Peugeot 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport
Discussion
First a story....
At the age of 17 I was living with my parents in Pool-in-Wharfedale and was getting the 1.5 hourly bus to see my friends in Harrogate. The last bus was at 22.30. Just not late enough.
I wanted to learn to drive to give myself some independence. Plus it's what you do.
My first 'lesson' was a surprise. It involved my dad, a dimly lit industrial estate in Yeadon and a MK1 Ford Focus 1.8 TDCI Zetec Estate in Arctic Silver. I learnt to turn left. Then I learnt to some clutch control. Then I learnt to turn right. Then my dad suggested we drive home, with me driving. It was not exciting, it was bloody terrifying.
I had a job at Gregg's and smelled of pasties on weekends (my girlfriend was not a fan). My parents told me to pay for lessons and found me a bigoted, racist instructor who owned a MK2 Renault Clio 1.2 in Electric Blue. They paid for half and soon I was driving along an A road to Harrogate. I don't really remember the car, but it did induce sweaty palms and a debilitating mental fatigue following the 1 and half hour lessons.
My mum supplemented the lessons in the Focus. Parallel parking an estate is difficult when learning.But I learnt about two things. Turbo lag and that you could corner faster than my mum actually did. A cheeky downshift and a rapid turn in would induce a full name shaming from my mum.
The first test and 3 minors later, despite stopping at a green light, I had my freedom. My parents were kind enough to insure me, at great expense, on the Focus. Soon I had found out that there was roads other than the A658/A61 between Pool and Harrogate. Namely the B6161.
My dad gave me a few extra lessons. He's an ex traffic cop and likes a bit of quick now and again. He taught me about cornering properly and words like apex and understeer. I also discovered a few new swear words. He taught me about shifting the weight of a car to improve grip, road positioning and that there could be a tractor with its hay bale spikes pointing towards me round that corner. Most importantly he taught me how to take someone at the lights (nose at their front quarter so they don't notice, watch the perpendicular lights to give a hint for the green light and 2k rpm).
The B6161 suggested to me that I like adrenaline. Shortly the front discs were warped. I was still allowed to drive the car and a clean run was exhilarating. The right hander before the hill that's much more acute than it looks, the uphill switchback and the twisty segment before the log straight downhill into the bumper scraping bridge (South to North).
Then a Gap Yaaaar. I worked for part of it and needed transport as my mum needed her car for work. I was told to choose a small engined small hatchback. I went for a Vauxhall Corsa based purely on it's 0-60 time of 12.0 seconds.
My first car was a MK2 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 SXI in Ultra Blue. It was awful. It understeered everywhere and was still ridiculous to insure. But it served me well, including 4 up camping trips to Beadnall.
It was sold whilst i was campervanning my way round NZ and Oz.
Next was Uni. I learnt to love cycling, got on a bus and walked. Occasionally I drove my girlfriends MK2 Toyota Yaris 1.3 SR. She still has it and it's a revvy little thing and immensely well packaged. But it doesn't like corners much.
6 years later I finished Uni and got given a job. I was living in South Manchester and cycling to Macclesfield. It rained. It got cold. My knee hurt. So i gave myself a budget of £1200 and did a bit of researching on Pistonheads.
A bike ride to Rochdale and £725 to a pair of 'init' local dealers later I had my first fully self funded car.
The interior took me straight back to the days of those supplemental lessons with my mum. It was a MK1 Focus 2.0 Zetec, in Arctic Silver. I expected the worst given the dodgy dealers but it was surprisingly good apart from a wobble at 70mph and bit of rust here and there.
It was my first sub 10 second car (to 60) and despite 4 mismatched tyres causing you to spin at 20mph in the wet I felt that exhilaration again. I fitted 4 new tyres and thought the grip was phenomenal.
It was great for the money and lasted 2 years including tip duty in a full house refurb. I gave it away but unfortunately it failed its next MOT spectacularly and was scrapped.
In July of last year I placed an order for a new car. I had always wanted a hot hatch after those Yorkshire roads. After browsing the classifieds and Pistonheads I stumbled across the Lease Deals Thread.
I wanted something a bit different and a delivery date of October was set for a Peugeot 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport in Power Orange.
It's addictive. I love every journey I take.
The turbocharged 1.6 4 pot has a bit of a lag, but is more than adequate and the induction noise above 4.5k rpm is addictive. The exhaust could be a tiny bit louder but the drone at motorway speeds is already a tad annoying so I probably wouldn't change it.
