Peugeot 308 GTI news - New Peugeot 308 GTI (sort of) - 2010

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

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.

It hits French streets in June for just over £23,000. Would you buy one?

Vijay Pattni