Peugeot 208 GT 2023 review

The modern supermini is a very different car to the ones that existed 20 years ago. The Peugeot 206, for instance, had a steering column that would rub between your feet as they sat on the pedals, which were hilariously off-set to one side – polish was certainly off the agenda. But step into the 208, some three generations the 206’s senior, and things are very different.

The 208 is built on a fresh platform built by PSA that is also found under the Corsa, and one destined to spread right across the wide reaches of its own brands, and those within its new FCA partnership. It’s bigger, more refined, more technologically advanced, and available with a fully electric powertrain, but it’s the petrol model that is still likely to find more homes in the UK.

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We’ve got to grips with the range-topping petrol 208 GT, powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 98bhp. By all accounts, it's not particularly special on paper, but it fights back as an energetic unit that pulls surprisingly hard for something with so little on-paper shove. For that, we can thank the turbo’s willingness to spin up promptly due to its compactness, making for a powertrain that feels far more punchy than its 96bhp and 151lb ft of torque would suggest.

When paired with the eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission fitted here, its 0-62mph time is a class competitive 10.8sec, 0.9sec slower than when fitted with the standard six-speed manual. The torque-converter’s slight power sappage isn’t quite offset by the manual’s longer gearing, and despite the longer final drive is also a few MPG less efficient. The 208’s top speed is 117mph.

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If there is one surprise, it’s that the 208’s Aisin-sourced transmission is actually excellent when up and running. Changes are swift, smooth and very well calibrated to make the most of the engine’s weedy figures. It can be a tad jerky at the point of take off, but this seems to be something associated with most three-cylinder cars fitted with an automatic, or indeed dual-clutch transmissions.

From a technical perspective, PSA’s new CMP modular platform that this new 208 is built on doesn’t have any real technical highlights, but the fact this new 208 is both bigger, more refined and loaded with kit, yet lighter than its dainty predecessor is highlight enough. Weighing in at just 1090kg for our GT automatic, it’s an impressive feat considering how refined and substantial the 208 feels.

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The interior also proves to be a big step forward in the supermini conversation, with a complex and ornate interior that’s interesting, well constructed, and even a little glamorous. A highlight is the 3D-effect i-Cockpit set-up, which takes Peugeot’s controversial small steering wheel, high-mounted dials combination one step further by squaring off the steering wheel into a sort of octagonal shape, while the now completely digital dial set is three-dimensional, thanks to some trick reflection-based projection similar to what you’ll find on a head-up display.

Lots of big-car tech has made its way into the 208, with a panoramic sunroof, massaging leather seats, adaptive LED headlights, active cruise control and a 10.1-inch high-set infotainment system all able to be specified.

In addition to a downsized steering wheel and high-set dials there’s also a new steering ratio that is far more direct than those of most of the 208’s rivals. In the previous 208 GTi and 308 GTi it meant fantastically direct turn-in, underpinned by performance-oriented rubber and wider front tyres. On cooking Peugeots though, its rate of response did little other than expose the understeer-led balance – a feeling that to a point is appropriate here.

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Of course, this 98bhp version was never going to feel as agile or enthusiastic as the previous 208 GTi, but there is certainly an impressive level of ability within the 208’s chassis, which feels happy to move around on its suspension without losing composure over bumps or undulations through a corner. The damping is well judged, and avoids being needlessly firm, and wheel control feels excellent.

The steering is still mostly devoid of feel though, and while the short-geared automatic transmission does its best to keep the engine in its sweet spot, the comfortable, balanced set-up clearly favours comfort over entertainment.

At cruising speeds, town speeds, and on the motorway, the 208 is a very accomplished supermini though. Refinement is impressive (although the three-cylinder does struggle to contain vibrations at idle oddly), and all the controls feel more finely calibrated than in many a supermini rival.

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Prices, specs and rivals

Prices for the 208 start at a rather hefty £20,760, with our GT 100PS auto coming in at £26,540 (the automatic itself is £1430). The range-topping e-208 is priced at £34,995 in the same GT specification, making it model-for-model a £9885 premium on our 98bhp 1-litre.

To balance the GT’s high price point, it’s loaded with standard features such as 17-inch alloys, ambient lighting, automated parking assistance, climate control, satnav, those funky LED lights, front and rear sensors, and a rear camera.

Rivals in the supermini class are extensive, the equally fresh Renault Clio being its most obvious rival. The entry-level E-Tech hybrid now costs from £21,295, and while direct rivals, the Volkswagen Polo, Vauxhall Corsa, Skoda Fabia, SEAT Ibiza and its kind are all extremely dull, if competent and competitively priced. The Ford Fiesta was an excellent, dynamic offering, but has now been axed.

Despite its mainstream origins the 208, more than most in the class, has found a way of making a supermini feel, well, super. With the Ford Fiesta no longer an option, the 208 is a worthy contender for the top spot in the class.