It seems that barely a week goes by and we are covering the launch of another new hot hatch. Just last week Volkswagen unleashed the Golf 7 GTI onto the local market and you can read about it here. A few weeks back we brought you Kyle Kock’s first drive impressions of Ford’s Fiesta ST (a full test of which you can read in the August issue of CAR). This week it was Peugeot’s turn to join the fray when it debuted its pocket rocket the 208 GTi for South African audiences.
As the name denotes this model is based on the common or garden 208, which has proved to be a real sales success for the marque both locally and abroad. However, the GTi model, as you may expect, is a far cry from its siblings.
Three doors only
For starters, it is the only three-door model available in the range, for now, as an entry-level 1,0-litre version joins the line-up at under R150 000 before year end. Not only does the bodystyle create a sporty profile but so too does the lowered stance, aero body kit, larger alloys and a natty chrome strip that runs along the window line and terminates in a GTi badge on the C pillar.
More red than you can shake a paintbrush at
The model-specific treatment continues inside where the splashes of red abound. From the instrument cluster, to the floor mats, seat belts and the stitching and seat upholstery, the light hue is found everywhere, even on the graduated door handles.
Fans of small steering wheels will be happy to note that Peugeot has retained the standard car’s comically tiny item in this car. In a similar vein with other 208 models if your body proportions/seat adjustment does not suit the car just so, as driver you run the risk of not having a clear view of the instruments.
High level spec
Peugeot has taken the bold move to release this car in an extremely high specification level, especially when you consider the price. Among the standard features you can count six airbags, 2 x USB ports, partial leather interior, dual-zone climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system that includes satnav and an automated parking function.
On top of that the company is throwing in a five years/60 000 km maintenance plan. When you look at the nearest competitors and compare specification levels against the new Pug you can’t help but see what good value it is. Apart from the type of finish you prefer on your alloys, shiny or shinier (a R2 000 option), there is no other way to add to the price of a 208 GTI.
Enough firepower and three pedals
Of course a hot hatch can be chock full of extras but can fall flat on its face if it didn’t have the firepower to back it up. Thankfully it does. Under the hood lies the same 1,6-litre turbocharged engine as found in a Mini. The powerplant cranks out 147 kW and 275 N.m to return a benchmark sprint time of under seven seconds and a top whack of 230 km/h, according to the manufacturer.
Unlike some of main competitors that have removed gear shifting from the driver’s duties this car is available solely with a six-speed manual transmission. That powertrain is only tasked with hauling a car with a claimed 1 160 kg kerb weight.
An ideal compromise?
A few weeks ago my colleague Ian McLaren spent a prolonged period behind the wheel of this model covering a 1 000 km on European roads. His impressions are available here. He commented on the excellent ride quality is and that the car is still fun to chuck around when the tarmac gets twisty. I agree with him on all accounts.
On the back roads of the Eastern Cape the little car was fun to chuck but still maintained complete composure when faced with less than ideal surfaces. Then when we were let loose on the Aldo Scribante race circuit the fun factor remained. The little Pug seems to have expertly exploited the ground between the dour Polo GTI and Ford’s feisty Fiesta ST.
Let the battle begin
Buyers in this category are faced with an excellent set of offerings from Audi’s 136 kW A1 to Mini’s Cooper S and the two cars already mentioned above there is a pocket rocket to suit most personality types and wallets (sort of). BUT (and there always is one, isn’t there?) more competition arrives in a matter of months when Renault introduces the new Clio RS. I foresee the mother of all hot hatch comparisons in the near future and I can’t wait.
View our track test of the 208 GTI here.
Specifications:
Model: Peugeot 208 GTi
Engine: 1,6-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged
Power: 147 kW at 5 800 r/min
Torque: 275 N.m at 1 700 r/min
0-100 km/h: 6,8 seconds
Fuel consumption: 5,9 l/100 km
CO2: 139 g/km
Top speed: 230 km/h
Price: R259 900
Maintenance plan: 5 years/60 000 km
All manufacturer-claimed figures