Currently reading: More powerful Peugeot 308 hatchback spied
French manufacturer's family hatchback gets a performance upgrade ahead of possible Paris motor show unveiling

A warm version of the Peugeot 308 family hatchback has been spied testing, and the advanced state of the car suggests it could be ready in time for the Paris motor show in October.

The sporting character of the new variant is evident thanks to the addition of twin exhausts, a lower ride height compared to standard Peugeot 308s, and different alloys wheels and tyres.

This front-wheel-drive model will likely sit above the existing 154bhp 1.6 THP in the 308's range. It isn't clear which engine powers it, although it possibly uses the 197bhp derivative of the 1.6 THP unit installed in the 208 GTI.

Peugeot served notice of its intention to create performance halo models at the top of the 308's range when it showed off the 308 R concept at last year's Frankfurt motor show.

The car caught by our spy photographers might not be the most extreme 308 we'll see in the future; Peugeot is believed to be considering an even hotter production version of the 308 R that would be fettled by the company’s motorsport division.

That version could be a rival for the likes of the Seat Leon Cupra 280 and use the 266bhp 1.6 THP petrol engine installed in the Peugeot RCZ R sport coupé. 

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MrJ 31 August 2014

Peugeot designers can craft a

Peugeot designers can craft a showstopper like the Onyx, so they have the imagination and the skills to make a great looking car. Do they then go on a tranquilliser diet? For while this 308 is not actively bad, it really is unforgivably dull.