After entering a cold war state for about a decade or so, the hot hatchback battle has truly reignited. Once again we are seeing manufacturers pouring their heart and soul into spicy variants of family runarounds. Why is that exciting? Because mere mortals such as you and I will likely never own a Lamborghini or waft along the Monaco harbour in a Pagani. However, in the real world where we reside you can have just as big of a smile on your face in said hot hatch. Best of all, it won’t cost you the Earth and you can even take the children to school in it. This resurgence ASBO endusers is at its most prolific in the B-segment at the moment and competition is tough. We drove the 208 GTI last year and liked it very much, but now Peugeot Sport has got involved to enhance this French connection. Enter the 2015 Peugeot 208 GTI.
From the very moment our test car arrived it had peoples attention. The optional two-tone ‘Coupe Franche” paintwork isn’t for the shy, but its matte black and red finish certainly highlights that this is no ordinary 208 GTI. Peugeot’s designs of late have all been rather attractive, 208 included, with lashings of French style. Remove the loud colours and the GTI also fits this bill, although its body enhancements are not as overt as some competitors. A neat rear spoiler, dual exhaust exits, and some of the smartest black alloy wheels on the market are polite nods to this cars performance. The recently face-lifted 208 tweaks also make an appearance here, but this car is lower and wider than standard. Peugeot Sport badging will undoubtably please enthusiasts.
Inside the cabin is simply one of the best in its class. As much as I love the Ford Fiesta ST, its interior doesn’t feel anywhere near as special as what you find within the 2015 Peugeot 208 GTI. Half leather bolstered sports seats grip you, a tiny steering wheel is at your fingertips, and red details contrast the black backdrop. Sculpted surfaces surround a touchscreen infotainment display giving the whole environment a premium nature. It is chic and feels upmarket. The rear bench offers seating for three, but adults might find leg room a bit restrictive. Rear visibility is good, which makes a nice change as the current trend is for designers to fashion new cars with a porthole for the rear window. A good 285 litre boot means that family life is not sacrificed for that GTI badge.
Those Peugeot Sport logos are not just there for marketing purposes. The performance arm created the 208 GTI 30th Anniversary Edition that went down so well that all of its mechanical changes have been carried over for the 2015 Peugeot 208 GTI. That means this 208’s iteanrry included stiffer suspension, Brembo Brakes, reworked ESP, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, and a Torsen limited slip differential. Power comes from a turbocharge 1.6 litre petrol engine producing 205BHP (up from 197BHP) meaning it will do 0-62MPH in a brisk 6.5 seconds. Driving at such a pace on challenging roads reveals this new 208 GTI to be exceedingly competent. On top of the vast quantity of grip available, the new Torsen differential does a great job of managing the power. It just grips and goes! Push it really hard and you will find some understeer, but this Peugeot is very approachable in the way it dishes out its performance. Thanks to a short wheelbase and quick steering it feels nimble as the GTI darts from apex to apex whilst cocking a rear wheel. The steering itself could do with a bit more feedback and a touch more weight just off centre, but its go kart-like change of direction is pleasing. Chuck it into a corner and body roll is minimised, the car feels composed. Whilst I would like to hear a bit more engine noise when stirring the 6 speed manual transmission, its refinement is another strongpoint. When you are just going about your day the Peugeot 208 GTI is compliant with urban life. It is relaxing and comfortable to drive at normal speeds and its sound insulation isn’t bad. The low speed ride is firmer than the previous 208 GTI, but its benefits on a twisting country road outweigh the slight bump you get when tackling a pothole.
The 2015 Peugeot 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport is right up there with the very best in its class. These mechanical changes brought about by Peugeot Sport have made this car even better. Whilst the Fiesta ST is still king of the hill in terms of handling, its margin is now even more reduced by this GTI. A strong case could be made for this Peugeot Sport 208 to be the car you should go and buy as its all-round competence in each area of motoring life is very compelling. It is more costly than the outgoing 208 GTI at £21,995 but you do get some very worthwhile upgrades.
When it comes to motorsport Peugeot Sport makes for formidable opposition. Flick through the pages of history and you will find their name engraved upon WRC, endurance racing, Dakar rally, Pikes Peak, Formula One, and the Indy 500. Recently these talented men and women have been exporting their know-how into road cars. First we had the eye opening Peugeot RCZ R, then the 208 GTI 30th Anniversary which was so successful its mechanical changes formed the 2015 208 GTI, and now we have the much anticipated Peugeot 308 GTI by Peugeot Sport. The French company has been absent from the hot C-Segment hatchback arena for a while, so can this GTI stand up to its highly competitive counterparts?
