2015 Peugeot 308 GT | new car sales price

Performance-boosted Peuegot 308 GT hatch arrives with petrol and diesel power. 

Peugeot has added new range-topping GT models to the local 308 hatch line up.

Available with either a petrol or diesel engine, the new 308 GTs promise more performance than the existing models, but will sit below the upcoming 308 GTI hot hatch. 

Priced from $41,990 in petrol guise, the GT employs a 151kW/285Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

With a 0-100km/h time of 7.5 seconds, the GT is a full second slower than the much-loved and equally priced Volkswagen Golf GTI.   

The diesel variant is $1000 more expensive at $42,990 but uses a 133kW/400Nm 2.0-litre four-pot and, unlike the manual-only petrol version, comes standard with a six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox with shift paddles. It's also 0.9 seconds slower from 0-100km/h. 

Combined fuel consumption for the petrol 308 GT is 5.6L/100km, while the diesel version sips an impressive 4.0L/100km combined. 

The 308 GT diesel is relatively unique in the warm hatch segment, with its nearest rival being the Skoda Octavia RS 135TDI. The Czech model manages the 0-100km/h sprint 0.1 seconds quicker, while costing $2900 less, but consuming 1.3L/100km more.

Another similar alternative would be the top-spec Mazda3 XD Astina, which produces a near-dentical 129kW/420Nm, undercuts the Peugeot by $760 in automatic guise, but consumes 1.2L/100km more.

Both 308 GT models get sportier suspension than standard, with spring and damper rates stiffened and a ride height lowered by 7mm at the front and 10mm at the rear.

The GTs also score specific styling features including unique 18-inch alloys, dual exhaust outlets and chrome details around the front grille and window surrounds.

Standard features across the GT range include, 9.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satnav, reverse camera with front parking sensors, keyless entry and start, LED headlights with daytime running lamps, active cruise control, emergency collision alert and auto brake, park assist and blind spot monitoring.

The only optional extras are metallic paint ($990) and leather upholstered seats with heating in the front ($2500).

Peugeot is also launching a new 110kW/240Nm 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed auto across the 308 range this week.

The new motor will be available in both hatch and Touring wagon body styles in Allure and Allure Premium trim levels for $2300 more than the existing petrol models.