• Standard Peugeot 308 gets five stars for Euro NCAP test – GTi will be just as safe
• Six airbags standard, along with full LED headlamps and larger brakes on GTi 270
• Can’t have the Driver Assistance Pack as found on GT models though

Back in 2013 when Euro NCAP slung a standard 308 hatchback into various walls, barriers and poles it received the full complement of five stars, meaning Peugeot 308 GTi safety is fundamentally good. Re-tested again in March 2015, the 308 retained this top score.

Like the rest of the Peugeot 308 range the GTi by Peugeot Sport benefits from six airbags, an ABS anti-skid system and an electronic stability control. The latter is designed to be more permissive than the standard car though, allowing keen drivers to explore a little further into the car’s limit of grip before intervening.

Full LED headlamps, with dynamic front LED indicators, improve visibility for occupants and other drivers while automatic headlamps ensure you never forget to turn your lights on.

Choose the 308 GTi 270 and you’ll benefit from the impressive stopping power of the four-piston Alcon brakes with massive 380mm discs up front.

However you cannot have the Driver Assistance Pack (standard on the GT models) that comes complete with adaptive cruise control, emergency collision alert and emergency collision braking system.

• As with the standard hatchback, 308 GTi has massive 470-litre boot
• Rear legroom is slightly restricted compared to some rivals, though
• Large door pockets and cubbies make main cabin perfectly practical

There’s no difference between Peugeot 308 GTi practicality and the standard 308 hatchback it’s based on. That means the boot is still 470 litres large, which is far bigger than most of its rivals. However, leaving all this space available for luggage does restrict legroom for passengers occupying the rear row and if you choose to have the panoramic Cielo glass roof some headroom is compromised.

At least there’s a set of well-proportioned door pockets and the centre console cubby adds to the available space. Once again it’s blighted by a glovebox that’s halved in size thanks to fuse box intrusion.