Paris LIVE: Peugeot 308 GT

Oct 3, 2014, 4:00pm ET

The 308 GT is offered as a five-door hatchback and as a station wagon.

Peugeot has detailed a more powerful version of the Golf-fighting 308. Christened 308 GT, the car is offered as a five-door hatchback and as a roomy station wagon.

The most powerful member of the 308 family packs a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 205 horsepower and 210 lb-ft. of torque. The 308 GT reaches 62 mph from a stop in 7.5 seconds, and it returns 42 mpg in a mixed European cycle thanks in part to a standard start/stop system.

Buyers after better fuel economy can select a diesel-burning variant of the GT that is equipped with a 2.0-liter HDi tuned to deliver 180 horsepower at 3,750 rpms and 295 lb-ft. of torque at just 2,000 rpms. The oil-burner returns 58 mpg in a mixed cycle.

The gasoline-burning engine is linked to a six-speed manual transmission, while the diesel-powered unit is surprisingly offered only with a six-speed automatic controlled by shift paddles. Both engines send power to the front wheels.

Visually, the GT stands out from a stock 308 thanks to a custom grille, headlights made up of no less than 62 LEDs, sequential turn signals, piano black mirror caps, twin tail pipes, a functional air diffuser and a noticeably lower ride height. A new paint color called Magnetic Blue and 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped by Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tires wrap up the look.

Inside, the GT gains a model-specific instrument cluster with extra gauges, red stitching on the seats and the dashboard, standard Alcantara upholstery, aluminum pedals and a GT emblem on the three-spoke multi-function steering wheel.

The Peugeot 308 GT will go on sale across Europe before the end of the year. Pricing information will be published closer to its on-sale date.

What's Next?Industry rumors indicate Peugeot is busily developing an even more powerful evolution of the 308. Tentatively called 308 R, the range-topping hatchback will pack a 270-horsepower turbo four that is currently found under the hood of the RCZ R.

The 308 R could be introduced next year at the Geneva Motor Show.

Live images by Ronan Glon.