Peugeot 208 GTI (2013 – 2019) Review

Peugeot 208 GTI (2013 – 2019) At A Glance

4/5

+Big improvement on the 207 GTi. Classy interior. Fun to drive.

-Lacks the handling finesse of other hot hatches. Is expensive compared to the Fiesta ST.

Insurance Groups are between 30–34
On average it achieves 81% of the official MPG figure

Peugeot has a Jekyll and Hyde reputation when it comes to building hot hatchbacks. Inspired by the brilliance of the 205 GTi, Peugeot ploughed significant resources into its hot hatch programme, but the resulting 206 GTi and 207 GTi left many feeling cold, with underpowered engines and stodgy handling. Now it is the turn of the 208 to get the GTi treatment, but has Peugeot finally built a worthy successor to the 205's crown?

When it comes to outright power, the new 208 is a huge improvement. In fact, the 208 GTi is the most powerful model to emerge from Peugeot’s hot hatch stable, with 200PS and a top speed of 143mph. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine, which is the same unit found in the RCZ. It powers the 208 GTi from 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds, yet returns a claimed 47.9mpg.

The new GTi is also lighter than the old 207 GTi, but doesn't suffer from a hard ride thanks to a softer suspension set up. This means the 208 GTi has a surprisingly comfortable ride, with the suspension soaking up lumps and bumps without fuss.

Peugeot has also sharpened the exterior, with a body kit, red brake callipers, chequered flag motif grille and a scattering of GTi logos. The sporty 208 doesn’t stand out from the crowd like a Ford Fiesta ST or RenaultSport Clio, but it is attractive enough to warrant a second glance.

Inside the cabin the Peugeot is comfortable and pleasant, with leather seats, racing steering wheel and high quality trim. Admittedly, the layout of the dashboard isn’t the best – some of the dials are difficult to read – but the 208 GTi is serine enough for running the family around in.

Overall, the 208 GTi is quick, fun to drive and extremely comfortable. We particularly like its useable nature and the fact it doubles up nicely as a family car. However, it does fall short of its chief rival - the Fiesta ST.

We found the soft set to be great for daily driving, but the lack of feel in the ride works against the GTi when it’s pushed hard. The problem is compounded by overweight power steering, which makes the car feel vauge and numb, making it difficult to judge how much grip the car has mid-corner. The Peugeot isn’t cheap either, with an entry level model costing considerably more than a comparable Fiesta ST.

Peugeot 208 GTi Road Test and video

Real MPG average for a Peugeot 208 GTI (2013 – 2019)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

81%

Real MPG

32–49 mpg

MPGs submitted

74

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Can you recommend a fun, stylish car for under £20,000?

"I wrote off my 9-year-old BMW 330i and am trying to decide what to replace it with. My husband is fixated on Mercedes-Benzs or BMWs and so I have considered a CLK. Part of me feels that I don't need something quite as flash (having got it out of my system), but I do want style and reliability. I even thought about a Cinquecento. Whatever I buy it will probably be about two years old. I have a budget of up to about £20,000. Any suggestions?"
A MINI convertible or a Fiat 500C TwinAir or Abarth 500C will be good fun. £20,000 also buys a Mazda MX-5 2.0i Sport, either a Roadster or Roadster Sport with an electric folding hard top. A Citroen DS3 1.6THP 156 cabrio is a decent drive (soft-top now available). So is a Peugeot 208GTI, and the stunning looking KIA Pro Cee’d GT at £19,995 with a 7-year warranty. But a new Fiesta ST is cheaper at £16,995 and generally reckoned to be the best of the bunch.
Answered by Honest John

can you suggest a small, fun hatchback?

"I drive a 2005 Skoda Fabia VRS TDI 130 that I love, but it's done nearly 100,000 miles and I'm wondering if now is the time to trade it in before things start to go wrong. Living on my own, I need a reliable car, and one that doesn't need to spend more than the minimum time at the garage. I'm now told I would do better to have a petrol engine rather than diesel. I would have replaced it with another Skoda, but the 1.6 Fabia I tried seemed a really 'soft' drive and I didn't like it much. Although I don't drive fast, I like the acceleration that my Fabia has, and its feeling of solidity. Can you suggest some small hatchbacks for me to look at?"
I suggest the Citroen DS3 1.6 THP 150 Sport, SEAT Ibiza FR 1.4TSI, Audi A1 1.4TSI or Peugeot 208GTI (coming soon).
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

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