We review the Peugeot 208 GTi from price to economy and all its features

ONE of the hardest tricks in the motoring book is to replace an icon.

Car firms know they are on a hiding to nothing — get it wrong and they will be slaughtered, get it right and it’s what people expected anyway.

And that is exactly the dilemma that Peugeot faced with the 208 GTi, the latest model to attempt to recapture the magic of the iconic 205 GTi of the 1980s.

Peugeot’s last two attempts, with the 206 and 207 GTi models, both ended in failure with cars that didn’t get close to the original. So there is big pressure on the 208 GTi, especially with very impressive new rivals in the Fiesta and Renault Clio.

But Peugeot did have a good base to start at. The standard 208 is a runaway success, with 300,000 sold in just a year, making it Europe’s best-selling supermini.

I’m old enough to remember the Eighties 205 GTi — a workmate owned one and I spent plenty of time in both the driver and passenger seat, so I can give a realistic assessment of the 208 in comparison.

Obviously, the 208 has the considerable advantage of nearly 30 years of continual advances in technology and design, which is also why it costs £18,895 compared to £6,295 for the 1981 205 GTi.

By hot hatch standards the 208 GTi actually looks a little understated, but I like the more restrained approach that gives the Peugeot a touch of extra class which you don’t expect from a pocket rocket.

The LED running lights, a chrome and matt black grille, deeper spoiler at the front and chrome wing mirrors still give it enough added attitude to stand out.

Bigger alloys, a rear roof spoiler and neat double exhaust pipes at the rear also add drama, but the best touch is the GTi logo cut in to the rear C pillar, just like the 205.

The interior definitely fits the image, with part-leather sports seats and a racy red, black and satin chrome colour scheme, with red trim around the main instruments, centre console and doors.

A small steering wheel that obscures the instruments, a chunky aluminium gear lever and matching pedals all leave you in no doubt that this is a hot supermini that comes with all the gadgets and connectivity apps via a seven-inch screen.

With the GTi Peugeot have rediscovered the fun factor in some style. The more time I spent throwing the GTi around mountain roads in France the bigger my smile became.

The 1.6litre turbo engine is a gem. Shared with the Mini Cooper S, it pumps out just short of 200bhp and delivers 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 143mph.

At first, like the rest of the car, it sounds a little understated, with a low rumble of noise, but the quicker you go the sweeter the engine sounds, without ever becoming tiring. It’s the same with the steering — the faster you go, the more responsive it is.

Best of all, the ride retains a comfort level that you don’t expect from a hot hatch. The 208 GTi is a car you can drive on the limit or simply cruise around town. It’s happy in any road conditions and can switch to suit your driving mood, giving you sporty and refined in one package.

Prices start at £18,895, which is nearly £2,000 more than the entry-level Fiesta ST, but it has more equipment. Even so, satnav is £400 extra and with all the options the price can rise to £21,290, while the Renault goes from £18,995 to £19,995.

In truth the three cars are as close dynamically as they are in price and performance. If you want old-school rawness and the best price, go for the Ford.

If you want a grown-up hot hatch, the Renault fits the bill, but you get a less involving auto box instead of a manual.

But the classiest and best all-round package is the 208 GTi. It may lack the driving devil of the 205 GTi but it’s a thoroughly modern hot hatch that will be a lot more realistic to live with on a day-to-day basis.

What to look for when buying a used Peugeot 208

A couple of problems have been reported at the time of writing (April 2014).

Firstly, a very small batch of vehicles were recalled with poorly-installed bonnets.

Secondly, reports that  air may remain in the brake system after bleeding, which can result in increased brake pedal travel and a possible reduction in braking efficiency.

Check both these things when buying used.