Peugeot 208 GTI by PS & DS 3 Performance

Our two long-term hot hatches may be eerily similar under the skin, but to live with, and out on the open road, they offer up decidedly different experiences

CALIBRATION. THE TINY SOFTWARE changes and the subtle chassis tweaks that differentiate mechanically identical cars. In a world where platform sharing is prolific – see the Volkswagen Group’s many Mqb-platform hot hatches – it’s crucially important, and why you can tell the difference between a Golf GTI Performance and a SEAT Leon Cupra.

The concept isn’t limited to the VW Group, though, as is illustrated by our Fast Fleet DS 3 Performance and Peugeot 208 GTI by PS – similar on paper but, thanks to the way each is calibrated, both very different experiences.

Not only are they based on the same platform, with the same Macpherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear axle, they also have the same 205bhp turbocharged 1598cc four-cylinder engine, the same sixspeed manual gearbox, Torsen limited-slip differential, Brembo front brakes and Michelin Super Sport tyres. and even the same seats.

Yet a glimpse inside each car highlights the differences. The DS is awash with shiny black plastics, matt aluminium trim and clear, jewel-like buttons. There’s even a dial to adjust the built-in fragrance intensity. Compared with the DS’S Paris Ritz interior, the 208’s cabin looks like a Hotel Formule 1 room with naff-coloured carpets.

But who ever wanted a luxurious hot hatch? The 208 may be basic inside, but it feels anything but ordinary to drive. It constantly pulls at its reins, wanting to dash down every straight, keen to find a corner to attack. The front snaps towards every apex, the inside rear wheel off the ground or both back tyres sliding. The diff then holds on to that front-end grip to guide the car from apex to exit on your chosen trajectory, and a determined tug of the little steering wheel is then required to get the 208 pointing straight again. The downside to this aggression is a ride, like the interior, that’s far from plush; the car bounces and bumps its way over every crest, shifting sideways and writhing its way down a road.

The DS isn’t as eager, that’s for sure. It doesn’t respond to throttle inputs with the same immediacy, and although the claimed 0-62mph times are identical (both 6.5sec), from behind the wheel you’d guess the DS was at least half a second behind. It doesn’t have the same appetite for bends, either. As you guide it towards an apex the front-end feels

less direct, and it doesn’t generate the same turn-in grip as the Peugeot.

But what really diminishes the DS’S athleticism is its rear axle: there just isn’t the same willingness to allow the car to rotate and help point the nose where you want it. Instead you have to focus on the front tyres, being very measured and patient with your steering inputs as there’s no other way to manipulate the car into a corner.

However, the DS does find good traction out of a bend, and like in the 208 you feel the diff working to pull you through to the exit. The bigger steering wheel in the DS initially feels ungainly compared with the 208’s toy-like item, but it doesn’t pull and tug at your hands in quite the same way. The DS is certainly a calmer, less energetic car, which matches its more luxurious character. However, you do still have to endure a busy, 208-style ride, which seems misplaced.

For some, the 208’s nervous attitude will be far too tiring and the DS is a perfectly good antidote to that. However, Peugeot Sport has calibrated the 208 GTI for pure excitement and involvement – it might need all of your attention, but it’s worth it.

‘Compared with the DS’S Paris Ritz interior, the 208’s cabin looks like a Hotel Formule 1 room’