Peugeot 208 GTi hatchback 2013 review - CarBuyer

[@DavidAmster]

I've had my 208 GTI for a month now. Love it! The visibility due to the steering wheel has not been a problem at all.

[@berat6129]

+David Amster Hey how was 208 GTİ? Can you tell ur use comments ? Pros,Cons?

[@juusto202]

Having driven one for two years I can offer you some. Cons: Tire noise. It's unbeliavable how much the tire noise comes into the cabin, especially on the highway. I have installed noise-reducing mats around where the spare tyre is, and it made a huge difference, but even less noise wouldn't be bad. The tire noise is allright now. Exhaust note. When driving a car with 200hp, and 0-100km/h in 6,7 seconds, you want it to make noise. This doesn't make that much noise. It's allright when really revving it hard, but otherwise it's a bit too quiet for me. The styling. I think it could look a bit more aggressive. It does stand out from the regular 208, but still, a bit more skirts, and maybe a buffer looking grille? Pros: The power. I don't usually beaten off the line. Enough said. The practicality. The boot is big enough, atleast for me (ice hockey goalie with the big equipment bag, barely fitting in the boot with a bit of violence and swearing). And being a hatchback, you can fold the rear seats to get a lot of room. The grip. It's just phenomenal, especially with the Michelin Pilot sport tires i've bought. You can corner with so much speed, that even you as the driver are suprised. No issues with the steering wheel blocking my view.

[@VodkaHero1]

any reliability issues?

[@DavidAmster]

VodkaHero1 None at all. Have never had any kind of problem.

[@spicynoodles11]

@@DavidAmster Hello 8 years later. Do you still have your gti? I've had mine 4 years debating whether or not to upgrade or keep it

[@eternalhalloween1]

I do respect your reviews Mat. But this was one time I couldn't really say your criticisms of the car were fair. You can't fault the car for being user friendly.

[@Negativvv]

Modern cars need to do everything. So criticising the GTi for being a bit soft isn't really valid. Besides the controls etc have to mirror that of the non hot cars so that too is a non starter.

[@3mattyc]

test drove one yesterday and this steering wheel theory seems to be bollocks

[@woodsy555]

yup

[@harrymc523]

The used values for these in the UK has hit the skids! you can now get them with just 4000 miles on the clock for less the £15,000, thats nearly £5000 less than new! Meanwhile, used fiesta ST's actually cost more than new ones, as theres a waiting list.....thats the power of motoring journalist's opinions.

[@jing713]

+Harry Mac Good reason to buy a 2nd hand one! Pick up a great car at a great bargain

[@Doppo69]

Wish it was like that now 40k miles is about 11 grand now

[@pavelpek4921]

Drove it once and I am hooked, bought it yesterday! :D

[@Hecziaa]

Hey man! Odd question but how's the stereo sound? Cheers :)

[@timelse5530]

I have just bought this car. Visibility to instrument pannel blocked by steering wheel is a complete bollocks! I have no problem seeing it, my wife has no problem, my mate has no problem and so does my father. And we all have different heights and driving positions. So my question is, why can't this guy see the dials?? or is it that he is not even trying?

[@buca9696]

Apparently Fifth Gear didn't see the dials either.

[@jimmynich4791]

+tim else I don't have a problem seeing mine. If someone is struggling just cycle through the digital display and the speed is there in digital clear as day.

[@astronaut205]

tim else have you had any issues with the car?.. I have heard that 208 is quite reliable.. Im considering buying one

[@Rebelz173]

tim else I’d have the ST any day this is one ugly car

[@woodsy555]

yup

[@ΓιώργοςΦωτόπουλος-λ4ρ]

Peugeot 208gti has better suspension than st.Because has good handling and offers comfort,smooth ride.The most difficult in suspension design is to combine handling with comfort.II like cars which have good handing and refine,smooth ride and comfort.

[@jimmynich4791]

I love everything about mine, except at the petrol pumps.

[@olliebell7177]

I’m thinking of getting one, is it bad?!

[@NikesZ28]

@@olliebell7177 Not at all, i got around 7-8 liter/100Km and i wasnt driving it gentley all the time. On longer motorway drives it didnt take more then 5-6L/100Km.

