208 GTi delivers pure fun
finds comfort and pizzazz in latest hot hatch
SOMETHING about hot hatches just seems to get our blood pumping. Just look at the Golf GTI for example. Aussies are one of the world’s biggest markets in terms of percentage of the performance leader versus run-of-the-mill Golfs.
And as manufacturers scramble to be part of the SUV juggernaut they seem equally enamoured with souped-up hatches.
We’ve seen Hyundai release a sporty version of the i30, Nissan revived the SSS Pulsar, Mercedes-Benz deliver its raucous A45 AMG and Audi is soon to release the S4.
In the pint-size realm, Peugeot has just unleashed a GTi version of the 208 ahead of Renault bringing in a cut-price Clio RS while Kia will have a new halo offering with the Pro_cee'd GT this year.
Peugeot has made some big claims with the 208. They say “GTi is back”, meaning the essence of the 205 has been resurrected. Apologies to anyone with a 206 or 207 GTi… but even Peugeot says they were underdone.
Comfort
Unlike the 205, the creature comforts abound (you now get air con). The 208 donor cabin has been given a sporting makeover with some nice splashes of red on the dash and door handles which fade to black. Those red highlights are continued on the small flat-bottom steering wheel, gear shifter and even a centre stitched line on the seatbelts.
The French do a fine seat too. Excellent sports bolstering at the thighs and around your ribs provide a comfy vantage point whether you are just cruising or hammering the bends.
With the four key gauges sitting high on the dash, it’s an unusual driver set-up but one we’ve learned to like. You can flip through the multifunction display to find the digital speedo which helps you keep track of the trajectory.
The chromed gear shift knob looks the goods, but in the warm weather it heats up and has palm-burning tendencies.
It doesn’t take long to cool down once the cabin temp drops; it’s just the first couple of changes which can be uncomfortable.
Four adults can fit, but it is a tight squeeze. We still managed to fit two kids down back in booster seats without issue – just be prepared for feet in the back.
On the road
Plant your foot and the 208 GTi answers with a charismatic wiggle. It’ll chirp the rubber in second in a nod to its enthusiastic behaviour.
The strong little 1.6-litre turbocharged engine loves to work.
Ripping from standstill to the century mark takes 6.8 seconds but it feels quicker. The acceleration is rewarding, although nowhere near as much fun as the twisties.
Firm sporting suspension enables the driver to make full use of the direct steering characteristics and tear up the tightest of corners.
The rub is the odd thud and bang over deep ruts and holes, and it’s a tradeoff we’re happy to make.
The turbocharged four-potter is partnered to a sweet six-speed gearbox which has short throws between the cogs while the brakes are spot-on when you require the anchors.
About the only thing missing is a true sporting exhaust note under serious power.
What do you get?
Peugeot has done a stellar job with the features list. You get five-star safety rating, dual zone air con, 17cm colour touchscreen, sat nav, six-speaker stereo with two USB ports and an auxiliary plug, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, leather wrapped gear shifter/steering wheel, part-leather sports seats and even a full-size alloy spare.
Other options
It’s becoming standing room only in the hot hatch realm. Next year we’ll see the Kia Proceed GT and in December the Clio RS 200 EDC arrives ($28,790), but for now there is the Ford Fiesta ST ($25,990), Peugeot 208 GTI ($29,990), VW Polo GTi ($29,190), Citroen DS3 DSport ($29,740), Skoda Fabia RS ($27,990) and quite possibly the Fiat
Abarth 500 Esse Esse ($34,990).
Running costs
Despite sipping premium unleaded, it won’t break the budget at the bowser with fuel consumption hovering about six litres for every 100km. Insurance could be another story, depending on how lenient your company is with turbocharged donks. Peugeot has capped the servicing costs at $370 for three years, just be aware parts can be expensive.
Practicality
Given this sits in the light-car class, the 208 GTi has reasonable interior space. A weekly grocery shop can be contained within, and the rear seats fold. Cup holders positioned in front of the shifter can be hard to access, while the cruise control/speed limiter stalk is also hidden behind the stalk which means you have to rely on operational memory rather than by sight.
Funky factor
This is a 208 that has been working out. Seventeen-inch rims, pumped up wheel arches, cool running lights and sitting low on the roads, it’s every bit the hot hatch.