Friday 1st June 2018

Peugeot 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport: PH Fleet

There's not long left with the 208, but it continues to impress. Mostly...

---

You'll notice that Ben is no longer writing these reports, even if we have kept him for his photographic skills. Sorry to rub in your loss Ben. However, with the Mini about to depart and Ben returning to his own transport, I needed some wheels. And actually, I couldn't think of much better than the Peugeot Sport GTI if I tried.

In fact, we've asked Peugeot to extend the loan of KR67 DHD, because it's become such a loved member of the PH Fleet. Why? Read our comparison with the Fiesta ST200 for some idea, plus Ben's previous reports: this is the car that emphatically proves Peugeot is back on hot hatch form, even if the world still fails to take notice. (See, for example, Autocar's new Fiesta ST review, that lists the very ordinary old Ibiza Cupra as a rival and not the 208.) So much of the affection for Peugeot in the UK is built on its hot hatch heritage; as someone with joyous - if fleeting - memories of 306 Rallye ownership, I perhaps more than most welcome the return of a proper Peugeot pocket rocket.

There's been enough eulogising over the Peugeot's zesty dynamism though; a long-term test aims to reveal different strengths, and the 208 does have a few problems. Not deal breakers perhaps - but issues that are worth being aware of.

Firstly, with a ride this firm, a touchscreen really doesn't work. Whether in the conventional mode or using CarPlay, too often a prod is misplaced because of the 208's, er, focused suspension. Bit annoying when accidentally hitting the phonebook entry after the one you wanted to call. Or when you want to listen to one of the Capital stations and get Classic instead (although perhaps that's for the best). First-world problems and all that, but still irritating. There's some life in buttons yet, I think, as some of the German manufacturers prove, often in conjunction with a touchscreen. So room for improvement there, Peugeot.

Secondly, and without wishing to resurrect old stereotypes, I'm not sure the quality of the 208 feels quite as impressive as it should after 9,000 miles. The rattle Ben identified from the back couldn't be rectified and is pretty persistent - especially on my craggy urban commute. There's also evidence of some wear in the mats and the pedals; more than I would hope there to be, at least. That said, the interior plastics feel tough (they still look good, too), and everything shuts with a reassuring sense of heft. Perhaps I'm being overly harsh - let's see how it looks when it goes back to Peugeot.

Finally, it's worth noting that June is a big month for the Peugeot Sport 208. Not only will 'our' car return to its maker, the model itself goes off sale as attention turns towards a new 208. Consequently it's the perfect time to bag a deal on what really is one of the great little hot hatches of the last ten years. It goes to show how rare they are that only an original 30th Anniversary edition lurks on PH, though venturing elsewhere shows Peugeot Sport cars for sale at £16k with less than 2,000 miles - a bargain. Even with a new ST around, which we'll drive in the UK as soon as possible, the Peugeot still absolutely warrants attention.

---

FACT SHEET
Car: Peugeot 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport
Run by: Matt, having snatched it from Ben
On fleet since: November 2017
Mileage: 9,011
List price new: £23,550 (As tested £24,250 comprising £250 for Peugeot Connect SOS & Assistance, £250 for Active City Brake and £200 for Reversing Camera)
Last month at a glance: All the great hot hatches have flaws... don't they?

Previous reports:
2018 is huge for hot hatches - can any beat our current favourite?
Another great GTI at Goodwood
A fast Peugeot that doesn't want to shout about it...
308 is the magic number? No chance!

 

[GibsonSG]

Surprised about the complete lack of comments on this article, perhaps it's representative of the stated lack of awareness/interest in the car? Either way, I quite fancy one of these when the wife's ST 215 is due for renewal. Look like a bit of a bargain too for someone like me who prefers to buy rather than PCP (not wishing to re-ignite THAT debate!).

[culpz]

I'm starting to warm to the shape of these. This particular one looks great in the orange colour. The rear of it is particularly pleasant (ooh err!)

I still think the Fiesta ST reigns supreme for me though.

[Tenfourzero]

Mrs tenfourzero has the 1.2 and it's a pretty decent little number, you can feel the weight or lack of and it seems to enjoy being chucked about, stops well and is refreshingly simply, just the stuff that you need.

Is it quick, no, will it be good for 150k, no, will it win in a crash with an xc90, no. But it still has a certain French charm and was cheap as chips even new, I imagine that the gti version would be great to drive if the lower version is anything to go on, and you avoid the button fest of the fiesta interior.

[rb_89]

Seen a few of these about, not as many as Fiesta ST's (of course!) But it does sound good from what i've read / seen online.

Would like to have a blast in one... sadly I can't see myself owning one in the future as it's just too small (boot wise) for me nowdays.

[LG9k]

I had one of the normal versions of these. It was ok, the biggest problem being the enormous...
































...lag especially when using 2nd gear from, say, 20mph.

It really spoiled the whole driving experience.