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It's not quite a hot-hatch in the true sense of the word, but Peugeot's 308 GT THP 175 (which makes its debut at the imminent Geneva motor show), should offer reasonably entertaining performance.
The newcomer will, at least for now, spearhead the Euro 308 range, the cooking models of which launched in Oz just under two weeks ago (more here).
The '175' in the Pug's long-winded 308 GT THP 175 nomenclature represents its output in horsepower, and this figure corresponds to 130kW.
Its 1.6-litre turbocharged engine is essentially the same unit that powers the current Mini Cooper S, as this powerplant was co-developed by BMW and PSA (Peugeot-Citroen).
Peugeot says more impressive than the engine's peak power output is its generous torque output.
With a maximum torque output of 244Nm (or 264Nm with overboost) at only 1600rpm, the turbo motor is claimed to provide strong in-gear acceleration and levels of driveability normally associated with a larger capacity engine.
We've sampled this engine in the Mini Cooper S (more here), and can confirm that it is, indeed, a pleasingly punchy unit.
Fuel economy, too, is said to be a forte, and Peugeot quotes an overall consumption figure of 7.6L/100km. That's not too bad for a car that sprints from standstill to 100km/h in 8.3 and capable of topping 225km/h. Drive is relayed to the front wheels by a six-speed manual gearbox.
Visually, the 308 GT THP 175 doesn't scream "hot-hatch" as its exterior tweaks are limited to a bespoke front bumper/spoiler, rear spoiler, bumper diffuser and slightly reduced ride height.
Inside, the GT gains an aluminium gear knob and foot pedals and a new steering wheel design.
No official word as yet on when the go-faster 308 lands here, but we're keen to sample it and determine if it at least partially recaptures the brilliance of Peugeot's past hot-hatches.
Meanwhile, the Australian 308 petrol line-up is topped by the XTE, which is propelled by a milder version (with 103kW) of the GT's 1.6-litre turbo engine.
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