The ride is stiff. Very stiff. My fiancee (same girl as from the Gregg's era) hates it. I find I explain the car to passengers every time the get in. But going round a tight bend the lack of body roll is very impressive. Unfortunately I now live near Central Manchester where the road condition and speed bumps would probably be better negotiated in something more compromising.
The grip on the OEM MPSS is never ending and coupled with an LSD I sometimes find it hard to push past the limits (when safe). The LSD is noticeable. Turn in, floor it and you'll be dragged round. However after getting any air over a crest, or even very uneven roads, the LSD can end up pulling the car from the intended direction of travel.
The seats are gorgeous, central Alacantra with leather side bolsters. It fits perfectly. The steering wheel is stubby but tactile and induces good hand positioning. The gearknob can be cold in winter but is a lovely thing to hold. Generally the cabin is a lovely place to be and it's nice to have working air con and cruise control for the first time.
The paint is a gorgeous sparkly colour but chips very easily.
It's not been entirely reliable despite covering only 8000 miles. At mile 150 I received it and noticed a clicking on full lock. Peugeot gave the car a whole new LSD. It's recently developed a lumpy idle/misfire when first starting it up in warmer weather. This stops if you turn it on/off. It's due for it's first service and some new front tyres so they will shortly be arranged.
Despite it's drawbacks, a recent trip to Black Mountain via the B4518 showed me how much the car could do. I was immediately drawn back to those days of the first days of freedom and the B6161. The ability to overtake quickly and the extra grip on offer made for a really fun drive. Black Mountain happened to start from the cottage we stayed in and the local supermarket was on the other side. Cue daily shopping trips. It really is a great road and my mate was an excellent passenger, we both had a thrilling time.
Car is on a 3 + 23 at £169 with 10000 miles.
If you got this far thanks for reading.
At the age of 17 I was living with my parents in Pool-in-Wharfedale and was getting the 1.5 hourly bus to see my friends in Harrogate. The last bus was at 22.30. Just not late enough.
I wanted to learn to drive to give myself some independence. Plus it's what you do.
My first 'lesson' was a surprise. It involved my dad, a dimly lit industrial estate in Yeadon and a MK1 Ford Focus 1.8 TDCI Zetec Estate in Arctic Silver. I learnt to turn left. Then I learnt to some clutch control. Then I learnt to turn right. Then my dad suggested we drive home, with me driving. It was not exciting, it was bloody terrifying.
I had a job at Gregg's and smelled of pasties on weekends (my girlfriend was not a fan). My parents told me to pay for lessons and found me a bigoted, racist instructor who owned a MK2 Renault Clio 1.2 in Electric Blue. They paid for half and soon I was driving along an A road to Harrogate. I don't really remember the car, but it did induce sweaty palms and a debilitating mental fatigue following the 1 and half hour lessons.
My mum supplemented the lessons in the Focus. Parallel parking an estate is difficult when learning.But I learnt about two things. Turbo lag and that you could corner faster than my mum actually did. A cheeky downshift and a rapid turn in would induce a full name shaming from my mum.
The first test and 3 minors later, despite stopping at a green light, I had my freedom. My parents were kind enough to insure me, at great expense, on the Focus. Soon I had found out that there was roads other than the A658/A61 between Pool and Harrogate. Namely the B6161.
My dad gave me a few extra lessons. He's an ex traffic cop and likes a bit of quick now and again. He taught me about cornering properly and words like apex and understeer. I also discovered a few new swear words. He taught me about shifting the weight of a car to improve grip, road positioning and that there could be a tractor with its hay bale spikes pointing towards me round that corner. Most importantly he taught me how to take someone at the lights (nose at their front quarter so they don't notice, watch the perpendicular lights to give a hint for the green light and 2k rpm).
The B6161 suggested to me that I like adrenaline. Shortly the front discs were warped. I was still allowed to drive the car and a clean run was exhilarating. The right hander before the hill that's much more acute than it looks, the uphill switchback and the twisty segment before the log straight downhill into the bumper scraping bridge (South to North).
Then a Gap Yaaaar. I worked for part of it and needed transport as my mum needed her car for work. I was told to choose a small engined small hatchback. I went for a Vauxhall Corsa based purely on it's 0-60 time of 12.0 seconds.
My first car was a MK2 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 SXI in Ultra Blue. It was awful. It understeered everywhere and was still ridiculous to insure. But it served me well, including 4 up camping trips to Beadnall.
It was sold whilst i was campervanning my way round NZ and Oz.
Next was Uni. I learnt to love cycling, got on a bus and walked. Occasionally I drove my girlfriends MK2 Toyota Yaris 1.3 SR. She still has it and it's a revvy little thing and immensely well packaged. But it doesn't like corners much.
