The Peugeot 208 GTi is a class act.
One of the original hot-hatches when it was first released, the latest version retains the desirable get up and go approach to its power delivery but it now comes with more refinement than ever.
It strikes a fine balance between that refinement and raw power when you want it.
Internally, the designers have done a brilliant job on making it both functional and attractive. The leather seats, leather padded fascia and bright highlights with a multi-tude of sweeping curves around the cabin are pleasing on the eyes yet effectively divide the display into essential and desirable functions and features.
The driver and front passenger have deeply sculptured supporting seats with a lot of adjustment room, but the seat belt mountings are fixed, and those behind have modest legroom once they squeeze behind the tilted seat.
Visibility is good to front and sides, more limited over the shoulder and when reversing with its three-door design, but the wipers are big.
The boot is easy to load despite having a high sill and its capacity begins with 285litres. The inside oddments room is reasonable as well both infront and behind.
It is packed with features and we found them a bit daunting when it came to the multi-mode information system with its enormous range of menus but its display was pin sharp. Nevertheless it’s not the easiest to use on the move.
The powertrain produced tremendous acceleration and speed which could be safely handled thanks to the nicely balanced steering and very powerful brakes underfoot and it all went onto the road in a drama-free manner.
It’s a firm ride, particularly over some bad surfaces, but the handling is very responsive and safe without being nervous or twitchy.
It really is a car in which you could undertake a long holiday by road and enjoy the experience.
We averaged about 37mpg on test, some way off the stated combined figure possibly but it does not have a stop/ start economy system to assist it stretch those figures.
If you had to pick out something which intruded because it was otherwise very insulating, there is constant road noise from the big wheels and tyres and a background rumble from the engine which rises into a pleasant roar under acceleration. Wind noise and other mechanical noises were low.
This is a performance hot hatch you could live with day in, day out and enjoy at weekends as well. It has knock-out performance in a velvet glove.
Fast facts:
Peugeot 208 GTi 3dr £18,900
Insurance group: 30E
Mechanical: Mechanical: 4cyl 1598cc 200bhp at 5800rpm and 275Nm at 1750rpm, 6sp manual
Max speed: 143mph
0-62mph: 6.8sec
Combined mpg: 47.9mpg (37mpg on test)
CO2 emissions: 139gkm
BIK rating: 19%/ VED band E
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles
For: Performance, ride & handling, equipment
Against: Rear visibility, rear seat access, complicated info system and road noise.
