Peugeot 308 GT Line: The Lion’s Paw
PEUGEOT 308 GT LINE
THE LION’S PAW
Words by Marco Mancino
Photography by Richard Montagner
Peugeot, these days, is really doing the part of the lion. Deserving, as the logo of the French house, the ultimate symbol of strength and courage, undisputed sovereign of the savannah, we are welcoming a series of models that have once again changed the brand’s identity, appreciated for the great versatility of its range, with a price list that is able to satisfy both those looking for a small city car, or those who want to take a luxury SUV in the garage. If the new 508 sedan made our eyes shine bright at the Geneva Motor Show, the 308 hatchback confirms itself as one of the best proposals in a crowded segment and that sees practically a model for every brand on the market. It’s in this case that Peugeot pulls out the claws and puts all its know-how in the game, offering a car able to respond affirmatively to a large number of requests.
A couple of years ago we drove the angry sister, the 308 GTI, on a beautiful mountain road, and if you’re one of our most attached readers, you’ll remember how we fell in love with that 270-horsepower pocket rocket. The 308 that arrives at the office today is more peaceful and quiet, but no less interesting. Under the bonnet is the new 3-cylinder 1.2cc turbocharged, capable of delivering 130hp and about 230Nm of maximum torque. The GT Line set-up takes care of guaranteeing a sporty and refined look both for the exterior and for the interior with an excellent navigation system and maximum connectivity with smartphones and tablets. Another interesting bit of our model is represented by the automatic transmission, an 8 speeds that can make driving in the city much more relaxed. But what if we decide to press the Sport button and move the gearshift into sequential mode, putting ourselves in the position to select the desired ratio via the paddles behind the steering wheel? The response of the engine becomes sharper and thanks to a weight that does not exceed 1,300kg with the driver on board, the 308 moves quickly through the bends, showing a side of itself that we would not have expected from a small 3-cylinder that absolutely does not intend to be thirsty for petrol.
This lion roars, not so much in terms of sound, but because it is able to face every situation it stands in front of it, also thanks to a precise chassis and an excellent grip factor, even when you get very close to the limit. Then the seating position is perfect, with the small steering wheel that takes just a few minutes to get used to, but which ensures maximum visibility of the instrumentation on the dashboard. GT Line means that even the eye wants its part and in fact no detail is left to chance, starting from 17″ alloy wheels at the front and 18″ at the rear, passing through the double chrome exhaust and all the other references to its almost 300-hp sister. One aspect that won’t you regret the choice of this engine with reduced dimensions is the torque, which starting from 1750 rpm is able to deliver 230Nm, enough to make you untangle in an overtaking maneuver without the slightest uncertainty. It takes 5.4 l/100km in the mixed cycle, while in the city you climb to at least 6.3 l/100km, but trust me if I tell you that we are facing an exceptional example of how you can definitely forget about diesel engines, having at its disposal a brilliant spirit, which knows how to combine itself with the need for wide daily use.
Then this blue gives the 308 GT Line a lot, and finding a defect is a really difficult task, especially if you take into consideration the fact that a full-featured model comes home with you with less than € 28,000. You will start to be in tune with me as soon as you sit on board and notice how the assemblies are accurate, the choice of materials does not hide cheap corners and how you can bring four people out with you, having also an excellent luggage compartment. In short, the story of Peugeot goes on for generations and has written important chapters in the book of cars, but in recent years is demonstrating how it has been able to reinvent itself once again, putting the driver at the center of its microcosm and offering at the tip of his fingers everything that is usually found on cars with a decidedly more demanding price.
PEUGEOT 308 GT LINE
Layout – front-engined, front wheel drive
Engine – 3 cylinder 1.199cc – turbo
Transmission – 8-speed automatic gearbox
Power – 130 hp @ 5.500 rpm
230 Nm @ 1.750 rpm
Weight – 1.225 kg
Acceleration – 9,1 sec.
Top Speed – 206 kph
Price – from €25.770 (from €27.220 as tested)