If you asked 100 people to name a car that qualified as a \u2018hot hatch\u2019, it\u2019s a fair bet most would go for the Volkswagen Golf GTI. It\u2019s been around for decades and is a badge that resonates even with people who don\u2019t consider themselves car fans.<\/p>\n
But it\u2019s not the only choice in the segment \u2013 the Ford Focus ST has been a popular choice in recent years \u2013 and now there\u2019s a new contender. The all-new Peugeot 308 GTi has three things going for it; firstly, Peugeot has some very tasty performance models in its back catalogue. Secondly, this one is developed on last year\u2019s European Car of the Year. And thirdly, the work has been done by Peugeot Sport, the brand\u2019s in-house motorsport division.<\/p>\n
There are two versions \u2013 the 250bhp and 270bhp. In reality, most buyers will go for the latter, because that\u2019s what \u2018hot hatch\u2019 enthusiasts usually do. At \u00a328,155, it\u2019s \u00a31,600 more expensive than the 250bhp, but it\u2019s also fitted with some tasty kit. That includes a limited-slip differential, technology which allows the driver to get the power down earlier out of corners without inducing understeer. Add in bigger wheels, larger brakes with sporty red calipers and the option of a striking two-tone paint finish, and you\u2019ve got features that fans will pay for.<\/p>\n
On the road, it\u2019s lot of fun when you push it hard, makes an appropriate noise from the sports exhaust, and deserves to be on every hot hatch buyer\u2019s consideration list.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"