The Peugeot 208 GTi has finally arrived on Australian shores. Based on the great looking Peugeot 208 the GTi has been sent by Peugeot engineers to bootcamp.. The sportier, muscular 208 GTi's appearance has been enhanced with bolder lines and wider bumpers helping to deliver an impressive sporty looking hot hatch.
A great list of standard equipment with a only one optional extra(metallic paint) Peugeot has delivered hot hatch priced from $29,990 to rival others in the segment.
``The new 208GTi draws a direct link back to the original hot hatch predecessor, the 205GTi. The 205GTi built the Peugeot hot hatch reputation and the 208Ti is a modern take on that hot hatch theme.
``We have had unprecedented levels of interest for the 208GTi and dealers are already holding substantial levels of forward orders,’’ said Peugeot Automobiles Australia General Manager/director Bill Gillespie.
Peugeot 208 GTi Overview
The hot hatch segment continues to grow in popularity, one of the main reasons is it ability to deliver “bang for your buck” enjoyment and the 208 GTi has plenty of bang.
The exterior offers 17inch alloys, red brake calipers and dual chrome exhaust, while inside you have dual-zone climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth, 2 x USB input and part Nappa leather upholstery. The touch screen infotainment system incorporates standard sat-nav.
Unless you want a white 208 GTi, you will need to stump up $750 for metallic paint, the only optional extra available besides accessories.
Peugeot 208 GTi Engine
The power plant for the 208 GTi is the award winning “2013 International Engine of the Year Award” which was developed by PSA (Peugeot/Citroen) and the BMW Group it is also found in the RCZ and Mini Cooper S.
The engine is loaded with technology including direct injection, variable valve timing, a volume flow-controlled oil pump and an on-demand water pump, helping improve fuel efficiency and reduces emissions by around 10% compared with the previous generation.
Powered by a 1.6litre turbocharged 6-speed manual petrol engine which produces 147kW at 5,500 rpm and 275Nm at 1,700 rpm. Sprinting from 0 to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds the Peugeot 208 GTi is no slowcoach, however you will need to get high revs under your belt to achieve a fast getaway.
Combined fuel consumption for the 208 GTi is 5.9litres per 100km, while it C02 is 139 g/km.
Peugeot 208 GTi Interior
The sporty theme is continued on the inside, stitched leather highlights on the door trims and dashboard. The sports seats are also partially covered in Nappa-leather, overall the cabin delivers a feeling of upmarket sporty refinement.
Jumping behind the small steering wheel you instantly notice that the dials which have chequered-flag background and white needles, are strangely positioned, instead of looking through the steering wheel you need look over it.. Dials are easy to read with information displayed clearly. The infotainment system can be a little confusing at first, but we are sure you will get use to it quickly.
As with all 3 door cars in can take some skill jumping in to the rear seats and the 208 GTi is no different, however once you are seated the space is very accommodating. Luggage capacity is 311 litres and 1152 with 60/40 rear seats folded which is on par for most cars in the hot hatch segment.
Peugeot 208 GTi Exterior and Styling
The three door 208 GTi is 10mm wider at the front and 20mm wider at the rear than the standard 208. Up front you will find new square shaped halogen headlamps, LED day running lights and indicator lights are signed off with a chequered flag to honour Peugeot's racing pedigreed.
At the rear he chrome double exhaust crosses the gloss black rear skirt, the 208 badge has been moved to the left of the tailgate making way for the GTi badge on the right.
The 17” alloy wheels look the goods and the flash of red brake callipers round out the sporty look.
Peugeot 208 GTi On The Road
Hot hatches need to handle sharply, have great grip, great body control and good feedback via the steering wheel.
The 208 GTi turns like its on rails, it's a point and shoot weapon. The smaller than average steering wheel provides adequate feedback and lets you feel like you have total control.
On tight twisty roads the 208 GTi can feel a little slow to change direction compared with other hot hatches, a comprise worth living with for softer day to day ride comfort.
Peugeot 208 GTi Challenges
For those that hanker back to the old days of the 205 GTi, they will find the Peugeot 208 GTi a little soft. One bonus is it wont jar every bone in your body around town.
There is no CD player so if your a lover of your own music you'll need make use of the two USB ports.
The red interior highlights on the armrests looks a little cheap and the infotainment unit is ripe for an aftermarket replacement.
Peugeot 208 GTi Verdict and Competition
The Peugeot 208 GTi delivers a great drive in an attractive package that offers a high level of comfort with action pack fun to boot.
If you are in the market for a hot hatch there a few to choose from.
Volkswagen Polo five door – Priced from $27,990 producing 132kW
Ford Fiesta ST - Priced from $25,990 producing 134kW
Renault Clio RS- Priced from $36,490 producing 147kW
Skoda Fabia RS – Priced from $27,990 producing 132kW
Suzuki Swift Sport - Priced from $23,990 producing 100kW
