of Pugs?