Back to France... 208 GTi
Discussion
Hi over the years I've had plenty of little French hot hatches (206 GTi, 2x Clio 182, R5 GT Turbo) and it was time for another project. Found this one locally and went for a test drive to compare to the often praised Fiesta ST. Maybe it was a little over-hyped but to be honest the Fiesta didn't do it for me, admittedly it was a little rough around the images, but this Peugeot was presented immaculately, and the interior was just a step up for me. Actually, I remember testing out the 208 & 308 GTi at a show before they were released and I liked them then, and I still do!
I've already ordered a new number plate as I hate tatty ones and I don't need a Welsh flag on it!
Next up is to replace the GTi boot badge as it's damaged which doesn't show in the pics
I may upgrade to CarPlay, there's a company out there that does this with the factory screen
Some new mats, I may go red like the BPS ones
I don't love all the chrome... I've noticed you can buy genuine carbon fibre wing mirror caps so may chuck those on
The car might only be a short term one for me, around a year or so, however I'm hoping longer. I have already started to look at mods because that's what I do
the only issue on MOT earlier in the year was tyres need replacing all round. So that's an excuse to look at new wheels right? Which in turn is an excuse to look at suspension upgrades right? Next MOT is up for next summer, so I'll probably get at least that sorted around that time. So for now it's the few touch ups mentioned above, a full service and enjoy it until I get some electric niggles no doubt. Vive la France!
These are photos from the advert...
I've already ordered a new number plate as I hate tatty ones and I don't need a Welsh flag on it!
Next up is to replace the GTi boot badge as it's damaged which doesn't show in the pics
I may upgrade to CarPlay, there's a company out there that does this with the factory screen
Some new mats, I may go red like the BPS ones
I don't love all the chrome... I've noticed you can buy genuine carbon fibre wing mirror caps so may chuck those on
The car might only be a short term one for me, around a year or so, however I'm hoping longer. I have already started to look at mods because that's what I do
the only issue on MOT earlier in the year was tyres need replacing all round. So that's an excuse to look at new wheels right? Which in turn is an excuse to look at suspension upgrades right? Next MOT is up for next summer, so I'll probably get at least that sorted around that time. So for now it's the few touch ups mentioned above, a full service and enjoy it until I get some electric niggles no doubt. Vive la France!These are photos from the advert...
Well! No love for this one here eh lol. Oh well, I'll continue update anyway, as it's nice to keep a diary. So I got some replacement caps and chucked them on today. Very happy with them! Such a small change really, but do make a visual difference...
Next up I got my retrimmed steering wheel back from Royal Steering Wheels who always do an awesome job. Went for leather and Alcantera. Hoping to get this on within the next couple of days...
Finally, picked up some new wheels
didn't get a photo before putting them away into storage, as they won't be going on until next summer, but it's these ones...
Next up I got my retrimmed steering wheel back from Royal Steering Wheels who always do an awesome job. Went for leather and Alcantera. Hoping to get this on within the next couple of days...
Finally, picked up some new wheels
didn't get a photo before putting them away into storage, as they won't be going on until next summer, but it's these ones...Stretchly said:
Looks nice, I like the red but don't normally like red cars. How is the reliability so far? my Fiesta ST was bombproof but i've worked on a few PSA 1.6t's and they tend to have a few issues which hopefully wont happen or have already been worked through.
Thanks all.The red would have actually been my last choice lol, but it was local with low mileage so I didn't let it put me off.
After buying the car I found out it had a new engine and turbo around 18 months ago... I'm not really sure if that was good or bad news! However, it meant the timing chain was inspected and deemed to be fine, and also the fuel pump was replaced just before I bought it (common issue on these) so money has been spent, meaning hopefully I won't have to lol.
Got the new wheel on today
That steering wheel looks great. I've got a 208 too, and the wheel is showing a bit of wear so may also look into a refurb with Royals next year.
Regarding car mats, I didn't want to wear out my red Peugeot Sport ones, so bought a red set from Mr Car Mats and the match is pretty good. Obviously it's missing the logo, but they fit really well. The Carplay upgrade is also well worth it
Regarding car mats, I didn't want to wear out my red Peugeot Sport ones, so bought a red set from Mr Car Mats and the match is pretty good. Obviously it's missing the logo, but they fit really well. The Carplay upgrade is also well worth it
Well, after 3 cracked screens (don't ask) we finally have CarPlay installed 
I've also installed an under-seat sub/amp. First time I've done this and am quite impressed to be honest... I don't need mega boom bass these days, but it's 95% as good as my previous boot setup, and I'm enjoying keeping the extra space and the fact it's all hidden away and very OEM looking.
