Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Peugeot 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport review (2014-2021) – engine and transmission

An exciting hot hatch with typical French quirks

Evo rating
RRP
from £29,000
  • Sophisticated dynamics, performance, style inside and out
  • Interior layout may completely rule the car out for some

The 308’s 1.6-litre turbo engine is the same as that powers the RCZ-R coupe, and comes with forged aluminium pistons, strengthened conrods and reinforced retaining bolts. However, it has been retuned for the 308 GTi to create a broader torque curve. But this hasn’t detracted from just how competent and exciting the engine can be.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The 308 GTi comes with a six-speed manual, it’s the only transmission available but that’s no hardship as it has plenty to offer. The gate is well defined and the movement feels slick, each change is also accompanied by a pleasing clickety-clack noise. The gear ratios are closely stacked so you end up making frequent changes.

It isn’t quite perfect though, the lever feels slightly too long and the knob on the end doesn’t feel securely mounted. Both are only a problem if you’re focusing on them and almost disappear when you are concentrating on driving.

 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

TVR: Why we think it’s all over
TVR Griffith
Opinion

TVR: Why we think it’s all over

There’s barely a flicker of life when it comes to TVR and the ‘new’ Griffith. We can only fear the worst
17 Jul 2025
Save £30k on a new Range Rover and buy a Renault 5 with the savings!
Range Rover
News

Save £30k on a new Range Rover and buy a Renault 5 with the savings!

Discounts on new Range Rovers are so big you could buy a new Renault 5 with the money you save…
15 Jul 2025
​Best hot hatchbacks 2025 – affordable new performance cars
Best hot hatchbacks 2025
Best cars

​Best hot hatchbacks 2025 – affordable new performance cars

Contracted though the hot hatch market may be, there are still some great models out there, from the electric Alpine A290 to the five-cylinder Audi RS…
14 Jul 2025