It is always worthwhile a manufacturer keeping its core models fresh – because as we all know, the market moves extremely fast nowadays. For 2015, Peugeot has refreshed its 208 supermini, with a few tweaks to its styling, trims and engines. Although that sounds pretty bog standard for a facelift, the addition of its new GT Line trim and 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol are quite significant.
The GT Line trim is ultimately aimed at those who want to look like they own a hot hatch, or at least a lukewarm hatch i.e. the 208 GTi. And the new three-cylinder turbo vouches to offer the frugality of a small engine with the power of a bigger one.
The model we tested had the whole shebang in terms of refreshed features, with the new trim and engine. Firstly, on the styling front, the tweaked 208 features slightly reworked front and rear bumpers as well as an altered grille - nothing worth shouting about, really.
The GT Line model we tested however splashed some red detailing on the front-grille, added a chrome exhaust and some cool 17-inch “Caesium” alloy wheels, which also had some red trim.
Although these features may seem subtle, they do actually make the 208 look a lot like the 208 GTi.
The inside gets some sporty additions as well, including bucket-style sports seats with red stitching, red detailing on the doors and seat belt, a leather steering wheel and aluminium pedals. It also adds dual-zone climate control and all-round electric windows. We are not really a fan of the 208’s shrunken steering wheel, but when wrapped in leather it feels a bit chunkier and more substantial – less like a toy car basically.
Onto the new three-cylinder. Like many other manufacturers, such as Ford and Vauxhall, Peugeot has smelt the bacon when it comes to three-cylinders and their lack of oomph and excitement. So, Peugeot has added a turbocharger to its 1.2-litre petrol unit.
Producing 110bhp, the new 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo delivers peak torque in almost half the revs of the naturally-aspirated model (1,500rpm), meaning it feels punchier all-round. As it has added power it is quicker off the mark, with our model completing the zero to 62mph sprint in 9.8 seconds – which is much quicker than the 14.5 seconds it takes the equivalent naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre 82bhp model. Like many other three-cylinder turbo units however, it actually feels faster than it says it is on paper.
Peugeot claims that its new 1.2 turbo boasts the power of a 1.6-litre petrol – and we agree with them; it is certainly one of the finer examples of how a three-cylinder turbo should feel. Thankfully, it doesn’t leave you sobbing when you floor it on the motorway when attempting to overtake someone – something that naturally-aspirated three-cylinders will almost definitely do.
We had it mated to the new EAT6 automatic gearbox, which delivers smooth gear changes up and down, and will certainly be able to keep up if you have a varied driving style. Speaking of driving style, the 208 hasn’t changed in the driving dynamics department, which means it still doesn’t offer the same amount of fun you get with a Ford Fiesta or Mazda2.
But what about CO2? Well, at 104g/km the 1.2 turbo emits the exact same as the equivalent naturally-aspirated 1.2 – and is the same when it comes to claimed average fuel economy as well (62.8mpg).
The biggest deal breaker is the price. Go for the new GT Line trim and 1.2 turbo and you are looking at around £16,000 – or if you add a few optional extras like we had (Pearlescent Paint, Active City Brake, Park Assist, Reversing Camera and Sat-Nav), you can end up paying almost £18,000. That’s rather shocking when you consider that you can buy a Fiesta ST for around £17,000 – or a 208 GTi for around £19,000.
The new three-cylinder turbo however certainly gives those who have their heart set on a Peugeot something with a bit of personality – and the French carmaker will be hoping that it is enough to keep its fan boys loyal.