Originally, I wasn't sure I was going to bother with CarPlay, as the upgraded headunit online is around the £250 which seems a lot for essentially a better looking UI. However, as luck would have it I looked on eBay and found someone selling one for £40 (starting bid) and it finished in the early hours that same day. So, I chucked a cheeky bid on and went to bed. Woke in the morning to find it didn't get another bid, so for £40 it was mine! I needed to send it off to Magpie Autos to get coded to my car, but that was only an additional £30, so all-in-all a total bargain.
All I need to sort next is a wireless adapter. I've also attempted, along with ChatGPT support to write an iOS shortcut to automatically open certain apps when I connect to CarPlay at certain times of the day, but man... is it laborious. It's almost there, but so many times the info GPT seems to have is outdated and the options aren't available. I spent a good 3-4 hours on it the other day so have given up for now. Hopefully I'll get there!
I've also installed an under-seat sub/amp. First time I've done this and am quite impressed to be honest... I don't need mega boom bass these days, but it's 95% as good as my previous boot setup, and I'm enjoying keeping the extra space and the fact it's all hidden away and very OEM looking.
Originally, I wasn't sure I was going to bother with CarPlay, as the upgraded headunit online is around the £250 which seems a lot for essentially a better looking UI. However, as luck would have it I looked on eBay and found someone selling one for £40 (starting bid) and it finished in the early hours that same day. So, I chucked a cheeky bid on and went to bed. Woke in the morning to find it didn't get another bid, so for £40 it was mine! I needed to send it off to Magpie Autos to get coded to my car, but that was only an additional £30, so all-in-all a total bargain.
All I need to sort next is a wireless adapter. I've also attempted, along with ChatGPT support to write an iOS shortcut to automatically open certain apps when I connect to CarPlay at certain times of the day, but man... is it laborious. It's almost there, but so many times the info GPT seems to have is outdated and the options aren't available. I spent a good 3-4 hours on it the other day so have given up for now. Hopefully I'll get there!
Really loved my youth reliving 208GTI but the Mrs hatred it and called it a tin can, which meant it ended up going after 18 months.
Back roads it could keep up with a lot more expensive metal, a Bentley continental I think got annoyed that he couldn't escape it 😁
Only car I've also bought on my credit card and at 3pm on a Sunday after a walk to see it a mile away, quickest car sale ever for the salesman!
Back roads it could keep up with a lot more expensive metal, a Bentley continental I think got annoyed that he couldn't escape it 😁
Only car I've also bought on my credit card and at 3pm on a Sunday after a walk to see it a mile away, quickest car sale ever for the salesman!
I’ve always thought these and the larger 308 GTI were nice looking cars and seem good VFM too. Is it the same N18 engine seen in late R56 Mini Cooper S/JCW that they use?
I also like the red, is it Diablo Red? It reminds me of the lovely late-spec 306 GTI that I very nearly swapped my RS Turbo for back in the very early 00s.
Keen to see what wireless CarPlay adapter you go for as I’ve been thinking about getting one for my daily too and there seems to be a never ending amount of options out there.
I also like the red, is it Diablo Red? It reminds me of the lovely late-spec 306 GTI that I very nearly swapped my RS Turbo for back in the very early 00s.
Keen to see what wireless CarPlay adapter you go for as I’ve been thinking about getting one for my daily too and there seems to be a never ending amount of options out there.
Thanks all, yes I believe it's the N18 engine, luckily not suffering the same issues as the pre-facelift Minis.
Wheels are booked to go on in June at the same time as coilovers and Hunter wheel alignment, so should be driving nicely afterwards!
Also have something else pending to go on...
Wheels are booked to go on in June at the same time as coilovers and Hunter wheel alignment, so should be driving nicely afterwards!
Also have something else pending to go on...
Been a while, but, some progress!
Decided to continue with the de-chroming, and thought I'd give Plastidip a try. Pretty happy with the result to be honest, although I think I'll revisit and do the bit around the actual badge too. Then I'll probably tackle the front bumper next...
The only thing I would say, is that it's meant to be 'gloss' but, hmm... maybe satin at best 🤷♂️
Ceramic coated the new wheels ready to go on next week 🙌 they actually would have been on last week, but I forgot to purchase the spigot rings, doh...
Also the sports-cat is finally out the box and on the car. Zero to tiny difference in sound/performance but I had an issue with the OEM cat so it'd be rude not to upgrade, and it gives me the option for stage 2 if I go that route in the future...
Decided to continue with the de-chroming, and thought I'd give Plastidip a try. Pretty happy with the result to be honest, although I think I'll revisit and do the bit around the actual badge too. Then I'll probably tackle the front bumper next...
The only thing I would say, is that it's meant to be 'gloss' but, hmm... maybe satin at best 🤷♂️
Ceramic coated the new wheels ready to go on next week 🙌 they actually would have been on last week, but I forgot to purchase the spigot rings, doh...
Also the sports-cat is finally out the box and on the car. Zero to tiny difference in sound/performance but I had an issue with the OEM cat so it'd be rude not to upgrade, and it gives me the option for stage 2 if I go that route in the future...
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