It has been 29 years since Peugeot made a fast hatchback of real note, well the French manufacturer has turned back the clock to its glory days. The Peugeot 208 GTi is easily the best car the company has made since the infamous 205. The 208 GTi is a proper fast hatch - it's so good that it is a better car than the latest Renaultsport Clio - now that is some feat given that Renaultsport models were previously the benchmark in this class. Rivals include the Renaultsport Clio, Ford's Fiesta ST, the VW Polo GTi and the Skoda Fabia vRS to name but a few. The new Peugeot 208 GTi is a watershed moment in the history of fast Peugeot's - the lion has come roaring back. Performance Under the bonnet the Peugeot 208 GTi has a 200bhp 1.6-litre turbo engine. It is really nippy and can get from a standing start to 62mph in 6.8 seconds and will go on to a top speed of 143mph. The petrol engine is mated to a direct and smooth-shifting six-speed manual gearbox. Enthusiasts will love the 'box - there are no paddle-shifters - this is a proper gearbox for motorists that love driving. Easily one of the best hot hatches on the market - the Peugeot 208 GTi is the complete package -every time you get out you will have a grin from ear-to-ear. Pulling power is good, it has 275Nm of torque. When overtaking slower traffic you may need to drop down a cog or two but it will have enough shove to get past slower traffic even on single lane carriageways with relative ease. Ride and Handling This is one of the best cars in the sector. There is a little bias towards the rear making the 208 GTi a joy for enthusiastic drivers - almost reminiscent of the legendary Peugeot 205 GTi. The Peugeot 208 GTi feels agile, nimble and composed when cornering enthusiastically. Grip levels are phenonomal while there is a good level of feedback from the steering wheel. You always know where the front wheels are pointed thanks to the good levels of communication. The 208 GTi is 90kg lighter than the 207 GTi and feels like a 'hot' hatch whereas the 207 GTi only ever felt like a 'lukewarm' hatch. Even though the 208GTi is so good to drive, Peugeot, to its credit has also made the hot hatch comfortable when pootling around town. Yes, the suspension is 20 per cent stiffer when compared to a standard 208, however, you would not regret using this car as a daily driver as Peugeot 208 GTi comfort levels are excellent. Comfort and Practicality The Peugeot 208 GTi is a lot of fun but it is also very grown-up as well. Refinement levels are high making the cabin a pleasant place to spend time in. Road, tyre and wind noise are relatively well suppressed, however, prod the accelerator and you get the whirring of the turbo kicking into life. A little reminder that you're driving a GTi. Peugeot 208 GTi practicality levels are on a par with the class leaders. With the seats in place the Peugeot 208 GTi has a load space of 285 litres. The Renaultsport Clio has a load space of 300 litres whereas the Ford Fiesta ST has a load bay of 290 litres. The Peugeot 208 GTi is only available as a three-door model so access to the rear is a little restricted.. Six-footers will feel a bit cramped in the rear seats but it's ideal for young children. Up front the seats are comfortable and have good lumber and side supports. The touchscreen infotainment system in the GTi's cabin makes the kit easy to use. Running costs Peugeot 208GTi prices start from £18,895, that's more expensive than a Ford Fiesta ST. It starts at £16,995 but you get more standard equipment - to get the same level of equipment on the Fiesta ST then you need to go up a trim level and purchase the ST2 model. This version starts from £17,995. The Peugeot 208GTi is quicker than the Fiesta ST but only just - there's a difference of 0.1s in favour of the 208 GTi. The Peugeot 208 GTi is reasonably frugal. It has a claimed average economy of 47.9mpg and emits 139g/km of CO2 putting it in band E. That means you will pay £125 annually on road tax. Standard kit on the Peugeot 208 GTi includes LED headlight signature evoking a big cat's eye, 17-inch alloys, unique grille with a chequered flag design with chrome and piano black inserts, rear spoiler, sports seats, leather steering-wheel and gearknob, dual-zone climate control and six airbags. Summary At last, the Peugeot 208 GTi is deserving of the GTi moniker. It may have taken 29 years to get the formula right but Peugeot has made a future classic in the guise of the 208GTi. It is good on the twisty stuff and has plenty of power in a straight line to outgun some of its key rivals. Hot hatches are aimed at people who enjoy driving and this 208 GTi is good honest fun. It's versatile too, it is fairly frugal and will work as a daily driver as it is comfortable over long journeys. It's great to see a car worthy of that legendary GTi badge again.
