Peugeot 208 GTi Review (2013)

It seems to be the year of the hot hatch, we have just reviewed the new Fiesta ST, Renault has introduced a new Renaultsport Clio Turbo and now we have the Peugeot 208 GTi.

The Peugeot 208 GTi was launched on the 18th April 2013, joining the rest of the 208 range.

The 208 GTi follows on from some legendary Peugeot GTi models, such as the 205 GTi which was introduced in 1984 and won many loyal fans.

What is strange is to look at the performance figures then and now the 205 GTi 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 123 mph from a 1.9-litre engine, which used to seem very quick - move on 30 years and the new 208 GTi is capable of 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds and 143 mph - how times have changed but is it as good or as exciting to drive.

We have tested the new Peugeot 208 GTi to find out.

The Peugeot 208 GTi is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 200 bhp at 5,800 rpm and 275Nm at 1,700 rpm. This will propel the 208 GTi from 0-62 mph in a respectable 6.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 143 mph. The engine is derived from BMW and is the same petrol unit albeit modified as seen in the MINI, and used in Peugeot's RCZ.

If you are interested the CO2 emissions are 139 g/km and the official combined cycle fuel consumption is recorded as 49.9 mpg. We achieved around 32 mpg over our mixed test route and on the motorway we saw around 38 mpg.

Performance wise we found the GTi relatively responsive, and you could be lazy with it - with 275Nm of torque available from 1,700 rpm, there is little turbo lag. Disappointingly there was not much noise but unlike their rivals Peugeot do not synthesize their exhaust note or channel into the cabin like Renault.