2010 Peugeot 308 GTi

This is the new Peugeot 308 GTI hot hatch. And it's not coming to the UK.

Peugeot has announced its returning to the world of the hot GTi rides with the presentation of its all-new Peugeot 308 GTi sporty hatchback. Blending remarkable eco-friendliness and stunning driving experience, the French marque’s latest addition will be offered only as a five-door model.

In the terms of performance, the 308 GTi sports a 1.6-liters THP powerplant, which renders 200 horsepower (147 kW) while estimating astonishing levels of fuel consumption at 6.9 liters/100 km and 159 g/km of CO2 emissions. Linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox and available for the sleek Peugeot RCZ Coupe, the smart engine boasts number of innovative technologies including: THP (Twin-Scroll turbocharger and direct petrol injection) and VTi (variable valve lift and valve timing).

For more joyful, pleasant and safety ride, the new Peugeot GTi benefits from 225/40 R18 tyres mounted with 340 mm diameter brake discs at the front and 290 mm at the rear.

On the styling part, the 308 GTi excels at athleticism and elegance. It packs: sleek black carbon-style insert under the front bumper lower skirt, a lower front spoiler inspired by the 308 CC model, rear bumper with Perla Nera black diffuser, twin chrome exhaust pipes and special GTi badges on the side and rear of the body.

Well, not in this spec at least. Peugeot has plastered the fabled GTI badge across the awkward rump of the 308 hatch and given it to Europe, but no there's no official word on the UK-spec version - or even if it will get the GTI badge.

See more Peugeot 308 GTi pics

But hey, you're thinking, a GTI is a GTI, right? And this is a Peugeot GTI. A badge dripping with gold-plated hot hatch history, so it's gotta be good, innit?

Well, today's hot hatch heroes happily toy with steroid abuse and consume large quantities of protein shakes. Alongside 2010's muscle-bound world of 270bhp Golf Rs and 340bhp Focus RS500s, the Peugeot 308 GTI hot hatch's 1.6-litre turbocharged four pushing out 200bhp is more ‘Boxercise' than UFC.

Still, it’s got enough to cope with the standard Golf GTI and Civic Type R. Both of which are faster.

That turbo'd four-pot - the same as in the RC-Z - is good for a 7.7secs dash to 62mph. A standard MkIV Golf GTI takes less time to get from 50mph to 75mph.

Peugeot has decked out the 308 GTI with a new front bumper, rear spoiler, twin chrome exhaust pipes and 18in alloys, together with ESP, stability control and 10mm lower suspension. It's also only available as a five-door.