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?
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