[@hoagy_ytfc]

I loved my 208 GTi (2016). Replaced it with a 308 GTI (2019) which was quicker but somehow not as good. My 2022 upgrade couldn't be a Peugeot as they dipped out of the hot hatch market altogether, which is so sad. I now have a Toyota instead.

[@spicynoodles11]

Would you not recommend the upgrade to the 308? I've been tempted but not 100%

[@hoagy_ytfc]

@@spicynoodles11 The new 308 has been very well received by reviewers, and I think it looks great. But there isn’t a proper hot hatch model.

[@spicynoodles11]

@@hoagy_ytfc sorry I meant the older 308 gti. And yeah it's a shame they gave us the 508 PSE, so would of been nice to have one for the 308 or 208 on the new models

[@theos3104]

A fantastic car for all uses!

[@michaelcasey6892]

just got this as my first car.....class

[@woodsy555]

i bought a brand new fiesta st and now i got a 208 gti imo the gti wipes the floor wiith the st both standed trim

[@shifting_gearss]

No it don’t 😂😂

[@sukhoiromantic1718]

I promise you, people in the UK, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, NZ etc have managed for years. As a right handed person I always wonder the opposite; ie - I'm stronger with my right arm, which would go on the wheel which you use all the time, whereas you only change gears (relatively) infrequently which is why I think the left is better. I've never driven a LHD car, but RHD not uncomfortable at all.

[@skiddliddandy2666]

Someone said its uggly as hell and to some degree, I agree, but I'd still have it as the rear looks ok and that's the part of the car fiesta drivers are gona see :-D

[@DK07x]

Skidd Lidd Andy Not the fiesta ST drivers ;)

[@woodsy555]

youtube looks mate?

[@Kookanoodles]

You're right, they absolutely can't, which is why they've made some of the most ground-breaking, beautiful, technologically advanced and simply best cars in the world over the last century. I'm not going to bother telling you which ones, because you've probably never heard of them.

[@Edumt91]

I hate how he insists that the instruments are blocked by the steering wheel. It's designed so you put it a bit lower and see the instruments OVER it. It's not the usual way of positioning the wheel, but in no way is it a design flaw. Having driven one recently, I have to say I find it quite comfortable.

[@asgsittng]

the problem with Carbuyer is when they measure the back seat leg room and headroom, they dont seat relaxly, if you put your back against the seat so firmly , its bound to give you more legroom, No one seats like that, everyone wants to relax in the back seat, so please , seat relaxly and comfortably when you talk about legroom and all. you will see a massive difference when you seat relaxly ( drop front a bit )

[@AutoUnionR8]

He only said the ST does a better job at being a 'boy racer', not that it's a better car. He wasn't biased in his review at all, in fact he did a good job of taking people's preferences into account.

[@captainpugwash3275]

ok

[@CR0SSu]

This peugeot or the fiesta st ? I wkuld go for the 208 GTI by a very small margain

[@AnsisX]

Best looking french car-brand.

[@TECMANPRO11]

Haha, I love the way you surveyed the back seats!!

[@mrkongsimr]

Hi sir , you know it all . Is this the car that has the same engine as the MINI Cooper S ? Thank´s , good as always. ps , you may have said it , but I then didn´t get it ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@nO_d3N1AL]

Another solid performance supermini. Great job Peugeot

[@scotthart2]

If you set the steering wheel up in the way it is supposed to be, it doesn't block the dials. This guy seemed to try and pick at something that isn't an issue....

[@demetrishotel]

Matt there is not a proper review of the Alfa 159 on the net, I was wondering if you could do something about it!

[@markhmoodalee]

Man, Matt's really restraining himself from making any snidely French remarks. lol!

[@hammy434]

He probably recommends them because they're great cars... not annoying at all and if you find it annoying then piss off!

[@Jeremyevo90]

The steering design is different is not flaw ! u need to look through above ur steering to read ur meter instead conventional way middle of the steering. the first time it may feel weird driving the steering tat low but u will used to it after 30mins drive

[@artheriastormrage6794]

Does this car have a short shift gear stick?