6 years later I finished Uni and got given a job. I was living in South Manchester and cycling to Macclesfield. It rained. It got cold. My knee hurt. So i gave myself a budget of £1200 and did a bit of researching on Pistonheads.
A bike ride to Rochdale and £725 to a pair of 'init' local dealers later I had my first fully self funded car.
The interior took me straight back to the days of those supplemental lessons with my mum. It was a MK1 Focus 2.0 Zetec, in Arctic Silver. I expected the worst given the dodgy dealers but it was surprisingly good apart from a wobble at 70mph and bit of rust here and there.
It was my first sub 10 second car (to 60) and despite 4 mismatched tyres causing you to spin at 20mph in the wet I felt that exhilaration again. I fitted 4 new tyres and thought the grip was phenomenal.
It was great for the money and lasted 2 years including tip duty in a full house refurb. I gave it away but unfortunately it failed its next MOT spectacularly and was scrapped.
In July of last year I placed an order for a new car. I had always wanted a hot hatch after those Yorkshire roads. After browsing the classifieds and Pistonheads I stumbled across the Lease Deals Thread.
I wanted something a bit different and a delivery date of October was set for a Peugeot 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport in Power Orange.
It's addictive. I love every journey I take.
The turbocharged 1.6 4 pot has a bit of a lag, but is more than adequate and the induction noise above 4.5k rpm is addictive. The exhaust could be a tiny bit louder but the drone at motorway speeds is already a tad annoying so I probably wouldn't change it.
The ride is stiff. Very stiff. My fiancee (same girl as from the Gregg's era) hates it. I find I explain the car to passengers every time the get in. But going round a tight bend the lack of body roll is very impressive. Unfortunately I now live near Central Manchester where the road condition and speed bumps would probably be better negotiated in something more compromising.
The grip on the OEM MPSS is never ending and coupled with an LSD I sometimes find it hard to push past the limits (when safe). The LSD is noticeable. Turn in, floor it and you'll be dragged round. However after getting any air over a crest, or even very uneven roads, the LSD can end up pulling the car from the intended direction of travel.
The seats are gorgeous, central Alacantra with leather side bolsters. It fits perfectly. The steering wheel is stubby but tactile and induces good hand positioning. The gearknob can be cold in winter but is a lovely thing to hold. Generally the cabin is a lovely place to be and it's nice to have working air con and cruise control for the first time.
The paint is a gorgeous sparkly colour but chips very easily.
It's not been entirely reliable despite covering only 8000 miles. At mile 150 I received it and noticed a clicking on full lock. Peugeot gave the car a whole new LSD. It's recently developed a lumpy idle/misfire when first starting it up in warmer weather. This stops if you turn it on/off. It's due for it's first service and some new front tyres so they will shortly be arranged.
Despite it's drawbacks, a recent trip to Black Mountain via the B4518 showed me how much the car could do. I was immediately drawn back to those days of the first days of freedom and the B6161. The ability to overtake quickly and the extra grip on offer made for a really fun drive. Black Mountain happened to start from the cottage we stayed in and the local supermarket was on the other side. Cue daily shopping trips. It really is a great road and my mate was an excellent passenger, we both had a thrilling time.
Car is on a 3 + 23 at £169 with 10000 miles.
If you got this far thanks for reading.
Really like the look of those, yours especially is a fantastic little looking thing!
And for that price, what an utter bargain! Is that including VAT? If so i'd have been sorely tempted myself for reliable budgeted motoring!
Not a leeds native but i live in north leeds and think i know the roads you mention too, some good roads but usually too much traffic
And for that price, what an utter bargain! Is that including VAT? If so i'd have been sorely tempted myself for reliable budgeted motoring!
Not a leeds native but i live in north leeds and think i know the roads you mention too, some good roads but usually too much traffic
smiley_boy2501 said:
Thanks. I was very happy with the colour when it arrived. It's gorgeous in full sun.
£169.27 Inc VAT. Don't remember any fees either.
North Leeds is the perfect base for exploring! Anywhere North/North East of Harewood house is great. Fun
Wow, scandolous price for such a car! Bet youre chuffed.£169.27 Inc VAT. Don't remember any fees either.
North Leeds is the perfect base for exploring! Anywhere North/North East of Harewood house is great. Fun
Is the 1.6 the same as the chocolate one from
The citroen ds3 and previous gen mini cooper?
