Peugeot 208 GTi 30th Anniversary

It’s been 30 years since the release of Peugeot’s 205 GTI a hot hatch best known for its agile handling and zippy 1.6- and 1.9-litre donks.To mark the anniversary, Peugeot has launched a limited-edition 208 GTi. The standard model was already a strong return to form for the brand, after years of being in the doldrums with the 206 and 207 GTi, but the anniversary model adds further excitement to the mix.

Its launch colour is a radical red and matte black finish (called Coupe Franche), but the models also come in all-red and all-white schemes, with black wheel arch extensions and black embellishments. A circuit-friendly set of suspension mods include re-rated dampers, spring rates that have been hiked by 30 per cent up front and 80 per cent at the rear, a 10mm lower ride height, a slightly softer front anti-roll bar and a stiffer one at the back to shift the handling balance away from understeer.

To boost traction, the car gets a Torsen mechanical limited-slip diff, and the stability electronics have been tuned to allow a little more slip before intervening, to add spice to the handling.

A bigger set of Brembo brakes and 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres are standard, too. Under the bonnet, the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine has been tuned both for tighter emission regulations and to yield an extra 6kW and 25Nm, taking the outputs to 153kW and 300Nm. Inside, a new set of Peugeot Sport bucket seats hold the front occupants firmly in place.

On a greasy circuit in France, the 208 GTi 30th proved considerably quicker and more stable at speed than the standard car, which itself sets a pretty good standard. The stiffer suspension delivers extra stability and cuts body roll to a minimum, and the locking diff efficiently prevents the inside wheel from spinning power away in corners.

There’s less understeer (you can now occasionally get the tail to step out modestly), but the whole thing is kept safe by the ESP unless you de-activate it, whereupon you discover that the car retains great natural stability.

The small steering wheel and a quick rack make the car highly manoeuvrable, too. We had no chance to try the car in the dry, but there’s no doubt the 208 GTi 30th would be a fast and entertaining all-weather mount for track days, as the 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.5sec shows.

On the road, the 208 GTi 30th works really well. It feels firm, but remains flat and composed, without the jitters over bitumen ripples you might expect. There is noticeable torque steer during big power applications on high-crown roads, but the car mainly tracks straight. As is the case with the standard 208 GTi, the long-throw gear-change seems rather an anomaly, but it is always accurate enough and easy to use, while the brakes are immensely capable.

The limited-edition models will set you back from $35,990. Currently all 26 cars have been spoken for, but Peugeot Australia is lobbying hard for more. It seems, after a pause, Peugeot is moving decisively in the right direction.

Engine / 1598cc inline-4, DOHC, 16v, turbo
Power / 153kW at 5800rpm
Torque / 300Nm @ 1700rpm
Weight / 1185kg
0-100km/h6.5sec
Price / $35,990