[@petayV8]

Not everyone wants a OTT, uncomfortable firm riding hot hatch which can sometimes draw the wrong attention. Some ppl just want a fast car they can live with day to day

[@Marcoshary]

The 208 GTI did pretty well in this review, considering he´s a Ford guy! :)

[@mustsilm]

Any chance to see the new Quattroporte?

[@SwPiotrek]

Good work Peugeot!!

[@r031nl]

Peugeot wants you to get the same feeling as in a go kart. By setting the steering wheel very low and the seat very high, it isn't blocking the dials. I've never sat in a 208 before, so i'm curious if this seating position is working or not.

[@Sherukka]

One more who haven't tested the car... I would say *every* car will have the instruments put up there in the near future!

[@wazbiandify]

In carbuyer's wikipedia page, it says "It was launched by Dennis Publishing in 2010, and was first published on October 29, 2010, with initial sponsorship from Ford, Mazda, Land Rover, Jaguar and Volvo" That explains why he always recommends and commends those brands. It's because he has to. But It's really annoying.

[@duanmahni]

Which was better this or The Veloster Turbo???

[@Nordmann61]

Design flaw? To see the instrument cluster over the steering wheel, you just adjust the seat height up, and adjust the steering wheel rake down until you can see the instruments over the steering wheel, how hard can it be? Cheers.

[@sparko2012]

Love his description of the 208 gti going round a corner ha ha

[@Sherukka]

It is not a problem for anyone, Matt is completely wrong (check smokerspack, he knows what he is talking about)! Motor-journalists tries to search for bad points where there is only genius solutions in sight! Hats off to Peugeot for the HUD-dials.

[@rui518]

co2 emitions... however the the 206 whit 180 is the RC version not the GTI, the GTI has online 136bhp...

[@stephandolby]

In the UK, it was released as the 206 GTi 180, which means we had two 206 GTis.

[@MBlazter]

i got a 208 and you can easy see the Dials Learn to set up the car before driven it gg CarBuyer GG

[@craigstevenson7708]

I know peugeot as the brand who's car idk if i like ive come to the conclusion i dont like the rcz but this i will spend the next month deciding if i like it or not

[@NikesZ28]

Only problem i have with mine is that i think the dampers on the boot lid is not very good, it slams down kinda hard. But then my mom´s new 2017 208 1.2 is the same way so... There is one more thing i would complain about, its the headlamps. Not very good to be honest, they should have put HID or LED light on the top model i think.

[@varmastiko2908]

Swedish flag on your profile? If you're in Sweden I'd sure like to ask you how the 208 GTi is in the Scandinavian winter. Stability on slippery roads? Grip and traction? Heater hood enough?

[@Carteblanche007]

agreed headlight upgrade is a must

[@NikesZ28]

@@varmastiko2908 Didnt see your comment untill now, a bit late so i guess you know by now!? But if you dont, i had no problem at all. Good heating and drives well on ice and snow if you have good tires for it.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Apparently there is a power issue in hot weather, can feel a bit flat due to small intercooler. Odd but enough to put me off this, shame cos I actually thought of buying one.

[@milosilic23]

Taking away the manual option is the biggest mistake with that car... I mean, a real driver wants a manual, not the flappy paddle thing. It does look good though, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The thing i would choose from this segment is the Seat Ibiza. It has a really good engine and tech (coming from VW) but a lot better looking.

[@LuddeVinje]

You should get a camera-car. That would make the reviews look a lot nicer

[@xXturbo86Xx]

i own a TSI Highline and i aprove this message

[@bucketslash11]

i just wish they would release a moden version of the t16

[@YegoYTP]

nearly a decade later and its not as memorable as the 205 GTI at all, everyone forgot about it

[@carlitoxb110]

I want it but i dont have the money =\

[@vincentkoo4829]

You are right about world war 1 and world war 2 .. german kick ass! but now is 2013 i can only see peugeot is so classy while the german is dated

[@12Lamer]

still waiting for VW Golf Gti mk 7 review!!

[@odgie9915]

Had my 66 plate for a few months now. Great fun and in the real world. Better than the fiesta. Plus you see lots of fiesta ST but I very rarely see a GTi. I think it's less common, now I'm not an idiot. You see less because people prefer the ST, but horses for courses.

