Peugeot 208 GTi: Putting excitement back into driving
Peugeot’s latest take on its GTi 208 range offers an intriguing combination of sportiness and practicality. Discussing the 208’s latest incarnation, the French company says: “despite finally being a ‘grown up’, it’s still not a car for real grown-ups.”
The new GTi 208 draws on the history of the GTi 205, one of the most popular “hot hatch” cars of the 1980s, which gained a cult following thanks to its small size, maneuverability and powerful 1.6 or 1.9 litre engines. The update maintains this, with a 1.6 litre, 200 horsepower turbo four engine to go with the traditional lightweight body.
The engine has also been adjusted to comply with Euro six pollution requirements, so it’s good for the environment as well as for thrill seekers.
The design emphasises the car’s sporty credentials with sleek lines. It comes with 18 inch alloy wheels as standard and halogen lights: features that add both style and function. Shiny chrome fittings and a checkerboard grille with the classic Peugeot lettering at the front are also prominent. It’s clear that this car is meant to look fun.
It also comes with ring of daytime LED lights around the headlights, which Peugeot say give the car a “feline” look.
The new model comes with practical new features to make the driving experience more seamless, like a smaller steering wheel and head-up display, which has the added benefit of improving driver safety.
The latest 208 has also had its ride level lowered by ten millimetres, which should increase the immediacy of the driving experience, and appeal to those who like to lower their standard vehicles’ suspension.
Available in a wide variety of colours, the new GTi 208 is sure to appeal to a wide audience, whether it’s the younger generation of petrolheads, or those further on in life who want to relive the excitement of their youth, while still needing a practical car for day-to-day life.