Peugeot 309 GTi 309 GTI: 1905cc 130 PS (96 kW; 128 bhp), 0-60 MPH 8.3 seconds 124 MPH top speed 134 BHP per ton. facelift models 122 PS (90 kW; 120 bhp) to conform with 95 octane unleaded and emissions regulations. The 309 GTi is a largely forgotten Hot Hatch star of the late 80s and early 90s. It was truly brilliant, but unfortunately for the slightly oddball Pug it came head to head with two of the finest hot hatches of all time. The Golf GTi 16 Valve, and the Astra GTE 16 valve. The Astra was crowned Hot Hatch King by the motoring press at the time due to excellent grip, refinement and simply out-standing engine which blow away the opposition. The Golf was fantastic all rounder, with good handling, and ride, and strong performance. So what did the Peugeot 309 GTi have to offer in this esteemed company? The answer is simple, brilliant handling. Lets go for a ride in theses cars. On the motorway the Astra is the most refined, quiet, and economical high speed cruiser, the golf is perfectly happy, and Peugeot is fine, but turn off on to a bumpy wet country road and its a different story. The Astra, though very easy to drive fast in these challenging conditions starts to feel a little un-settled at the rear when it gets bumpy, which has a detrimental effect on the ride quality, but with huge grip and much improved under steer over its 8 valve stablemate its still a good. B road hustler. The Golf offers better steering feel, and body control than the Astra, which inspires more confidence. The Peugeot is however, the obvious winner in this scenario, as it offers grip to rival the Astra, steering feel to rival the Golf, and offers by far the best ride, and body control in this group. The main reason why the 309GTi didnt reach the stardom it deserved was purely down to its performance. This was a huge opportunity missed in the UK at the height of Hot Hatch dominance, especially when you consider that in Europe they addressed this in a decisive manor in the form of The GTI16, The 309 GTi 16 was a late addition to the range and only produced for a limited period. It featured the PSA XU engine (XU9J4) 160 PS (158 bhp) this was the same brilliant 1.9 16V alloy engine from the 405 Mi-16/Citroën BX 16V. The GTi 16 came with slightly uprated suspension with the addition of stiffer rear torsion bars, and wider track width both front and rear. Unfortunately the GTI16 was produced in LHD only, due to clearance issues with the master cylinder in RHD cars. The power to weight ratio was very similar to the Astra GTE 16 valve at close to 160 bhp per ton, so this would have undoubtedly pushed this already capable, and almost forgotten car to the top. Special edition The Goodwood, UK only Limited Edition was a GTI with full black leather interior as standard, and no-cost optional wooden steering wheel, gearknob and CD-Autochanger. The model was only available in limited numbers for the UK market (only 398 vehicles were constructed) in metallic pinewood green with anthracite Speedline alloy wheels, with a metal lip on outer rim and badging depicting the Goodwood racing circuit on the front wings, and on tailgate and steering wheel boss. When the Goodwood was launched, the high asking price resulted in some examples not finding homes until 1994, hence some being registered on an L prefix registration.
Posted on: Fri, 15 Aug 2014 10:09:07 +0000
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