A Test Drive of the Peugeot 208 GTi | Peugeot

Peugeot 208 GTi | プジョー 208 GTi

Test Drive: Peugeot 208 GTi

A compact car in the Peugeot lineup208's sport model208 GTiis a descendant of the "205 GTi," which was active in rally events such as the "Paris-Dakar Rally" and "WRC." Toshifumi Watanabe test drove this 208 GTi, which goes on sale in Japan on July 1st, ahead of its release.

Text by WATANABE Toshifumi

Reflections on the 206 and 207

"A car that is small yet considerate, and a fun daily partner to drive"

The "hot hatch," which rapidly expanded from the late 1980s onwards, perfectly fit this concept.

Long-time car enthusiasts will recall that from the late 1980s, models like the VW Golf GTi, Renault R5 Turbo, and Peugeot 205 GTi emerged. They retained the utility of their base models, allowing four adults to ride, while appealing with their refined performance and understated styling. They gained a steady following among car lovers as sophisticated sports compacts suitable for any occasion.

Peugeot 205 GTi | プジョー 205 GTi

Of course, that hasn't changed, but it doesn't feel quite the same. With enhanced sportiness and luxury... the width has increased, but if you're looking for a model that blends in with everyday life, is stress-free to drive, and doesn't stand out, you might find few options. Many might feel this way.

Speaking of width... today's hot hatches have become a bit too large and substantial for daily use.

Peugeot, starting with the "206" as the successor to the "205",207offered the more luxurious "GT" and the sportier "RC" around the GTi, providing three grades to cover diverse needs. However, it seems there was a reflection that trying to cater to such fine-grained needs had, in the end, diluted the GTi's identity.GTHowever, it seems there was a reflection that trying to cater to such fine-grained needs had, in the end, diluted the GTi's identity.

Peugeot 208 GTi | プジョー 208 GTi

Test Drive: Peugeot 208 GTi (2)

GTi for the Discerning

The 208 GTi, launched with the slogan "GTi is Back," aims to "chicly" deliver multi-performance on public roads. The "chic" that Peugeot uses to describe this car translates to understatement in British terms. This is precisely the worldview captured by the original 205 GTi.

The 208's interior already boasts top-class quality among current B-segment cars, but the GTi's interior is differentiated with accents of the theme color red. The meter rings, outlined in red, feature an LED illumination gimmick, but the brightness is subtly adjusted to avoid being distracting to the driver's line of sight.

Red gradients are added to the trim, giving the GTi a more pronounced character than its exterior, yet the high quality of each element prevents the overall impression from feeling toy-like.

The leather combination seats, with red accents throughout, lack the typical soft ride of French cars but firmly envelop the body, balancing a pleasant touch with excellent support.

The 208 GTi is powered by PSA's flagship 1.6-liter direct-injection four-cylinder turbo engine, producing 200 horsepower and 275 Nm of torque from 1,700 rpm.

Meanwhile, the vehicle weight has been reduced by approximately 90 kg compared to the previous "207 RC." Even with fluids included, the Japanese standard measurement is a light 1,200 kg, and its dimensions are the same as the standard 208, maintaining its ease of handling.

In terms of performance, with a top speed of 230 km/h and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6.8 seconds, it boasts top-tier speed for a B-segment hot hatch, while its CO2 emissions of 139 g/km demonstrate contemporary environmental performance.

Incidentally, the 208 GTi is only available as a 3-door model and exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. While this combination might seem commercially challenging in Japan, it can also be seen as an expression of the GTi's premium nature, chosen by those with specific preferences.

Peugeot itself states that the driving pleasure, a key factor for the 208 GTi, is brought about precisely by this combination. In simpler terms, it's a message that says, "It's fun precisely because it's a simple body with a three-pedal setup."

Peugeot 208 GTi | プジョー 208 GTi

Test Drive: Peugeot 208 GTi (3)

Testing the GTi on the former Monte Carlo Rally Stages

The 208 GTi's drive is light and smooth from the moment it starts moving, so refined that it's hard to believe it's a car with immense power channeled through the front wheels. The steering offers a pleasant, crisp feedback with a moderate heft, making the large 205/45R17 tires feel unobtrusive.

Attention has also been paid to sound insulation, and the exhaust note is not overly exaggerated... making the cabin as quiet and comfortable during cruising as the base model.

The test course, set in an area that was once the stage for the Monte Carlo Rally, featured plenty of tight, winding roads with occasional severe bumps and large undulations. Yet, the 208 GTi demonstrated surprising performance in these challenging conditions.

Even under hard acceleration and braking, the suspension stays firmly planted, providing excellent traction. The reactions are rounded and forgiving, never transmitting harsh impacts to the occupants. The ride feel, with its moderate body roll, allows it to corner swiftly and gracefully, truly evoking the spirit of the Peugeot 205 GTi.

Furthermore, what underpins this enjoyable driving experience is its manageable size and weight, perfectly suited for Japan's narrow mountain roads. Its ease of maneuverability and nimble behavior, which make even frequent gear changes a pleasure, are also highly convenient for spirited driving in urban environments.

With its understated exterior, high-quality interior, and exquisite suspension that gently supports its immense power, the 208 GTi is an ideal choice for a sophisticated sports hatch for adults, with few competitors in its class. The manual transmission, rather than being a drawback, adds an element of surprise and is sure to enhance the driver's presence.

spec