Peugeot , buoyed by the success of the small 208 GTi and very positive by the acceptance of the RCZ R , is preparing to break into the segment of sports hatchbacks of the lower middle class. A pair of 308 derivatives – the weaker GTi and the stronger R – are set to succeed.
The 308 GTi should appear first on the market. It will use similar weapons as the smaller 208 GTi, which means more subtle changes to the bodywork , sports seats, alarm clocks and pedals in the interior and under the hood a turbocharged 1.6 THP with a power of 200 horsepower . It's not much compared to the Mégane RS or the Golf GTI, but if you put this version in the context of the engine range of the classic 308 , which ends at 155 hp, it's more than a logical outcome.
For truly sporty drivers, Peugeot is also preparing a real hot hatch – the production version of the 308 R concept , which is currently being shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Although the model has not yet been confirmed, according to the statement of Maxime Picat (head of the Peugeot brand), which he gave to Top Gear , it is clear that the 308 R will probably not be put in storage by Peugeot: "There is room for a 308 R that would use the same engine as the concept ( 1.6 THP – 270 hp and 330 Nm), introduced in Frankfurt. I gave the go-ahead to the Peugeot Sport team to build cars for customers. The Peugeot RCZ R and possibly the future form of the 308 R will thus be created by the Peugeot Sport team using sports technologies.”
Source: worldcarfans.com, topgear.com
