Peugeot 308 SW GT-Line review
Peugeot's 308 GT-line range gives you the sporty GT look for a lower price and lower running costs
the 308 GT-Line offers plenty of kit, and the PureTech engine is ideal if you don’t fancy a diesel. It trails its rivals in terms of dynamic polish, but it’s comfortable and refined. If you can live without some of the kit, however, we’d opt for the cheaper, faster and equally stylish SEAT Leon FR ST.
The GT has added a welcome sporty feel to Peugeot’s 308 range, but the 200bhp engine also pushes up the price and running costs. So those buyers seeking style without the sting in the wallet may want to turn their attention to the new GT-Line model.
Its 129bhp 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder claims 57.9mpg and 109g/km of CO2 in the SW estate, although we managed 40mpg over mixed routes. But the car’s defining characteristics are its smooth power delivery and impeccable refinement on the move.
A healthy 230Nm of torque allows the SW to build speed smoothly. The broad powerband also means it feels far faster than the 12.1-second 0-62mph time suggests, pulling right to the 6,000rpm red line without much tail-off.
The steering is well weighted but lacks feel in normal mode, while Sport only throws a load of extra weight at the wheel. Still, this car isn’t designed to be driven on the ragged edge – there’s a fair bit of body roll, although the hatch should prove more agile than the SW. It’s better to slow down and enjoy the soft and composed ride and absence of road or wind noise, as the 308 makes a great motorway cruiser.
From the outside, it looks almost identical to the GT, with 18-inch alloy wheels and a lowered ride height, plus full-LED headlamps, twin exhausts and black gloss trim. Neat touches such as Audi-style scrolling indicators give the GT-Line a premium feel.
The interior looks and feels great with part-Alcantara massaging sports seats, a compact leather steering wheel and aluminium pedals. Also standard are sat-nav, a reversing camera, parking sensors and dual-zone climate control.
