RE: Peugeot 208 GTI 30th | Spotted
Discussion
CG2020UK said:
Loplop said:
C70R said:
If you'd owned one, you'd realise that it's the same characterless engine that's shared with the contemporary Mini Cooper. They also shared the same endemic fuel pump and cam chain failures too.
Give me a 90s hot hatch over this turd any day.
Characterless?Give me a 90s hot hatch over this turd any day.
Edited by C70R on Monday 8th January 09:48
Far more characterful than anything in the current crop of hot hatches bar the 5 pot in the uberhatch Audi's.
Especially in 308 270 guise.
By the time the 208 GTi 30th and BPS had released the chain and pump failures had been resolved too (~2011 iirc).
Can't say I agree over the ergonomics either, they worked for me at 6ft 3, the idea being the wheel sits below the gauges.
Load of uninformed rubbish/bias that is just plain wrong from the above poster.
308GTI is a phenomenal car has to be the most underrated hot hatch.
The one with the interior ergonomics designed by a first-year University student? The one with the fuel pump problems (yes, they still happened even after the 2011 revisions)?
The one that Evo described as "It doesn’t have the instantaneous charm of the Fiesta ST, partly because the steering wheel is unusually small and the control weights just a little disjointed"?
French car manufacturers go thru these phases of doing things "differently" aka Not What The Germans Are Doing.
The silly two tone paint job and current Peugeot interiors, fall, imho, into that category. Any good idea in the the car world is copied very quickly - there has been no rush by anyone to imitate either of these. It's just trying to be different for differents sake.....
The silly two tone paint job and current Peugeot interiors, fall, imho, into that category. Any good idea in the the car world is copied very quickly - there has been no rush by anyone to imitate either of these. It's just trying to be different for differents sake.....
C70R said:
You know we're talking about the 208 here, right?
No, we're talking about the 30th anniversary and by extension the BPS (or By Peugeot Sport) which is a different kettle of fish to what you're alluding to.The engine is the updated version, that doesn't have your mentioned issues and has an overhauled chassis that has been favorably reviewed by pretty much everyone.
The ergonomics are marmite, but a key problem is approaching the steering position as you would an ordinary car - look through for dials - as that'll always result in it being too high/in the way of the dials, you're meant to look over the wheel.
I've never understood the small wheel comments, as I think it adds a tonne to the overall experience.
As a by-product of the lessons learnt from the 30th Anniversary and BPS, the 308 270 is the best of the modern hot hatches I've driven.
endorium said:
You want the by peugeot sport version. Numerous reliability improvements. I love mine. Fun and interior way ahead of the equivalent ST. Lightest hot hatch of this era as well. 1050kg and 208hp is more than enough for a quick fun road car. I got an orange one, not a fan of two tone version
Do you mean 1150 ?I like the paint on these, anything a bit different on a silly little hot hatch not meant to take things too seriously is a plus for me! I also like the interior, having sat in pre-release models of the 208 GTi & 308 GTi at a show, I never even thought about the steering wheel setup. I'm considering one of these next actually so I need to sit in one soon...
J4CKO said:
Do you mean 1150 ?
No, 1050. normal gti was 1150. by peugeot sport was lighter but they never released actual weight. I know from dyno runs where it was also weighed my peugeot sport model was 1050. Not sure where all the weight saving was from though. Seats will be some, no panaromic roof will be another. Suspension is completely different to normal gti and the wheels. Maybe a bit more thereCG2020UK said:
Loplop said:
C70R said:
If you'd owned one, you'd realise that it's the same characterless engine that's shared with the contemporary Mini Cooper. They also shared the same endemic fuel pump and cam chain failures too.
Give me a 90s hot hatch over this turd any day.
Characterless?Give me a 90s hot hatch over this turd any day.
Edited by C70R on Monday 8th January 09:48
Far more characterful than anything in the current crop of hot hatches bar the 5 pot in the uberhatch Audi's.
Especially in 308 270 guise.
By the time the 208 GTi 30th and BPS had released the chain and pump failures had been resolved too (~2011 iirc).
Can't say I agree over the ergonomics either, they worked for me at 6ft 3, the idea being the wheel sits below the gauges.
Load of uninformed rubbish/bias that is just plain wrong from the above poster.
