Skip advert
Advertisement

Peugeot 208 GTi and GTi by Peugeot Sport review - a return to 205 GTi form? - Peugeot 208 GTi Engine and transmission

The Peugeot 208 GTI trying to channel the spirit of its seminal predecessor, the original 205 GTI. Does the latest hot hatch get close?

Evo rating
RRP
from £19,515
  • Best Peugeot hot hatchbacks in years; fast and involving
  • Ford Fiesta ST runs it very close

Both 208 GTi and 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport use a 1598cc, single-turbocharged inline-four, under Peugeot’s ‘THP’ branding. We’re abundantly familiar with this particular unit – not only has it been used in dozens of Peugeot, Citroen and DS models, including the 308 GTi and RCZ-R in 266bhp form – but it was also the main powerplant of the previous-generation Mini Cooper, Cooper S and JCW models.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In the 208 GTi it develops 197bhp at 5800rpm, with 203lb ft of torque from 1700-4500rpm. The Peugeot Sport – originally sold as the 30th Anniversary model, celebrating 30 years of the GTI badge on Peugeot's models – lifts this to 205bhp at 5800rpm and 221lb ft from 1700rpm.

Both use a six-speed manual gearbox, though in the Peugeot Sport the ratios are closer for a more urgent feel, and there’s a Torsen limited-slip differential at the front axle to the benefit of traction. No automatic option is available in either model.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The most extreme Porsche 911 we’ve ever seen spied – a GT2 RS or something more?
Porsche mule Nürburgring
News

The most extreme Porsche 911 we’ve ever seen spied – a GT2 RS or something more?

Wild 911 prototype is much wider with a reprofiled rear end, pointing to a GT2 RS-flavoured model in the works
14 May 2025
Caterham Seven evo25 Fast Fleet test – living with a track car for the road
Caterham Seven evo25
Long term tests

Caterham Seven evo25 Fast Fleet test – living with a track car for the road

25 years of evo, 50 years of Caterham – the perfect excuse to create a unique Seven to celebrate both brands’ milestones. So how did we spec it, and d…
13 May 2025
Why I can't stand Cars & Coffee, even as a caffeine addict
Cars and coffee
Opinion

Why I can't stand Cars & Coffee, even as a caffeine addict

They’re all the rage, but Cars & Coffee meets aren’t Meaden’s cup of tea
1 May 2025