Peugeot 308 news - More pace or more space? - 2008

Comfortable and refined it may be, but the 308 isn't exactly the most heart-stirring car in its class. But Peugeot is aiming to change that with the introduction of a hotter version: the GT THP 175.

You'll notice that's GT and not GTi - this is a warmed up rather than flame-grilled 308, with a revised version of the 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine already found in the line-up. It has been fettled up to 175bhp - the same as the 207 GTi, but well short of the outputs of most of the genuine hot hatch brigade.

The GT will hit 62mph in 8.3 seconds before topping out at 140mph, which, for comparison, makes it a fraction quicker than the Honda Civic Type S but well behind the Type R. However, the GT will return a useful 37.1mpg, while CO2 emissions stand at a respectable 180g/km. The ride height has been lowered, too, and there's a rear spoiler to enhance the visuals.

Though that would seem to leave room for a properly hot 308, Peugeot says there are no plans for a 308 GTi and that the 175 will remain the hottest 308 in the line-up. It goes on sale in April, but there's no word on prices yet.

In other news, Peugeot has revealed the 308 SW, set to be shown off in Geneva alongside the GT THP 175. Yes, it's the inevitable estate version and the one, we suspect, that might make the most sense of the 308's high roofline and gentle road manners.

The SW's big selling point will be a monster panoramic glass roof which extends almost all the way back to the tailgate. That means that even the third row of passengers - yes, the SW can be specced as an old-school seven-seater - should get a romantic view of the stars. Or the underside of the Hammersmith underpass.

We'll drive both the 308 GT and SW this April, but we'll give you a first look in Geneva early next month.