308GTI is a phenomenal car has to be the most underrated hot hatch.
It was ze German luxury brands entering the hot hatch sector (all be it the size up) that killed cars like this.
In our early 20s me and all my mates drove or lusted after Peugeot, Renault and ford hot hatches. Mercedes, BMW etc were nice but just a bit "dad". Nowadays 20 year olds all kick about in financed a class, a3s and 1 series. They'd turn their nose up at a Peugeot or Renault despite they fact the hot ones are a revelation to drive compared to the likes of an a35, s3 or even the latest m135.
Creative finance killed this sector.
nunpuncher said:
It was ze German luxury brands entering the hot hatch sector (all be it the size up) that killed cars like this.
Eh?In the 208's segment, the Fiesta ST was the benchmark car. In the 308's segment, it was any one of Megane, Focus or Civic. The Peugeots had their faults, and didn't compare favourably enough against the benchmarks, which is why they only shifted about 27 of them.
Nobody was going out and shopping to pick between a 308, an A45 or an M135i.
C70R said:
Eh?
In the 208's segment, the Fiesta ST was the benchmark car. In the 308's segment, it was any one of Megane, Focus or Civic. The Peugeots had their faults, and didn't compare favourably enough against the benchmarks, which is why they only shifted about 27 of them.
Nobody was going out and shopping to pick between a 308, an A45 or an M135i.
The 308 GTI typically out performed its rivals. In the 208's segment, the Fiesta ST was the benchmark car. In the 308's segment, it was any one of Megane, Focus or Civic. The Peugeots had their faults, and didn't compare favourably enough against the benchmarks, which is why they only shifted about 27 of them.
Nobody was going out and shopping to pick between a 308, an A45 or an M135i.
It’s quicker around a track than the latest Megane RS, I30N and new Focus ST.
I had a MK7 GTI which I adored but the 308 GTI is better.
https://youtu.be/x4E9yR5dsKA?si=gskxzK1D4W_m537_
https://youtu.be/wMUlPRvkdys?si=EEAqVWFkrHvZK1qt
Amazing isn’t it that if you don’t throw a fortune at marketing no one buys your car despite how good they actually are!
Complain all you want but drive a 208 GTI or 308 GTI and it’s a no brainer they are special cars.
These are one of the most underrated cars, all the 30th and BPS cars have the much more reliable later version of the ep6 engine. and the LSD equipped cars run rings around the Fiesta ST. The 208 is hooked up and gone while the fiesta is still scrabbling around trying to find grip. and The chassis setup is brilliant. You can properly engage the rear axle and rotate the car just like the original 205. they punch well above there weight on track.
The stigma of being a peugeot is all that really lets it down. Even the marmite seating position just takes getting used to, it's actually very comfortable. especially with the 30th/BPS seats.
hears mine on 3 wheels.
and yes they were availible is normal colours
The stigma of being a peugeot is all that really lets it down. Even the marmite seating position just takes getting used to, it's actually very comfortable. especially with the 30th/BPS seats.
hears mine on 3 wheels.
and yes they were availible is normal colours
I bought one just before Christmas, but in a more palatable colour scheme:
20231222_120939 by CarlosV8, on Flickr
I like it. Its relatively quick, the interior is great (once you find the right seating position), handling is playful and the diff does a great job in getting the power to the road.
It's not been without its problems, but I'm enjoying it enough to persist and get it sorted! I'm sure a Fiesta would be more reliable, but they are far more common and don't particularly interest me.
20231222_120939 by CarlosV8, on FlickrI like it. Its relatively quick, the interior is great (once you find the right seating position), handling is playful and the diff does a great job in getting the power to the road.
It's not been without its problems, but I'm enjoying it enough to persist and get it sorted! I'm sure a Fiesta would be more reliable, but they are far more common and don't particularly interest me.
C70R said:
Eh?
In the 208's segment, the Fiesta ST was the benchmark car. In the 308's segment, it was any one of Megane, Focus or Civic. The Peugeots had their faults, and didn't compare favourably enough against the benchmarks, which is why they only shifted about 27 of them.
Nobody was going out and shopping to pick between a 308, an A45 or an M135i.
