Peugeot 308 GT unveiled

The new Peugeot 308 GT has been launched at the Paris Motor Show. The GT becomes the top-of-the-range 308 model above the Feline, and is the sportiest and most luxurious until the arrival of the Peugeot 308 GTi.

The 308 GT will rival cars like the SEAT Leon FR and Volkswagen Golf GTD when it goes on sale in November. Prices will be announced in the run-up to the order book opening.

The 308 GT is available as a five-door hatchback or more practical 308 SW estate. They both get sporty styling as standard, including a new grille with a prominent Peugeot badge, aggressive bumpers and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels. All cars get powerful LED headlamps, unique indicators and additional vents to help cool the engine.

Inside, the GT gets the same small steering wheel found in other 308 models, as well as grey trim with contrasting red stitching. Aluminium detail on the pedals and door sills give the car an upmarket feel.

Like the SEAT Leon FR, both petrol and diesel engines will be available. The 202bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol offers a decent balance between performance and running costs, but it’s the 178bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine that really impresses. The latter will return 70.6mpg (compared to the petrol’s 50.4mpg) and emits just 103g/km of CO2, which is considerably lower than the petrol’s 130g/km.

Performance figures are yet to be announced, but expect the petrol model to go from 0-62mph in less than seven seconds, with the diesel taking around 7.5 seconds. The latter would be on par with the SEAT Leon FR TDI's time, and should allow the 308 to challenge the upcoming Ford Focus ST diesel, which is due later this year.

Surprisingly, the petrol is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the diesel comes only as an automatic. Peugeot says the latter "results in CO2 emissions and fuel economy comparable to those achieved with the best manual gearboxes."

Along with the powerful engines, the suspension setup has been tuned, too. Peugeot claims it's been tweaked to offer a sporty drive while maintaining comfort. If the smaller Peugeot 208 GTi is anything to go by, this could well be true. That car outperforms the firmer Ford Fiesta ST for long-distance comfort, if not driving fun.

More information will be revealed closer to the 308 GT's on-sale date, but for now you can get details on the current Peugeot range, including a video review of the 308 hatchback, via the Carbuyer Peugeot reviews page.