15 May 2015

GTi Celebrates 30 Years Of Peugeot Hot Hatches

Do you remember the 80s? Great music, wide boys making lots of dough in the City, and of course the Peugeot 205 GTi (1.9 and 1.6).

The Peugeot GTi was as much a part of the decade as the double-breasted Next suit, the Paisley tie and the music of New Order. And now Peugeot has paid homage to that era with a 30^th-anniversary edition of its 208 GTi, which comes with an enticing black-and-red colour scheme. You can get a closer look at the Peugeot 208 GTis across Somerset and Dorset at Howards Group outlets.

Back in the 80s, it was the performance of the 205 GTi that was the stuff of legend. Today, the latest incarnation of Peugeot’s hot hatch won’t disappoint.

The regular GTi has been on sale for a year or so already and nobody seems to have complained about the 6.5-second trip to 60mph or the 143mph top speed. In fact, the 50mpg+ combined cycle seems to have gone down well, too.

But the 208 GTi Anniversary Edition is a regular 208GTi that’s had the treatment from the chaps at Peugeot Sport. They’ve lowered the suspension. They’ve painted its bottom red. They’ve given it wider, bigger wheels. They’ve added more drama with the flared chrome exhausts and red brake callipers.

Inside, the gearstick is a statement in sculpted aluminium, the instrument panel glows red hot, the steering wheel comes etched in red stitched leather. The suede bucket seats cosset you nicely. Belting up feels like when the bar comes down on the theme-park rollercoaster.

Best news of all: this Anniversary Edition perfectly emulates – and even improves upon – the 205 performance of 1985. There’s a new version of the award-winning 1.6-litre turbo engine offering over 200bhp. The look is one of pure intent. It corners like a greyhound.

This is the kind of car that would make you beg to be the designated driver on a night out. The steering is precise. There’s Torsen differential to deliver plenty of torque to the front wheel with the most traction. The satnav is fast and responsive. Even the emissions are impressive, to sit nicely alongside that impressive fuel consumption.

Many people remember the 80s with fondness. But there aren’t many 205 GTis left on the road. But the Peugeot 208 GTi Anniversary Edition is enough of a throwback to bring back some happy memories and enough of a stud muffin to excite a whole new generation. Maybe they’ll get into The Smiths as well.

You can test drive the Peugeot 208GTi across Dorchester, Taunton, Weston super Mare and Yeovil at Howards Group’s showrooms.