First drive: Peugeot 308 GT

• First drive of 175bhp warm hatch
• Power from turbocharged 1.6 petrol engine
• Prices start from £18,995 for three-door

More Information

• More pictures

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If the letters G and T make you think of a cooling drink rather than a hot hatchback, you probably won't see the appeal of the latest fast Peugeot.

However, if a chic French hatchback with some extra fizz sounds refreshing, the 308 GT might be just the tonic you're after.

Performance
The extra sparkle comes from the same turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine found in the 207 GTI. This effervescent engine serves up 175bhp, helped with a large does of low-down pulling power.

Okay, the performance isn't quite of the 40-per-cent-proof variety you expect from a hot hatch - the 0-62mph dash happens in 8.3sec.

However, it's still got enough of a kick to give you the giggles, because it's responsive and eager to rev.

Ride and handling
It's a shame the handling isn't quite so intoxicating.

The 308's suspension has been lowered and stiffened for the GT, which means terrific grip and solid body control. Hit a bump mid-corner, though, and you feel shockwaves shooting through the car.

The same bumps ricochet viciously through the steering, even though it offers you little feedback. The ride is bone-jarring, too.

Styling
Still, at least you won't need beer-goggles to find your GT attractive.

A lowered front bumper gives the nose an aggressive look, while a rear spoiler, 18-inch alloys, bi-xenon headlamps and lowered ride height complete the sporty effect.

Inside, you'll find aluminium finishes on the pedals and gearstick to give the plushly trimmed cabin a sportier feel.

What do you get for your money?
At £18,995 for the three-door and £19,595 for the five, the GT certainly isn't cheap.

However, your cash buys you goodies such as dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth phone connection, stability control and parking sensors.

Vital statistics
Price from £18,995
Power 175bhp
0-62mph 8.3sec
Top speed 140mph
Economy 37.1mpg
CO2 g/km/tax 180/24%
Insurance group TBC
Airbags 7