PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Peugeot warms 308 GT

Peugeot has responded to Renault's Megane GT 220 by revealing a quartet of warmed-over new GT versions of its upcoming 308 small-car range, which goes on sale in Australia in late October.

While five-door hatchback and SW wagon variants of the standard 308 are likely from launch, Peugeot Automobiles Australia says the GT models are under consideration but timing is not confirmed.

Due to make their world debut at next month's Paris motor show alongside a revised version of Peugeot's imposing Exalt sedan concept, which could preview a replacement for the French brand's discontinued 607 flagship, the new 308 GTs will be available in both hatch and wagon, and petrol and diesel form.

The petrol 308 GTs offer 153kW/285Nm from a twin-scroll turbo direct-injection 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine similar to the 147kW/275Nm unit that powers the 208 GTI and RCZ R, while oil-burning GTs come with a 134kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel.

The turbo-petrol GT will be available with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions (the latter with a fuel-saving idle-stop system, while the turbo-diesel will come exclusively with a six-speed automatic equipped with steering wheel paddles.

All four front-wheel drive 308 GTs ride on 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres, and specific lower suspension that's between 10 and 20 per cent stiffer depending on the drivetrain.

Brakes are uprated too, via 330mm front discs for both the hatch and wagon, while 268mm rotors are fitted to the hatch's rear and the wagon comes with 290mm rear discs.

A key feature of all 308 GT models will be the standard Driver Sport Pack, with which drivers can select red instrument lighting, a louder engine note and sportier steering and throttle maps, reducing assistance from the electric power steering system and increasing throttle response respectively.

Cosmetically, GTs are differentiated by extra front air intakes, black side mirrors, LED headlights with sequential indicators, and a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Available safety equipment includes blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, radar cruise control and automated parking.

Peugeot's new 308 GT line-up hits European showrooms early next year and, if confirmed for Australia, won't arrive here until after that.

There is no official word yet on a hotter GTI version of the new 308, which was first revealed back in May last year, but the 308 hot-hatch was spotted testing as long as a year ago.

Some reports claim it too could be revealed at Peugeot's home motor show on October 2, and the car-maker's answer to the Volkswagen Golf GTI is expected to ride on even lower, firmer suspension than the 308 GT's, as well as presenting a more aggressive sports body kit, 19-inch wheels and around 186kW from PSA's 1.6 THP turbo four.

Peugeot has, however, flagged its intention to produce a range-topping R version of the new 308 to rival VW's Golf R, by revealing the 199kW/330Nm 308 R at last year's Frankfurt show.

At the same show, Peugeot revealed facelifted versions of its 3008 and 5008 wagons. The upgraded 3008 goes on sale here in February, alongside the facelifted 508 sedan and wagon revealed in June, with the revised 5008 people mover to follow.

Peugeot also used the 2013 Frankfurt show to reveal the 208 Hybrid FE concept, which employed a 50kW 1.2-litre turbo-petrol triple and a 30kW electric motor to propel the stripped-out 780kg hatch to 100km/h in eight seconds while being able to average just 2.1L/100km.

Now, it will use this year's Paris show to unveil an even more efficient 208-based concept, dubbed 208 Hybrid Air 2L, which runs on a mixture of petrol and compressed air in a quest to meet the French president's challenge to develop a car capable of sipping less than 2.0L/100km by 2020.

A development of last year's 2008 Hybrid Air prototype, the car is based on the entry-level 60kW three-cylinder 208 1.2-litre PureTech 82, which consumes 4.5L/100km.

However, in 'Air Mode', in which the car emits no CO2 and burns no petrol, it is powered by compressed air via a pneumatic system comprising a motor and pump, while 'Petrol Mode' employs a more efficient version of the 1.2 triple for highway use.

There is also a 'Combined Mode', in which both powertrains combine to offer maximum performance, via an epicyclic automatic transmission that replaces the standard five-speed manual gearbox.

Weight reduction measures, which lower the vehicle's weight by 100kg to 860kg, include a carbon-composite floor pan, body and coil springs, and aluminium engine mounts, rails and side members.

Wind resistance is reduced by the use of cameras instead of door mirrors and a more aerodynamic tailgate spoiler and hubcaps, while low-friction tyres lower rolling resistance.

Stand by for our first drives of the new 308 hatch and facelifted 508 and 3008 next month.