This new car comes in two distinct breeds. Firstly there is a 250HP model which is endowed with everything that makes this a GTI. Suspension that is stiffer and 11mm lower, 10mm wider front track, and that potent turbocharged 1.6 litre engine from the RCZ R. Opt for the 270HP variant and in addition you will receive sportier seats, 380mm brakes, a Torsen differential, lighter alloy wheels, and of course more power.
The standard 308 is a handsome car and so the 2015 Peugeot 308 GTI by Peugeot Sport has had its pick of the gene pool to start with. Add in some LED lighting, more aggressive intakes, some sharp new alloy wheels, exhaust pipes with the same diameter as the English Channel, and voilà. It is a good looking car which knows the power of the understatement, unlike some competitors in its class. Whilst not overt, unless you option the “coupe franche” red and black paint, it is when you look closer that the GTI reveals its details. Red branded brake callipers peek out from the spokes, Peugeot tattooed to its nose in red, by Peugeot Sport annotations hidden around the car.
Inside, the 308 GTI acquits itself well providing occupants with a stylish interior that has clearly had a lot of time put into it. Supportive and highly adjustable seats mean that every driver will find a comfortable seating position. Sculpted surfaces form the dashboard and the centre console wears a notable lack of buttons. Instead most of the controls for things such as air conditioning now live within Peugeot’s touch screen infotainment display. However, just like the standard 308, rear leg room is not as plentiful as in its rivals. Option the glass panoramic roof and the cabin is flooded with natural light. The boot is a good useable size for family outings and a weekly shopping trip. Contrasting red stitching and a bold GTI badge on the base of a chunky little steering wheel reminds you that this car isn’t just about design.
Hit the starter button and away you go. About town the 308 GTI is perfectly polite doing a good job of being compliant with our rough British roads. Engine and wind noise are also hushed making this a car you could spend a great deal of time in. Apply some throttle and the responsive 1.6 litre engine comes out to play. Push the Sport button to engage the desired increase in throttle response and steering weight. Letting the dials turn red and placing you foot to the floor reveals the 2015 Peugeot 308 GTI to be a quick hatch indeed. Whilst I’m not a fan of synthesised engine noise, the GTI does sound good and its acceleration goes from brisk to frantic after 4,500 rpm. It is nice to see that Peugeot has stuck with the enthusiasts choice of a six speed manual as opposed to paddle shifters. Quick steering teamed with a small wheel makes this GTI feel very nimble. Something highly impressive is the way in which the GTI handles its lateral load through corners, body roll is at an absolute minimum and this gives the car a sense of confidence. In the 270 that differential fights against understeer well, but obviously if you steam into a corner too quick that will be your eventual outcome. But be progressive and the cars high levels of grip mean that you can maintain a lot of momentum through a bend. Also of note is the 270’s larger brakes which have good feel and work a treat when driving at a pace.
Whilst the 2015 Peugeot 308 GTI might not be the pinnacle of engagement, primarily due to needing more steering feel enabling increased driver connection, it is arguably the car in its class you would want to live with. As well as being quick and fun to drive, it does all of the day-to-day family stuff very well with an added dose of French style. You can have a well equipped 308 GTI 250 for £26,555 or, we recommend stepping up to the Torsen equipped 270 for £28,155 that also includes more luxuries as standard.
We are currently experiencing a hot hatchback renaissance with manufacturers going head to head for booming sales. A car that fits the family, shopping, doesn’t cost the Earth to run and goes rather quickly is an appealing prospect. In fact, the UK buys more hot hatchbacks than anywhere else and so a spicy variant of the 308 has been awaited since the models inception. Set to make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of speed, the Peugeot 308 GTI is eager to storm up the legendary hill.
Set to rival the Ford Focus ST, VW Golf GTI, and Renaultsport Megane, the new Peugeot 308 GTI sources its power form a turbocharged 1.6 litre petrol engine. This is a tweaked variation of the unit found in the excellent RCZ-R. Offered in two states of tune, 247BHP and 268BHP, it will get from 0-62MPH in 6 seconds. 11mm lower to the ground than the GT model, its stiffer suspension aims to improve body control. Subtle styling tweaks denote this from the standard car such as a gloss black diffuser along with clearly visible 380mm brakes, spoiler and bumpers. Chunky seats and GTI branding garnished the interior.
The 2015 Peugeot 308 GTI goes on sale this September. We can’t wait!