Then they are unimaginative idiots.In the 208's segment, the Fiesta ST was the benchmark car. In the 308's segment, it was any one of Megane, Focus or Civic. The Peugeots had their faults, and didn't compare favourably enough against the benchmarks, which is why they only shifted about 27 of them.
Nobody was going out and shopping to pick between a 308, an A45 or an M135i.
308gti would wipe the floor against an S3 or M135 in the twisties and down country lanes. Yep, they'd leave the 308 well behind in a straight line but there's no fun going in a straight line. The steering in the Audi and BMW felt inert and the usual 'lets make the suspension rock hard and pretend it handles well' is well evident. (Haven't driven the Merc so can't comment)
It's no surprise on the M135 that one of the first upgrades owners do is to the suspension.
Against the Mégane is a tougher ask and I would place the RS above as it's more the complete package and the handling and chassis control even more sublime but the 308 wouldn't be too far behind.
Every review has rated the 308gti highly and did compare well against the competition and it's really down to personal preference which hot hatch you'd go for.
It has it's foibles no doubt but the sheer grin factor and overall ownership experience heavily outweighs it and those that criticise it have clearly never driven one. One of the few cars I regret selling and wouldn't have done if life hadn't got in the way.
Try it. It may surprise you.
I don't actually mind the two tone colour scheme, it is a small hot hatch so doesn't have to be somber. Not tried the seating position but I know people who have and love it, so maybe marmite or trial and error to get it right, but I do remember these, or the Peugeot sport version, being raved about in reviews for how well they drove so I would be tempted if in the market for something like this.
valiant said:
C70R said:
Eh?
In the 208's segment, the Fiesta ST was the benchmark car. In the 308's segment, it was any one of Megane, Focus or Civic. The Peugeots had their faults, and didn't compare favourably enough against the benchmarks, which is why they only shifted about 27 of them.
Nobody was going out and shopping to pick between a 308, an A45 or an M135i.
Then they are unimaginative idiots.In the 208's segment, the Fiesta ST was the benchmark car. In the 308's segment, it was any one of Megane, Focus or Civic. The Peugeots had their faults, and didn't compare favourably enough against the benchmarks, which is why they only shifted about 27 of them.
Nobody was going out and shopping to pick between a 308, an A45 or an M135i.
308gti would wipe the floor against an S3 or M135 in the twisties and down country lanes. Yep, they'd leave the 308 well behind in a straight line but there's no fun going in a straight line. The steering in the Audi and BMW felt inert and the usual 'lets make the suspension rock hard and pretend it handles well' is well evident. (Haven't driven the Merc so can't comment)
It's no surprise on the M135 that one of the first upgrades owners do is to the suspension.
Against the Mégane is a tougher ask and I would place the RS above as it's more the complete package and the handling and chassis control even more sublime but the 308 wouldn't be too far behind.
Every review has rated the 308gti highly and did compare well against the competition and it's really down to personal preference which hot hatch you'd go for.
It has it's foibles no doubt but the sheer grin factor and overall ownership experience heavily outweighs it and those that criticise it have clearly never driven one. One of the few cars I regret selling and wouldn't have done if life hadn't got in the way.
Try it. It may surprise you.
C70R said:
valiant said:
C70R said:
Eh?
In the 208's segment, the Fiesta ST was the benchmark car. In the 308's segment, it was any one of Megane, Focus or Civic. The Peugeots had their faults, and didn't compare favourably enough against the benchmarks, which is why they only shifted about 27 of them.
Nobody was going out and shopping to pick between a 308, an A45 or an M135i.
Then they are unimaginative idiots.In the 208's segment, the Fiesta ST was the benchmark car. In the 308's segment, it was any one of Megane, Focus or Civic. The Peugeots had their faults, and didn't compare favourably enough against the benchmarks, which is why they only shifted about 27 of them.
Nobody was going out and shopping to pick between a 308, an A45 or an M135i.
308gti would wipe the floor against an S3 or M135 in the twisties and down country lanes. Yep, they'd leave the 308 well behind in a straight line but there's no fun going in a straight line. The steering in the Audi and BMW felt inert and the usual 'lets make the suspension rock hard and pretend it handles well' is well evident. (Haven't driven the Merc so can't comment)
It's no surprise on the M135 that one of the first upgrades owners do is to the suspension.