Does make me think why i pay circa £170 a month on average to run my 911 when i could have a car like yours trouble free :/
Great underrated little cars. I had a ice silver one for 6 months and it was so good on a B road.
Like you say the grip and flatness when cornering is astonishing.
The speedo says it’s going faster than it felt at times and I found the engine note a bit dull.
Loved the tiny steering wheel as it made it feel even more like a go kart and it comes with very good equipment as standard.
I just found it came alive on a country road and was a bit tiresome everywhere else. It’s one of those cars that when it’s on it, it’s quite special.
And a lot rather than a fiesta ST.
Also your colour is fantastic! Hope you enjoy it the longer you have it.
Like you say the grip and flatness when cornering is astonishing.
The speedo says it’s going faster than it felt at times and I found the engine note a bit dull.
Loved the tiny steering wheel as it made it feel even more like a go kart and it comes with very good equipment as standard.
I just found it came alive on a country road and was a bit tiresome everywhere else. It’s one of those cars that when it’s on it, it’s quite special.
And a lot rather than a fiesta ST.
Also your colour is fantastic! Hope you enjoy it the longer you have it.
kaveney said:
Nice looking car .
I was looking at them and had it between this and the Fiesta ST .
I went for the Fiesta ST but always take a second look at the 208 GTI on the road .
I was more than happy with my choice of the Fiesta St when I had a chance to drive one of these GTI's, had real trouble with seating positions and really didn't enjoy it.I was looking at them and had it between this and the Fiesta ST .
I went for the Fiesta ST but always take a second look at the 208 GTI on the road .
pixelatedJH said:
Enjoyed the story, thanks for writing up. Nice car too!
Thanks for reading everyone! Happy to help pass the time. It really has been an enjoyable foray into a 'Big boys' car (even if it's little) and has really kick started my love of cars again. Weekends are often taken up by cycling as I find it's good for both my mental and physical health but I visit my parents and see my partners parents in Harrogate letting me visit the B6161. Tbh the first time I did it after getting my new car I felt travel sick at the end of the journey and I was driving!
Mike1990 said:
Love these! such a well sorted Hot Hatch and quite rare on the roads, I’ve only seen 1 around my area!
I do love the rarity of it. I've seen a few standard GTIs and one of those in the same orange but no by PS at all. Saw a couple in Europe attacking various cols though!The half/half red/black is an odd option as a colour scheme.
smiley_boy2501 said:
... letting me visit the B6161. Tbh the first time I did it after getting my new car I felt travel sick at the end of the journey and I was driving!
Love that you mentioned this fantastic road, living in Leeds it's one place I return to time and again for a good hoon, absolutely brilliant piece of tarmac.Enjoyed your write up too, it's nice when these threads have a bit of a story behind them. Certainly a very handsome thing the 208, particularly in this colour. I hope it gives you many more wonderful journeys!
Interesting.....I've got the standard GTi in Rioja Red and I absolutely love it. I did look at the P Sport version you have but it was a bit too hardcore for me although I wouldn't mind the better brakes and the LSD added to mine. Oh and maybe a slightly better sounding exhaust as well, other than that it suits me perfectly.
Thanks for all the positive comments. Despite its shortfalls I sincerely look forward to driving it. Even when popping down to B&Q.
The lease is 3+23 through Wessex Fleet Solutions who seem to be under Alphabet GB. No link as it was last July (16) I ordered it. It was around the time of the polo gti lease deals which were around the same price. I'm fairly sure I just found it via contracthireandleasing. Lucky I guess! I'm fairly sure I posted it in the lease deals thread.
The lease is 3+23 through Wessex Fleet Solutions who seem to be under Alphabet GB. No link as it was last July (16) I ordered it. It was around the time of the polo gti lease deals which were around the same price. I'm fairly sure I just found it via contracthireandleasing. Lucky I guess! I'm fairly sure I posted it in the lease deals thread.
Great looking car there, i owned a '14 plate GTi prestige ( basically the standard GTi with every option but standard drivetrain)
From few PS GTi owners ive spoke to mine sounds like a much softer car in terms of suspension but still had good body control and down a country road had a very good "flowing" motion - it really did fly down a road. And as a daily it was fantastic - well equipped, comfortable, subtle and quick enough to keep up with anything on the right road. I miss it hugely.
Love the colour too
From few PS GTi owners ive spoke to mine sounds like a much softer car in terms of suspension but still had good body control and down a country road had a very good "flowing" motion - it really did fly down a road. And as a daily it was fantastic - well equipped, comfortable, subtle and quick enough to keep up with anything on the right road. I miss it hugely.
Love the colour too
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