Peugeot 308 GT 200

If the 308 GT 200 carried the GTi badge, it would be judged as a hot hatch. But that’s not what this Peugeot is trying to be. While its 200bhp 1.6-litre petrol turbo delivers decent pace, the soft suspension and light steering focus on comfort. That makes it a fast, practical cruiser; buyers after a more involving car should look elsewhere.

The legendary Peugeot GTi badge is back... just not in the UK. In Europe, this hot hatch is badged 308 GTi, but the firm has decided to delay the revival of the famous performance name on our shores until its 207 replacement debuts.

And that seems like a wise choice. On paper, the 200bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged 308 GT 200 trails cars such as the 301bhp Ford Focus RS and 250bhp Renaultsport Mégane.

Instead, the 308 GT is a softer, more usable warm hatch to compete with the Focus ST and Mégane GT. This is obvious on the move thanks to compliant suspension that makes the car comfortable, even on bumpy roads, and great over distances.

The 1.6-litre THP engine feels brisk and pulls eagerly from 2,200rpm. It gives 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds, while the six-speed manual gearbox offers quick and accurate shifts.

The steering doesn’t provide the weight or feedback to which hot hatch fans are accustomed. It’s great for threading the car through city traffic, but doesn’t offer much in the way of driver involvement through bends.

Plus, the Peugeot doesn’t really look the part. You would be hard pushed to notice the new front grille and black insert under the front bumper. A lower rear bumper, twin chrome exhaust pipes and GT badges on the side and rear complete the updates.

Inside, equipment is generous for the £21,995 price. Climate and cruise control, auto lights and wipers, parking sensors and part-leather seats are all standard. While it’s no hot hatch, this 308 is a good all-rounder, with low running costs. Combined economy of 40.8mpg ensures owners won’t be stung at the pumps, while the 159g/km CO2 output means an annual road tax bill of £155.

With a dedicated GTi following in the UK, Peugeot has made the right choice not to use the badge on this model here. It needs to be reintroduced with a bang – and the GT 200 isn’t quite the car hot hatch fans have been waiting for.