For the Wörthesee event in Austria, Volkswagen have shown off their new Golf GTI Clubsport. Cutting straight to the chase, this latest reincarnation of the iconic hot-hatch is potent and packs plenty of BHP It is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder EA888 petrol engine and whereas your standard Golf GTI comes with either 217bhp or 227bhp, this Clubsport packs a huge 261bhp. Incase you are sitting thinking that’s still not enough – the turbo can temporarily boost it’s pressure by 10% for when you really get the hammer down, meaning a temporary maximum output of 287bhp, in a front-wheel-drive hatchback. Given the burden of this immense power is a six-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic gearbox but there is also still a chance of the more traditional six-speed manual variation to be available when the car comes out next year as a 40th anniversary edition.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport is set to go on sale next year in 2016, marking the hot-hatch’s 40th anniversary. In these photos the Clubsport has 19-inch wheels, which VW do say will be lessened to 18-inches come production models. However, the bodykit – which consists of a newly designed front bumper, additional ducts which carry the purpose of cooling the front brakes and the black spikes sitting below the headlamps – will be relatively unchanged when the car hits the showrooms. There is also a new spoiler at the back alongside a restyled rear bumper with twin chromed tailpipes as well as black wing mirror housings and a black graphic at the bottom of the doors, harking back to the original 1976 GTI.
The price for the GTI Clubsport is set to be around £27,500 and will hit showrooms in the UK in 2016.
In our line of work we are asked from time to time “what classic car should I buy?” which roughly translates into “what is a safe bet in terms of value.” Well, sorry to disappoint, but in the world of car valuation trends come and go like the wind and so there is no silver bullet as to what will be the next Ferrari 250 GTO. That said, looking at current prices within the market there are a few future classic cars which might just be worth placing a bet on. Better still, they are all cars that you could get some use out of whilst their value remains relatively unchanged. After all, nobody wants to buy a trailer queen, not really…
Here are the cars we think will continue to become hot property over the next few years:
Any Air-Cooled Porsche 911
These car are riding a wave all the way to the top with prices increasing by the day. There is a fear that this might be a bit of a bubble waiting to burst, but industry experts say that classic 911’s, up until recently, have been undervalued.
Peugeot 205 GTI
Still seen by many as THE hot hatchback to own, this little fighter represents Peugeot at their best. Prices are starting to rise again with the renaissance of fast French cars of todays show rooms, so it would be wise to get a clean example whilst they are still a reasonable price.
Ferrari 512 Testarossa
If you want to live your Miami Vice dreams you had better move quickly because the Ferrari 512 Testarossa is a proven success story at auction last year. Aim for a well looked after early car (denoted by only having one wing mirror) and remember that running a V12 Ferrari flagship isn’t nesiisarrly your cheapest option.
Honda NSX
Those in the know are well aware of what an astonishing car the original NSX is. Pairing Ferrari beating performance with Honda reliability, this was the first supercar you could genuinely live with everyday. The 2015 NSX will no doubt spark collectors into action wanting to own the pair. Now is defiantly the time to buy. Future classic? Undoubtably!
MK1 Mazda MX-5
Are the other cars in this list a bit too rich for your wallet? Well, here is an investment you can get onboard for relatively little investment. The MK1 Mazda MX-5 with its pop-up headlights is a little charmer. If you can find a clean, unmodified, rust free, UK car that is pre-catalytic converter you are almost certainly going to make a profit.
MK3 Toyota MR2
The MK3 Toyota MR2 is a lightweight, two seat sports car that puts performance before practicality. Its frankly ridiculous boot put many buyers off. However, this car is mid-engined and a convertible meaning that it drives like a dream on a beautiful summers day, just be carful in the wet as they have a tendency to be a bit of handful. Right now these cars are dirt cheap, but with the MK2 cars quickly going up in value, the MK3s will not be too far behind. Find one with its detachable metal roof and enjoy it for a year or two, odds are this will be another profit maker. In fact, I’m so sure of it that I have just bought one myself!
So you have just bought yourself a Ferrari 458 Italia and you can not wait to start putting its 4.5 litre V8 to good use. Whilst the prestige of owning such a car is more than enough to lure potential owners into making a purchase, the reality is that here in the UK you will never use a sizeable amount of its 562BHP without getting into serious trouble. It will more than likely become a weekend toy of which you feverishly protect against scratches and blemishes. Another reality check comes in the form of you not likely being able to afford the £178,491 price tag. Could the solution be a Peugeot 208 GTI?
Enter the hot hatchback… A power to the people machine that offers just about as much performance as you could use in “the real world” and all for around the same price as a pair of trainers. They are practical, reasonably economical and have a cult following in this country. On twisty country roads these cars can even put more purebred models to shame. One of the most loved hot hatchbacks of all time is the Peugeot 205 GTI, a car that the French company has tried to reincarnate several times without the same result. However, the 208 GTI claims to have rediscovered the formula of its ancestor and is more than willing to take on its very impressive competition.
