While the recent inclusion of the 2008 and 3008 represents its challengers in the lucrative crossover/SUV segments, the French brand has remained true to its hatchback roots when it unveiled the mildly updated 208 in sporty GT-Line trim at the Zwartkops International Raceway in February this year.
Reality check
As exhilarating as track driving can be though, reality will always have the last say and indeed showcase a number aspects that might not have come to the fore when driving a car around a circuit. This proved to be the case when a silver GT-Line recently arrived for the obligatory weeklong stay.
A cub with attitude
Subjected to a refresh in 2015, the 208 appears almost identical to its predecessor, but in this case gains new headlights with integrated daytime running LEDs, an updated front bumper, feisty looking claw motive LED taillights and unique to the GT-Line, sporty 17-inch Caesium alloy wheels, chrome-tipped exhaust and a gloss black grille with red detailing.
A small as they might be, the new additions plus the small dimensions has not reversed prior comments that the 208 still rates as a good looking little thing, even more so with the GT-Line bits included.
Love or hate interior
Inside, the 208 receives Peugeot’s latest i-Cockpit layout but being its sportiest model, bolstered with go-faster touches such as alloy pedals, aluminium door sills, black sports seats with red stitching, leather-trimmed steering wheel, red stitching on the seatbelts and black and red detailing on the doors.
Despite featuring an almost wraparound feel with most of the controls within easy reach, away from the fantasy that is track driving, the 208’s foibles became obvious after a short drive. While perceived fit-and-finish is good, those seats, a delight on the track, can become a bit uncomfortable for the more generously proportioned folk, although the biggest complaint will be from those seated in the rear where the lack of headroom and pinched leg room will become an issue on longer trips.
Well kitted-out
Equipment levels in the GT-Line are high though with the tower-like centre facia housing a relatively easy to use seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, USB, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while other niceties include dual-zone climate control, electric windows all around, auto on/off headlights/wipers, cruise control, ABS with EBD and EBA, six airbags, rear parking sensors and Hill Start Assist.
What remains odd though is the trip computer information displayed on the infotainment system rather than on the instrument cluster, and the cruise control pod mounted to the left of the tiny steering wheel, which can be fiddly to use especially when compared to the traditional button setup.
It has got bite
A surprise at the track, and still one of the biggest highlights, is the GT-Line’s thrumming 1.2-litre PureTech turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 81kW/205Nm. While seemingly not much to write home about, the curb weight of 1090kg means the GT-Line is quick to react and pulls well despite a small hint of initial lag.
Unfortunately, the five-speed manual gearbox, which was fine at the track, is badly in need of a sixth ratio when cruising at the national speed limit, and can also become a tad mushy when you are keen to press on. This also had an effect on fuel consumption which came to a best of 6.7-litres/100km, well off the claimed 4.5-litres/100km.
Conclusion
At R259 900, the 208 GT-Line does warrant a second glance when you take its satisfactory performance, equipment levels and styling into account. Ultimately, however, it will likely remain a left-field choice blighted by the local perception of the Peugeot brand.