Against the Mégane is a tougher ask and I would place the RS above as it's more the complete package and the handling and chassis control even more sublime but the 308 wouldn't be too far behind.
Every review has rated the 308gti highly and did compare well against the competition and it's really down to personal preference which hot hatch you'd go for.
It has it's foibles no doubt but the sheer grin factor and overall ownership experience heavily outweighs it and those that criticise it have clearly never driven one. One of the few cars I regret selling and wouldn't have done if life hadn't got in the way.
Try it. It may surprise you.
id dosnt mention the control weights?
thats quite a glittering review. and its mad how diffrent to a normal GTI they are you really should have ago in one.
Evo Said 'Peugeot’s best hot hatch since the turn of the century.'
I had a cooking diesel 208 as a shed and then sold it to my brother, and the OH had a petrol one for a few years and I thought they were great cars and seem very underrated,they're certainly a better little drossbox than the eternally overrated Fiesta or any of the usual small car options. They seem well built too, I think my brother has taken the 2013 diesel one up to 160k on a minimal maintenance basis.
Given what an absolute hoot the 92bhp diesel could be on a good road I'd be pretty confident that this car is brilliant fun.
Any stigma around being a Peugeot is their own doing though, they spent a good decade making complete and utter turds and trashing their previously good repuation before they started selling these!!
Given what an absolute hoot the 92bhp diesel could be on a good road I'd be pretty confident that this car is brilliant fun.
Any stigma around being a Peugeot is their own doing though, they spent a good decade making complete and utter turds and trashing their previously good repuation before they started selling these!!
GeniusOfLove said:
Any stigma around being a Peugeot is their own doing though, they spent a good decade making complete and utter turds and trashing their previously good repuation before they started selling these!!
Agreed!Though funny how VW and BMW (as an owner) can all make cars that go boom or just don’t work and they never get a bad reputation.
CG2020UK said:
GeniusOfLove said:
Any stigma around being a Peugeot is their own doing though, they spent a good decade making complete and utter turds and trashing their previously good repuation before they started selling these!!
Agreed!Though funny how VW and BMW (as an owner) can all make cars that go boom or just don’t work and they never get a bad reputation.
te and have been for 20 years now, they just have an excellent marketing department and know how to get journalists on their knees with their mouths open.At least BMWs are often great to drive even if they can be needy.
C70R said:
nunpuncher said:
It was ze German luxury brands entering the hot hatch sector (all be it the size up) that killed cars like this.
Eh?In the 208's segment, the Fiesta ST was the benchmark car. In the 308's segment, it was any one of Megane, Focus or Civic. The Peugeots had their faults, and didn't compare favourably enough against the benchmarks, which is why they only shifted about 27 of them.
Nobody was going out and shopping to pick between a 308, an A45 or an M135i.
My comment on the bigger hatches still stands. The focus ST was more or less dead by the time the 308 GTI came out, especially the BPS version. The Megane (latest version) was no longer regarded the best in its segment, the Civic was always the winner but how many 20 somethings bought one? Almost none because they were about £600pm on finance where as an M135i or an A35 (I didn't say A45 because that's next level up with RS and M so not relevant here) Could be had for around £300. So when in my day when we set our expectations realistically it was saving up or a personal loan at c8% for a 205GTi/R5T/Fiesta RS nowadays the inflation linked equivalent is an A35/M135i/R/S3 on the drip
At least this is what I witnessed recently when my mates son (23) asked for my opinion on what fast hatch to get. I said most recent Megane or I30N. He went out and financed a used A35... which drives like dog s
t compared to the Megane and i30N. But it was less per month despite costing more, it's got a Mercedes badge and has lots of purple LEDs inside bruv.Edited by nunpuncher on Monday 8th January 17:33
I own a 29th edition which are even rarer than the 30th or BPS, only 29 released for the UK and less than 23 left and 2 others are now track cars... Paint is far better too, Matt white pearlescent.. still spanks more motors than you'd give it credit for, anything VAG with fsi or two lump bye bye, mates golf R32 struggled (check the official stats they're closer than you think upto 145 , he pulls away I pull away then I pull away he pulls away kinda deal) ....wouldn't trade for a 30th but would for a BPS ..torque steer coming off roundabouts etc is a pain
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