[@jimmynich4791]

I love my 208 gti. Only thing really bothers me is everyone trying to race all the time.

[@rui518]

In my country is only rc, but they call the 1.6 liter 110bhp a gti to so is a bit strang (I live in Portugal), i know that hothatch owners dont wanna know about co2 emitions but the carmaker and europe regulations tell a diferent story...

[@Claudio-gv2lz]

Cant wait to get this car 😭😭

[@carlyoungblood7084]

Did you get it?

[@Claudio-gv2lz]

Carl Youngblood ended up getting the new a1

[@astronaut205]

oh come on 206 was great considering exterior

[@harrymc523]

Everyone is praising the fiesta st at the moment, they cant all be wrong, just because its a ford doesn't mean it has to be bad

[@kristianspencer1978]

No just common.

[@supercooled]

Pretty nice. I like it even more than the Fiesta ST.

[@krissbitar2709]

How much does this car cost ?

[@InStyleDK]

That dashboard/wheel position isn´t as bad as many thinks, go try it, then make up your own minds

[@technick7986]

Please review the mini paceman

[@fikes73]

How do you choose between all the hot hatches you get in Europe, it is ridiculous. Sorry Im just jealous coming from the US ;-)

[@BoeingvsAirbus1578]

But the Fiesta is generally a better drivers car, but again, that varies depending on your opinion.

[@rockkyman]

France really know how to make hot hatch....

[@GDCorsa]

Yep i was thinking about the FIesta ST through the whole video.

[@1100HondaCB]

I like the 208GTi. A friend has a 207GTi and has never had an ounce of trouble with its reliability. My brother is a mechanic and fixes all kinds of cars and assures me the 207GTi is a good car reliability wise as he's services a few and don't seem to find any problems with them. So I wonder if the 208GTi will be jsut as good. I would consider one myself.

[@Jysohn]

MATT PLEASE REVIEW THE HYUNDAI VELOSTER TURBO :)

[@captainpugwash3275]

no

[@TheOne42]

Fiest ST is both cheaper and more fun to drive and overall a better hothatch.

[@rui518]

I am recovering well, however tastes are tastes, i dont like the big mouth, you like its a personal choose...

[@Hells_Gift_MB]

Does this engine still suffer from timing chain issues?

[@roostaraver]

yes, i would agree

[@NubletPie278]

Renault Espace F1 is for sure one of them.

[@gsmaster100]

Please make a review about the new Mercedes CLA.

[@FranCamping]

omg! a car review on a sunny day!! :D horaaaayyyy

[@TheRandomtechreview]

Lol at the interior jitters!

[@xXturbo86Xx]

and to answer you question. its a normal seating position, nothing special. it's no different from any other car. the only difference is just that the dash is positioned way up,directly behind the uper portion of the steering wheel.

[@TheT0nedude]

Lovely car, Just about to buy a late 2015 model with 9.4k miles on the clock with the newer engine - 208bhp 0-100kph in 6.5 seconds..can't fucking wait.... After watching the video I have to disagree with your so called cons of the car. I see it as an advantage, IE I don't want to look like a twat driving it with obvious signs of 'dick measuring' going on. I'm not a young lad trying to look cool in a 'boy-racer' car(or should I say a complete twat), I much prefer the GTI being 'subtle' to spot until *I* decide for it to not be subtle. How is 143mph top speed and 0-100kph in 6.5 seconds in any way subtle? Perfect for wiping the grin off a nozzle's face....

[@QullVideo]

That's why I want the Golf GTI. If you look at the equivalent Fords or Hondas, you can tell they have been made to look as brash and fast as possible. However the Golf is very subtle and looks just like a regular Golf except for a few extra bits like the 208 has. The Focus ST is the car that suits boy racers trying to prove they have the biggest sausage.

[@TheT0nedude]

Good call on the Golf. In the end I settled on a slightly newer (Jan 2016) model of 208 GTI Prestige with only 2k on the clock, still saved myself £6k over a brand new model. I bloody love it and even with the subtler styling it still gets the odd look or head turn. I remember walking back to where I parked it in a car park and some bloke was crouching a little to study the grillwork on the front. He walked off as I approached..

