Peugeot 208 GTi
Discussion
I recently decided to upgrade my T-reg 318 Touring for something small and nimble, and looked at several hatchbacks of a diesel nature and various brands all of which were perfectly competent and "nice" but there was nothing that really caught my fancy until I drove a 208 GTi which was (and is) a cracking car to drive. I drove the alternatives but there is a fun factor with the Peugeot that seemed lacking in its rivals. Having done some internet research and undertaken test drives, it seems to me an overlooked car. Once I decided that something non-diesel and preferably a bit quick was in order I investigated the Fiesta ST as a suitable option but have to say personally I think the GTi is a much more useable car.
I have had it now for coming up to two months and it is a brilliant car. Economy is no worse than the BMW and that is with some decidely inefficient driving! I haven't seen much mention of the 208GTi on here or indeed anywhere - which I don't really mind but just curious really as to why it doesn't really show up on the radar much.
I have had it now for coming up to two months and it is a brilliant car. Economy is no worse than the BMW and that is with some decidely inefficient driving! I haven't seen much mention of the 208GTi on here or indeed anywhere - which I don't really mind but just curious really as to why it doesn't really show up on the radar much.
I have one, had it for about 7 months now, only thing I hate is the black paintwork, a bloody mare to keep clean, plus it marks dead easy.
Done a few mods to it, uprated the speakers as the standards are pap, full exhaust system including a sports cat, a bigger front mount intercooler and a dump valve, love it.
Carl
Done a few mods to it, uprated the speakers as the standards are pap, full exhaust system including a sports cat, a bigger front mount intercooler and a dump valve, love it.
Carl
Edited by C. Grimsley on Sunday 14th September 23:46
Had mine for a month in Rioja Red, 980 miles on the clock so far. Very pleased with it, Very comfortable, good to throw about and just starting to stretch it's legs now it has few miles on the clock. I have only seen 2 other GTI's around my area.
I know what you mean about black paint, my previous car was black and seemed to get dirty very quickly.
I know what you mean about black paint, my previous car was black and seemed to get dirty very quickly.
I love them, and want one as my next car. I think they were harmed by the motoring journalists at the time badmouthing them over silly things like how it doesn't look sporty enough, the steering wheel obscuring the dials, and general moans about the interior and how it's laid out.
Personally I'd much rather have one over a Fiesta ST (don't shoot me!), because I think the Pugs interior is a class above the fiesta, and some people complain the ride is rock hard at lower speeds as well, whereas the Peugeot is much more supple, and personally I'd prefer that.
I also prefer the exterior on the 208, much more sloping and "fluid" somehow, the fiesta at the back looks a little too boxy in my opinion, and that's coming from someone who drives a Suzuki Swift Sport!
Personally I'd much rather have one over a Fiesta ST (don't shoot me!), because I think the Pugs interior is a class above the fiesta, and some people complain the ride is rock hard at lower speeds as well, whereas the Peugeot is much more supple, and personally I'd prefer that.
I also prefer the exterior on the 208, much more sloping and "fluid" somehow, the fiesta at the back looks a little too boxy in my opinion, and that's coming from someone who drives a Suzuki Swift Sport!
Well I can't recommend the GTi highly enough. A little cracker of a car. The ride is excellent - composed and supple but with enormous amounts of grip. It will let go but resolves itself brillantly. Living in Cornwall with our pre-historic roads too firm a set up becomes tiring very quickly, which is why I didn't stick with the BMW 120D M Sport for long - still the worst ride quality of any car I've driven let alone owned.
My next move will be to upgrade the speakers as they're a little bit underwhelming, but that aside I can't fault the 208.
My next move will be to upgrade the speakers as they're a little bit underwhelming, but that aside I can't fault the 208.
Well i have to make a first post sometime.... so hi!
Anyway, i've had my GTI for a little over a month from new now and and i'm very happy with it, they do seem to fly under the radar a little, it's a cracking car and it's nice to see a little bit of love for them here.
Likes -
The way it looks, i personally think it sounds decent too(a kind of subtle deep rumbly tone). The interior is a very nice place to be, the ride is obviously on the firmer side but it's excellently damped and comfortable. It's good fun to hustle along quickly, it flows very well and has a lot of grip. The engine is loosening up nicely and it feels fairly conservatively rated to me, i also love the MPG especially coming from an RX8 (Currently after 1500 miles i'm around 36mpg, i have seen 50mpg on a steady cruise). Does a more than respectable impression of a big continent crushing GT car.
Dislikes -
I agree about the speakers, they aren't the best really though it's hardly the worst stereo i've ever heard, It does the job basically. I also agree about the Nera Black paintwork, it looks beautiful but it marks easily, it's already marked on the boot and in need of a detail, it never seems to stay clean for long either.
If i can i'll get some pics up, it's filthy at the moment.
Anyway, i've had my GTI for a little over a month from new now and and i'm very happy with it, they do seem to fly under the radar a little, it's a cracking car and it's nice to see a little bit of love for them here.
Likes -
The way it looks, i personally think it sounds decent too(a kind of subtle deep rumbly tone). The interior is a very nice place to be, the ride is obviously on the firmer side but it's excellently damped and comfortable. It's good fun to hustle along quickly, it flows very well and has a lot of grip. The engine is loosening up nicely and it feels fairly conservatively rated to me, i also love the MPG especially coming from an RX8 (Currently after 1500 miles i'm around 36mpg, i have seen 50mpg on a steady cruise). Does a more than respectable impression of a big continent crushing GT car.
Dislikes -
I agree about the speakers, they aren't the best really though it's hardly the worst stereo i've ever heard, It does the job basically. I also agree about the Nera Black paintwork, it looks beautiful but it marks easily, it's already marked on the boot and in need of a detail, it never seems to stay clean for long either.
If i can i'll get some pics up, it's filthy at the moment.
Simonium said:
Just a couple of my white GTi. It's not fit for public viewing at the moment but will give it a damned good clean tomorrow as well as adding the little detailing bits I've got...
Mine is now upto 900 miles, under warranty it's had two front shocks, two rear shocks and the nav updated as it kept crashing, the dealers did want £120 but speaking to peugeot direct they covered the cost.
As a daily driver to work it's a great car, roll on the summer again as it's not going to stay clean in this weather.
Carl
thiscocks said:
How does the Peugeot compare to the 200? I like both but imagine the Peugeot is a bit better at the longer journeys.
I enjoyed the 200 more I have to say, really it is just a toy and to be honest the 208 is a bit soft for me. The 200 had a gearbox problem that Renault wouldn't admit too (was under warranty of course) I am considering a swap to a Megane 250 or 265 but we'll have to see. I really want an induction box for the 208 to make it a bit more exciting but the only one available is the forge one but it requires a remap 
Jonny
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