2018 Peugeot 308 GTi 270 quick performance review

IT MUST be tough to be the quiet achiever, otherwise Peugeot wouldn’t be trying so hard to get people to notice its 308 GTi 270.

A couple years back it dropped the less powerful and grippy 250 horsepower variant to focus solely on its halo steed. We didn’t mind, because a recent spin in the newly updated 270 reveals how much of a force it is on the road.

Big brakes with floating discs retard speed at an alarming rate and its Michelin Super Sports hold on to roads with claw-like tenacity. That teeny-weeny turbo inline-four belies its 1.6-litre capacity and pulls as if the car weighs a feather. And at 1176kg, it might as well be.

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Yes, there are typical French quirks like its ridiculous augmented engine sound and the low steering wheel position. But that shouldn’t distract you from its hushed cabin with Volkswagen-rivalling finish and build quality.

To get more people interested, Peugeot has just slashed its RRP by $4000, driving it down to $45,990. It’s also updated its front and rear LED lights, along with bumper designs, and embellished its infotainment with phone-friendly Apple CarPlay tech.

Anyone in the market for a Golf GTI should drive the GTi, it stands as a proper hot-hatch with a premium feel and a pinch of French flair that might be all difference.

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2018 PEUGEOT 308 GTI 270 SPECS:

Engine: 1598cc inline-4, DOHC, 16v, turbo
Power: 200kW @ 6000rpm
Torque: 330Nm @ 1900rpm
Drive: front-wheel
Weight: 1178kg
Price: $46,990