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...
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.
Peugeot 308 GT
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
Best hybrid SUVs 2024 – reviewed, rated and ranked
Sales of SUVs and hybrids are booming, making hybrid SUVs some of the most desirable cars around. But which of them are best ones to go for and which are best avoided?