You have to wonder whether the Peugeot marketing team eventually got used to, and prepared themselves for, the audible groan from the gathered media at the same point in each of its press briefings for the international launch of its new 208 GTi. The point in question was where the Peugeot team mentions that the newest GTi has been developed to be both entertaining to drive and comfortable. The point when the journalists realise that the mint example of an original 1,9-litre 205 GTI displayed in the hotel foyer is only there to represent the spirit of Peugeot GTi rather than hint at the seat-of-the-pants, raw, focused experience reincarnated in the new car.
I for one was neither surprised nor especially disappointed at the mention of the more refined nature of the new 208 GTi. While I would still dearly love to have a go in an original 205 GTi to experience what pure hot hatch motoring was like in the late 80s, the fact remains that, in real world terms, Peugeot simply has to offer a car that is not only good at shredding mountain passes but is as accomplished an everyday commute.
Having covered more than 1 000 km in the new 208 GTi, including sections of the Monte Carlo rally, Route Napoleon, and the French Alps, as well as a fair share of motorway driving, I can say that I not only now know the car very well, but have also grown particularly fond of it.
There’s a lot to like about Peugeot’s latest GTi. For starters it is only available with an “old school” six-speed manual transmission. Don’t get me wrong, while I certainly appreciate the fact that a modern double-clutch transmission has its advantages, both at the traffic lights and in traffic, a part of me still hopes that the manual shifter sticks around for a few years to come, particularly for use in lightweight point-and-press machinery. On the subject, the new 208 GTi has been kept relatively light at around 1 160 kg.
I like the fact that there is only one drive mode and two traction control options (on and off) and I especially like the fact that the 275 N.m of torque produced from the turbocharged 1,6-litre petrol engine has been evenly spread throughout the rev band. What this means is that third gear becomes the weapon of choice when negotiating long, sweeping bends and a shift to fourth at the 6 200 r/min redline doesn’t necessarily signal the end of the punch. Shift down to second gear thorough tighter corners and the inside rear alloy will lift as the Michelin-shod front wheels effortlessly hold their line.
Pointed straight, the new 208 GTi should despatch a 0-100 km/h run in a very respectable sub-7 seconds.
The GTi sits 8 mm lower to the ground than a standard 208, while the front and rear tracks have been widened by 10 mm and 20 mm respectively. Spring ratings have been stiffened by 20 per cent all round and the rear anti-roll bar is 50 per cent stiffer than in lesser models.
Peugeot has included some of the smallest circumference steering wheels in the business in its 208 range, and in the GTi this adds to the excitement of the package as smaller inputs are required for fast changes of direction. My only gripe about the position of the dials in relation to the steering wheel is that, from my preferred low-slung driving position, the dials are blocked by the thick rim.
So the 208 GTi is fun to throw around corners but, as mentioned earlier, Peugeot is also keen for it to have a broader appeal as well. In this regard the French manufacturer has taken a leaf out of the Volkswagen GTI’s book and given the 208 GTi a genuine split personality. While the suspension is firm enough to cope with performance-hindering body roll it is also pliant enough to live with most road imperfections (something at which previous-generation hardcore hot hatches such as the Renault Clio RS were not as accomplished).
Externally, I really like the fact that the 208 GTi will only be available in three-door guise (true to its heritage). 17-inch alloy wheels are standard fitment and red callipers clasp 302 mm ventilated discs up front and 249 mm items at the rear. Dual exhaust tailpipes protrude from the rear fender while a section of the front grille (below the chrome highlight) is painted red no matter what exterior colour is chosen.
Expect to see the 208 GTi on local roads by July 2013 and, all things considered, very keenly priced.
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: Approximately R260 000
All manufacturer-claimed figures
