If you were a young driver who lusted after the thrilling Peugeot 205 GTI back in the day, then it’s quite likely that you’re currently a target customer for the latest 208 GTI, its spiritual successor. Sure the 206 and 207 models came along in between but they never lived up to their predecessor’s reputation.
This latest incarnation of the French carmaker’s iconic hot hatch is far from disappointing. But then there has been three decades-worth of engineering progress since the launch of the original 205 GTI so you’d be right to expect a more sophisticated car. But does it have the straight-up, raw energy of the original?
The 1.6-litre turbocharged engine delivers a sizeable 200bhp and there’s enough power here to allow you to unleash your inner boy racer. Zero to 62mph takes just 6.8 seconds though it feels quicker, but I didn’t get it anywhere near its top speed of 143mph. The car is competent in the corners and agile enough though the ride can get a bit bumpy and the steering isn’t as communicative as I would have liked.
The engine is also quite noisy though there’s no majestic roar here. It’s also quite raucous in the cabin, with the racket from the engine competing with noise from both wind and the road.
It may be a little noisy inside but it’s a stylish enough, with dynamic red stitching that snakes across the dash and doors, a ‘dip-dyed’ paint effect in the centre of the dash and door handles, a red line that runs along the centre of the seatbelts and even a rally car-inspired red leather straight ahead strip on the steering wheel to tell you where the wheels are. And when you’re driving at night the instrument panel is illuminated by a stylish red LED line that surrounds the instrument cluster.
There’s not much room in the boot, but we can forgive it that. However there is a surprising amount of space inside the cabin, front and rear. There’s room for three kids in the back seat though it may be a squeeze.
From the outside the 208 GTI is satisfyingly sporty with grey 17” alloys, quirky black-and-chrome chequered-flag-design on its gaping grille, chrome door mirrors, double exhaust tailpipes, wheel arch extensions and a rear spoiler.
If you’re looking for a hot hatch at heart, but you’re head says you need to justify a car as a daily driver too, then you’ll be pleased to know the 208 GTI has reasonable fuel economy of 47.9mpg on the combined cycle. The 208 GTI may not quite have the character of the original 205 GTI but it is more comfortable and a good deal more refined. Which will make it a much easier car to live with.
