Ethan and I went for a blat down the M1 in Peugeot’s 308 GT hatch, ahead of our full review next week. We took a turn off onto the old Pacific Highway, and the demented twists that once formed the backbone of the nations great coastal road.

The scenic drive is a shadow of its former self, left only to local yokels at 40% under speed limit, and tourists named Karen driving even slower. Normal people use the 4-lane highway that cuts straight through the guts of the nation, like a curry on a mission. Those in the know realise that a road used by bikers is a road for sports cars, so it’s the old highway for us. Is the Pug a sports car? Hardly.

Although PHEV has a bit more power, the rest of the range has a puny 1.2L 3-pot, squeezing out a measly 96kw/230Nm, driving the front wheels through an 8 speed automatic. At first, I hesitated to mention a very leisurely 9.7 second 0-100, but then i mentioned it. I know what you mob are like. You’ll be rolling your eyes like Sideshow Bob on a bender, completely missing the point of something built for thrashing around corners at a decent clip. It isn’t about outright speed, but it would be nice if it was. Gay men love speed, one way or another.

We’ll leave the drive deets for the review, but for now, I’m not terribly impressed with the fuel consumption. Like most small engines, they need taking by the scruff of the neck if you want to get to dinner by midnight.

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1 Minute Video Review: The 2023 Peugeot 308 Premium Hatch

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ABOVE: 2023  Peugeot 308 GT Premium Hatch and Wagon

Looks:

2023 Peugeot 308 GT Premium Hatch is as sexy AF.

Its deeply carved features manage to give a cutting-edge look to an otherwise regular hatch. Deep crevices give the LED matrix headlights a discreet place from which to emit their shards of blinding daylight. They bend around oncoming traffic too, something you expect from a posh Euromaker.  I did a little surprise and delight dance as the tail lights twinkled as it locked and unlocked, something done by keeping the keys keep shoved somewhere secret. I love me a bit of walk-away locking. I like it even better when the car is unlocked when I arrive. Nothing gets on my tits more than frigging around with a door handle while it is pissing cats and dogs.

Inside:

The cabin is full of wow. it is all sharp and crisp, and thoroughly modern. Any hint of entry level plastic has been consigned to history.

The 3D driver dials and centre tablet are as unique as your mood’s desires. You can move stuff around like you do on your phone, and get rid of what you don’t want. There’s still no HUD because Peugeot thinks its i-Cockpit is better. It isn’t, even though it looks a million bucks.

There is a sharp bit of dash that sticks out which your knee hits as you get in, every single time. Many, many swears came out.

There are lashings of leather, Nappa, if you please. Everything is angled to the driver, further inflating an already out of control ego. The cabin is dark and mysterious, but it makes your life feel like it’s in full HD.

By now, I’d expect more commonality across the Stellantis brands. I just don’t get the small engine and it seems Peugeot is back to being the underpowered pretenders, but time will tell. It is not always about being quick, but about being smart.

The 2023 Peugeot 308 GT Premium Hatch is expensive, so this week we’ll see if the bucks and the bang match.

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