I don’t think anybody can deny that the Peugeot 208 GTI is a good looking car. Whilst proportionally it retains the chic look of the standard 208, a shot of teenage adrenaline has been added to let mere mortals know that this is something a bit special. This car sits wider and lower on the road with more pronounced grills and swollen skirts providing a quietly sinister characteristic. Boot spoiler and a smattering of GTI badges, including one in an identical position to that of the 205, adds some boy racer charm. Whilst its ASBO inspired flare is more subtle than some rivals, the overall aesthetic works well.
The interior is a fantastically stylistic affair bringing together sculpted black surfaces with glossy red trim. Black and red heavily bolstered seats hold you in place whilst a pin striped seatbelt crossed your chest. A small thick rimmed steering wheel donning a centre line and GTI badge of its own sit below a highly detailed instrument cluster which glows an ominous red. This 208 GTI was equipped with a touchscreen display which gives you access to everything from DAB radio to phone connectivity. Overhead is a glass panoramic roof, trimmed with blue LEDs, which lets in healthy amounts of natural light. The rear bench offers a reasonable amount of head and leg room for occupants, although the central passenger will have to straddle in order to be comfortable. One of the beauties of owning a hot hatchback is that it is based upon a sensible everyday car. For the 208 GTI this means that its boot is very usable making this pocket rocket an easier sell to the wife or girlfriend.
So… It is good looking, practical, and whilst we are talking about the boring bits, we managed to get 42.7MPG out of the GTI whilst not driving like hooligans. But what happens when you light the fuse? What happens when you poke the Peugeot 208 GTI with a stick?
Step on the go faster pedal in this car and that is exactly what you will do! Possessing a 0-62MPH time of just 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 143MPH, this car has a good performance punch to it. Acceleration is strong from its 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine with a real surge once the turbo comes into play. With 197BHP on offer it is still possible to chirp the tyres when changing into second and even third gear. There is a small amount of toque steer upon quick getaways but not ferocious amounts. As you go though the 6 speed gearbox this 208 GTI bounds towards the horizon like an excited puppy. Throw the car into a corner and the vast amount of grip on offer becomes apparent. It is a very surefooted machine managing the weight transfer well and turning in with not fuss at all. The brakes are brilliant bringing confidence inspiring stopping power to the party. Its tiny little steering wheel and competent chassis makes this GTI nimble, although it could do with more feel coming through the steering. This car provokes some of the biggest grins your face is capable of wearing and is truly deserving of the legendary GTI badge. However, there is another side to this car once you have finished torturing the tarmac. Settle down and the Peugeot 208 GTI is a comfortable and very pleasant car to spend time in. The suspension, although firm, is far from back braking and its compact size makes it easy to park. That said, our test car was more than happy to park itself thanks to park assist. Visibility is good and as mentioned before, driven sensibly it is relatively economical.
Whilst we would like the Peugeot 208 GTI to produce a bit more exhaust noise, this well rounded hot hatchback appeals to not only those who crave something quick but also to people who need something that integrates with their needs. This car is a fantastic return for the French company that once dominated the segment. Our test car came to £18,900 including its option extras scoring highly on “bangs for your bucks.” The 208 GTI reminds the world that Peugeot have still got what it takes.
Peugeot were once the hot hatchback kings with the likes of the 205 GTI. You can’t live on past glories forever and so key competitors such as Renualt and Ford now dominate the market. Keen to reclaim their dominance in the “power to the people” segment, the new Peugeot 208 GTI races onto the scene. With 197BHP does it have what it takes to beat the Ford Fiesta ST?
You can read our full written review of the Peugeot 208 GTI HERE.
Concept cars are a great way for manufacturers to gather public opinion on future design direction. Whilst some appear wacky and from another planet, there are details hidden within that represent clues to up and coming models. VW like to “give something back” to the fans at the Worthersee tuning festival every year. The event has seen debuts of such cars as the mad W12 Golf GTI. This time around the Germans have gone completely bonkers with the Volkswagen GTI Roadster Concept.
Originally designed as an out of the box idea for VW’s contribution to the Playstation game Gran Turismo, the GTI Roadster was so popular within the company that they decided to turn the virtual design into a reality. Its gaping grill forms a menacing smile on this chop-top machine. Design elements clearly hinting at future GTI’s can be found in the lights and detailing. The Volkswagen GTI Roadster Concept is powered by a 3.0 litre VR6 turbo petrol engine that is good for 496BHP and 413lb-ft of torque. Those figures translate into a 0-62MPH super car rivalling time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 190MPH.
