2018 Peugeot 308 GTi leaks online

Just a few days ago, PSA revealed the mild facelift for the 308 hatchback. We were left wondering what the 2018 Peugeot 308 GTi would look like. It appears we didn’t have to wait long.

This single leaked image comes courtesy of the brand’s Twitter account in Spain and was swiftly removed but not before the image spread across the net.

Immediately, the low-res picture shows off a unique exterior with the front painted blue and the rear coated in black, red highlight to the front bumper, larger rims wrapped in thinner rubber, red brake calipers, side skirts, GTi badges on the left front quarter panel and a unique Lion bolted to the grille.

It’s unknown what the inside the cabin will contain. We expect sports seats; unique metal trim lining cabin features, highlighted dashboard cluster and custom stitching. Standard features of the 308 will transition to the content model.

Current 308 GTi models house a 1.6-litre turbocharged four cylinder petrol motor powering the front wheels. Rated at 266 horsepower, we expect the 2018 Peugeot 308 GTi to pack a slight power boost to rival the likes of the VW Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST and Honda Civic Si.

Peugeot has yet to announce gearboxes for the model. We wouldn’t be surprised to see both an auto and manual box.

Rumour has it; the French manufacturer has plans to introduce an enhanced model of the 308 GTi somewhere along the line to rival the Golf R, Civic Type R and Focus RS.

2018 Peugeot 308 GTi models should debut shortly after standard 308 hatchbacks launch in the coming months. Until then, we’ve got used Peugeot for sale in Dubai.