[@QullVideo]

Very nice. I got to admit I am in a way a bit jealous. That's what is so great about cars like that. Most people won't even notice you because the car is so subtle. But you know that unlike the similarly looking 1 litre 208 that passed you by, you have the power to have some fun. Further more the people who WILL notice that you're driving something special will see you a mile away but they are the people who will appreciate seeing such a great little car.

[@reedwarbler]

TheT0nedude hi what's its been like to own the 208 GTI.Any issues with it?

[@thihal123]

What does GTI stand for?

[@partyentertains4092]

High performance car with fuel-injected engine.

[@Xcedable]

This 208 Gti, doesn't have those stupid electronic driver aids system. The handling of this car is the result of an excellent chasis. It's simply a modern take of the 205 GTI. The strange stuff is that when this car handling is as good as a ford fiesta ST, this dude find other things to describe the ford as a better car.... Next time instead of presenting a new hot hatch, simply recomend the ford in your review. We won't be wasting our time.

[@roostaraver]

well all i can say on this is if your looking for a like this go get the fiesta st, looks better and drives better

[@captainpugwash3275]

no.

[@maserati155]

that is good looking!

[@Jairzinho121]

I bought this car today, the speed dial viewing thing is bulls hit, I could clearly see the dials and the centre digital speedometer. you can move the steering wheel up down back and forth. i cantn believe how many idiot reviews say you cannot see the dials. it's a complete ,myth, trust me I nearly didn't buy it coz of these idiot reviewers.

[@mckenziethorton8725]

Same here I wasn’t gonna get it because I thought I couldn’t see the dials

[@kristianspencer1978]

In my driving position ,with the steering wheel at its highest position ,so it’s not on my legs ,I can’t see the dials. But it doesn’t bother me.

[@brzutt]

looking good but , would never pick a fiesta over this , however hondaCRZ , or civic over them all day long , if I made enough money then the R design volvo

[@TheKenjoje]

he didn't say ford is better overall. sometimes people acuse him he is vw fan, now he is ford fan, maybe he just thinks those cars are better, you don't need to think he is subjective.

[@1958plymouth440V8]

Hmmm, what about the Citroen DS...

[@zir786]

i agree. the design of the front and back does look a bit dogey

[@christopher6632]

Whoever edited the music over you talking needs to re-evaluate what they're doing.

[@LouiseDepp79]

I’m in love ❤🚗

[@DrDrOpOfFsKi]

Hardly giving yourself an optimum driving position if your head is stuck in the roof-lining because your trying to see the dials and the steering wheel is in your lap....... *shakes head*

[@enriqueflimberger]

OMG! A sunny day in the UK! Hurraaaaaaayy

[@razorworks111]

Europeans get all the nice cars

[@Awayze]

3 miles before it breaks down

[@roostaraver]

yes i agree renault does but pugeot..NO not since the 205 gti, but im starting to think they made that by accident

[@petayV8]

Rear cameras are just a gimmick anyway, sensors give a much more accurate way of judging distances imo. just saying

[@stephandolby]

I don't know why Mat said this has a rear camera; as far as I'm aware, that wasn't an option for the GTI, but rear sensors were standard.

[@GrahamReid34]

Ahh it was going well and no mention of a ford or Vw until.... Yep you mentioned a Fiesta!! Just Stop It!

[@MyFace62]

He didnt mation hight , he said the "siting position"

[@KillerOrca258]

I dread his review of the Clio RS, not cause Matt's bad or anything, the Clio RS is terrible. Renault went against everything boy-racers like me love about Renaultsports, they took away the manual option, they've made the car look sofisticated instead of track-ready, and they've ruined the RS tradition by making the car soft. The Peugeot 208 GTI can get away with being soft because it's meant to be a sexy litttle beast not a brawny Tom like the Ford Fiesta ST, but the Clio RS does neither well.

[@roblex63]

Nice Ad before the video....Test Ultra low emission cars ...Yah right......

[@cristianponce5108]

Genial, lo espero en mexico. Coool