Obviously this concept car will never make production.
Arguably the BBC’s most valuable program, Top Gear, returned to our screens for its 20th series last night. Clarkson, Hammond and May indulged viewers in a hot hatchback war, an epic race in New Zealand and introduced a brand new reasonably priced car. The show has enjoyed global success over the years but what was shown on BBC Two last night was not to everyones liking.
Whilst popping over to Top Gear’s official website to see what fans made of the beginning of this new series, I was surprised to find a bit of a ruckus. In the comments for their “post-show discussion” were many viewers painting a clear picture of their disappointment. Many agreed with a comment from Nick Horton as he said “How anyone can still rave about this program is beyond me. It has become boring, formulaic, and tired. What was ten years ago genuinely must watch TV has become a parody of itself.” Andy Sykes said “Predictable, unoriginal and boring. Recycled jokes and tired, formulaic content. Desperately in need of some new ideas, and new characters.” Though there were some positive interjections, the general consensus appears that views feel that the show has stagnated somewhat with Lucas Wilson even going so far as to say “Anyone who thinks that this episode was good should watch the Top Gear episodes from 2007, that was proper Top Gear. Could you please make it the last series (i’m a huge TG fan), but the presenters look totally washed out and not look like they enjoy it. The format is now over 10 years old and is getting tired now.”
Personally, and particularly over the past few series, I do see where people are coming from. That said I also feel that any TV show that gets such a large number of people interested in cars in no bad thing. I guess it is like making a cup of tea for millions, some like it black but others with milk and sugar. It is very hard to please everyone…
Many manufacturers have loyal fan bases that simply adore their products. They have the t-shirts, the tattoos, the posters but above all the passion for their make and model. For example I know many Porsche owners who literally will not own anything else for the rest of their lives. Even better than devoted fans is the brand being just as devoted to them. VW have made the Wörthersee show the unofficial home of the GTI and each year they bring a gift for the fans.
The show has previously seen VW reveal the bonkers W12 Golf GTI and for 2013 the Germans have produced something just as mad. This is the Golf Design Vision GTI and it is an amplified output of what future Golfs could look like. Under the aggressively styled bodywork sits a 3.0 litre V6 with not one but two turbos. 503BHP powers all four wheels meaning that this pocket rocket can get from standing to 62MPH in just 3.9 seconds. With a top speed of 186MPH its carbon ceramic breaks are very much needed. The cabin seats just two with the rear seats being replaced with a crossbar.
After entering a cold war state for about a decade or so, the hot hatchback battle has truly reignited. Once again we are seeing manufacturers pouring their heart and soul into spicy variants of family runarounds. Why is that exciting? Because mere mortals such as you and I will likely never own a Lamborghini or waft along the Monaco harbour in a Pagani. However, in the real world where we reside you can have just as big of a smile on your face in said hot hatch. Best of all, it won’t cost you the Earth and you can even take the children to school in it. This resurgence ASBO endusers is at its most prolific in the B-segment at the moment and competition is tough. We drove the 208 GTI last year and liked it very much, but now Peugeot Sport has got involved to enhance this French connection. Enter the 2015 Peugeot 208 GTI.
is no ordinary 208 GTI. Peugeot’s designs of late have all been rather attractive, 208 included, with lashings of French style. Remove the loud colours and the GTI also fits this bill, although its body enhancements are not as overt as some competitors. A neat rear spoiler, dual exhaust exits, and some of the smartest black alloy wheels on the market are polite nods to this cars performance. The recently face-lifted 208 tweaks also make an appearance here, but this car is lower and wider than standard. Peugeot Sport badging will undoubtably please enthusiasts.
upmarket. The rear bench offers seating for three, but adults might find leg room a bit restrictive. Rear visibility is good, which makes a nice change as the current trend is for designers to fashion new cars with a porthole for the rear window. A good 285 litre boot means that family life is not sacrificed for that GTI badge.
weight just off centre, but its go kart-like change of direction is pleasing. Chuck it into a corner and body roll is minimised, the car feels composed. Whilst I would like to hear a bit more engine noise when stirring the 6 speed manual transmission, its refinement is another strongpoint. When you are just going about your day the Peugeot 208 GTI is compliant with urban life. It is relaxing and comfortable to drive at normal speeds and its sound insulation isn’t bad. The low speed ride is firmer than the previous 208 GTI, but its benefits on a twisting country road outweigh the slight bump you get when tackling a pothole.
