Peugeot 208 GTi

Peugeot 208 GTi – Overview

The legend of Peugeot’s GTi badge began with the 205 GTi, way back in 1984. That OG hot hatchback, together with another GTI badge from a German rival, was instrumental in the rise of the segment of highly entertaining and exceedingly utilitarian cars we know today.

In the intervening years, the French GTi badge lost some of its lustre. Both the 206 and 207 GTi in the noughties were forgettable cars. In the 30-odd years of history, only two others with the badge were worthy: the 106 GTi and 306 GTi-6. Until now.

The 208 GTi was launched first in 2013, and the supermini was last updated in 2017. The new car is a more refined and subtler approach to the pedal-to- the-metal recipe of the OG, which is very much in line with the modern interpretation of a hot hatchback.

Peugeot 208 GTi – Exterior

The 208 GTi only comes in 3-door guise, and the update in 2017 was not ground breaking, but it kept the stylish little car fresh for another few years. In Malaysia, the U-shaped red trim at the bottom of the grille has been replaced by a simple stripe in red, and new LED tail lights now feature the carmaker’s famous ‘lion claws’ motif. 

Unchanged are the headlights that are specific to the 208 GTi, which features handsome C-shaped LED indicators, as well as the 17-inch two-tone ‘Carbone’ alloys.Unlike many other rivals who opt for darkened accents to highlight their sporty credentials, the 208 GTi instead goes for silver trim. There is also a hotter version of the hatch called the 208 GTi Peugeot Sport. This steroid-infused version features 18-inch alloys and twin round exhausts.

Peugeot 208 GTi – Interior

Where once there was try-hard red-gradated decorative trim all around the interior of the car, now there is timeless piano black trim, which is a welcome change. The door handles are also redesigned with a red stripe – just like the Peugeot Sport variant.

The small and chunky steering that blocks the display instruments remains unchanged, as is the good old-fashioned 6-speed shifter here, which is the only option. Some markets receive Alcantara trimmed seats in top specced variants, but the only one in Malaysia has Club Nappa leather with Caro Weave fabric combination for its front buckets.

For a supermini, the interior is surprisingly roomy. The rear seats are useable for two adults, but only just, and there is an overall feeling of quality and style inside.

Peugeot 208 GTi – Features

Even though there is a price bump in the refreshed 208 GTi in Malaysia, it loses some kit that were standard to the outgoing one – which was one of the appeals of the supermini actually. Gone are the panoramic glass roof, Park Assist, and front parking sensors, but everything else remained.

There’s a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and six speakers, automatic headlights and wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an automatic engine stop/start function. In the safety department, there’s no ADAS in any form, just the usual suite of passive equipment: six airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, stability control, and ISOFIX anchors at the rear seats.

Peugeot 208 GTi – Powertrain

Perhaps the greatest update for the hot hatch lies under the hood. The Prince 1.6-litre THP (Turbo High Pressure) inline-4 is the same, but has been tweaked to be more efficient and more powerful. It is now Euro 6 compliant, and power is up to 210 PS (or 208 hp, geddit) at 6,000 rpm and 300 Nm at 3,000 rpm. These are the same figures as the special Peugeot Sport variant.

This is 8 PS and 25 Nm more than the pre-facelift Pug, but at noticeably higher revs. The power is channeled through a slick 6-speed manual transmission to the front wheels only. This is the only transmission option, and there’s nothing fancy here, just good old-fashioned driving fun. The Peugeot Sport 208 GTi even gets a Torsen differential to highlight its additional prowess, as well as uprated springs and dampers that also makes this variant lower.

Peugeot 208 GTi – Driving Performance

All of this grunt means the refreshed 208 GTi only takes 6.5 seconds to go from standstill to 100 km/h, which is three tenths faster than before. Top speed is the same, at 230 km/h. The hot hatch is nimble and agile. The small steering is fast and whippy, while the thickness means there’s some meat in the driver’s hands. However, although the response is quick, feedback is a little vague.

Peugeot 208 GTi reviews all agree that the eager hatch really shines in terms of stability. Mid-corner bumps are easily shrugged off, and there is a flow to the setup of the suspension. For unadulterated levels of fun, the electronic nannies can also be fully switched off.

Peugeot 208 GTi – Ride Comfort

Unlike its rival, the Ford Fiesta that is considered to have the best handling in its class but has a rock-hard ride, the 208 GTi is beautifully compliant. The bucket seats are not overtly cossetting, and the ride is nicely controlled. 

Like all cars with a shorter wheelbase, everything that happens under the car will be felt. The ride is on the firm side of comfortable still, as opposed to the run-of-the-mill 208’s (known as the 208 Puretech) almost marshmallow-like ride. 

Peugeot 208 GTi – Fuel Economy

Peugeot 208 GTi – Conclusion

The Peugeot 208 GTi rides the line between performance and utility – the two main pillars of hot hatches – with a certain grace that is often seen in French cars. The recipe that was handed down by the 205 GTi was noted, and altered to fit a moderate, modern enthusiast. 

It was a successful change too. Where its recent predecessors were forgotten except by geeky enthusiasts, this supermini will definitely be remembered as the one that successfully gave new life to the French marque’s interpretation of the coveted GTi badge.