The next generation of Peugeot’s little hot hatch made its way to the Cars offices and we spent a week with it. Did it live up to the hype?
Peugeot 208 GTI background
Many journalists will harp on about how great the classic Peugeot 205 GTI was and how subsequent models came close, but never quite matched how brilliant this car was. I’ve never seen a 205 GTI, let alone driven one so I can’t make comparisons but I did have a brief stint behind the wheel of a 207 GTI. It was an impressive little car, with cute looks and a willing engine, but I found it missing that X-factor. Fast forward to 2013/2014, and the new Peugeot 208 GTI is quietly making a little name for itself.
Compared to its sensible 208 siblings, the GTI is quite a looker. Peugeot has done substantial work to ensure the little 208 GTI has some eye-catching looks. There’s an overwhelming red theme to the car, with red badging and red brake callipers. Daytime running lights, sporty exhaust cover, aggressive alloy wheels and a wing round off a rather smart looking little package.
Peugeot 208 GTI powerplant
The go has to match the show if the Peugeot 208 GTI is to make an impression amongst the enthusiasts. With a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor churning out 147 kW and 275 N.m, there’s enough oomph on paper to pique your interest. It’s claimed to be rather efficiency friendly too, with Peugeot claiming around 6l/100km. Performance is claimed to be quite sprightly, with the 208 GTI hitting the 100km/h mark in under 7 seconds.
Impressive specification for the Peugeot 208 GTI
As for as standard specification goes, the Peugeot 208 GTI scores highly. The interior has a sporty theme to it and there are splashes of red everywhere. There’s climate control, a chilled glove box, rear parking sensors, cruise control with speed limiter, satellite navigation and a six-speaker sound system complete with steering wheel controls, Bluetotooth, a pair of USB ports and an aux jack. The 208 GTI also features Smart Park Assist where the car steers for you while executing a parallel parking maneuver. That list of spec for a sub-R300k car is mighty impressive. It’s safe too, with a full array of features like four rear-parking sensors, ABS, EBD, EBA, traction control and Hill-Start Assist.
Peugeot 208 GTI is underwhelming
It’s all very well having a sporty suspension, good looks, great specification and a strong engine, but how does that translate into raw performance and experience? This is where the Peugeot falls slightly short in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong – the Peugeot 208 GTI is a brisk car, but when the fleet manager recommends you fold the back seats down for increased turbo and exhaust noise, you get the idea that the 208 GTI is a little underwhelming. “But it’s a GTI! Where’s the excitment?” you’ll ask? Which is exactly my question. I find it sad that the Peugeot RCZ (which has this same engine) gets a great-sounding sports exhaust, while the 208 has to do without.
Peugeot 208 GTI ride and handling
The Peugeot 208 GTI rides well and if there was one sporty little hatch you’d want on a long journey, it’d have to be this one. Peugeot has clearly gone for the comfort is more important than handling prowess ideology as the ride isn’t as firm as you’d expect from a vehicle of this nature. That said, when you want to imitate a Sebastien Loeb Pikes Peak run, the 208 GTI will make you happy. A sharp turn will show the car is tight and poised and during some enthusiastic driving, the car stayed glued to the road. When really pressing on the ESP will gently intervene to keep traction, but the car still feels nimble.
Peugeot 208 GTI conclusion
We can’t all be childish hooligan boy racers forever. There comes a time when you have to be responsible and tactful. One can’t always do the commute with their foot mashed on the accelerator with turbo whistles and exhaust pops every few seconds. If I was to remain in my 20s I’d stick with my favourite the Ford Fiesta ST and be branded a boy racer. But as I approach the 30-year-old mark, I’d take a long hard look at the Peugeot 208 GTI and appreciate it for what it is – a brisk, stylish and well-equipped sports hatch. It’s not trying to set lap records or scalp bigger/more expensive machinery, which makes this car tick the sensible and responsible boxes.
Can it match its rivals though? As the price of the popular and bigger hot hatches moves them out of reach for some, cars like the Peugeot 208 GTI start to look appealing. It’s agonisingly close to having that X-factor but given the classiness, decent specification, brisk performance and value for money of the 208 GTI, Peugeot should ensure it has plenty of stock on its showroom floors. It was nominated as a South African Car of the Year finalist too, a worthy nod in my opinion.
Peugeot 208 GTI price in South Africa
The Peugeot 208 GTI costs R279 900.
We like:
· A solid value-for-money offering.
· Great specification.
. Sporty yet economical performance.
. A sensible purchase
We dont like:
· Despite continual adjustments, the steering wheel can obstruct the speedometer.
. A little underwhelming if you’re wanting some red hot excitement.
. Steering wheel is a little small.
Peugeot 208 GTI specifications
Engine: 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol
Power: 147 kW @ 5 800 rpm
Torque: 275 Nm @ 1 700 rpm
Transmission: six-speed manual
Wheels: 17-inch
0-100 km/h: 6.8 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy: 5.9l/100km (claimed combined cycle)
Also consider:
Volkswagen Polo GTI
Mini Cooper S
Citroen DS3
Renault Clio RenaultSport
Ford Fiesta ST
