MOTORING
ISLAND LIFE MOTORING REVIEW
TEST DRIVEN ON THE ISLAND BY PETER WHITE
PEUGEOT 208 GTI
There is a feeling of anticipation and
a range of similar GTi models; it’s a one-off,
but spectacular. The dials and gadgets are
excitement when you step into a car that you
and it can only be the new Peugeot 208
uncomplicated and easy to view; but it is
simply know is going to contain just as many
GTi. Don’t get me wrong; when you view the
that initial burst of acceleration that is the
thrills as frills.
outside of the car, which I drove courtesy of
real winner. You are pushed back into the
Staddlestone’s Peugeot, Bembridge, you can
body-hugging sports seats as you dab the
key; one that has a conventional handbrake
only be impressed with its sleek, smooth,
smart metal accelerator.
rather than a touch-on, touch-off mechanism.
aerodynamic bodywork.
A car that you still start with the turn of a
And one that when you engage the first of
But it is when you get inside the cabin
It’s a car that makes you want to drive
it, rather than just sit back and let it take
its six manual gears and let out the clutch, it
that the fun really starts. It is everything you
you along. The ride is firm but far from
responds with all the power and enthusiasm
would want from a ‘hot hatch’ – and more.
uncomfortable, even on Island roads; it
you would expect.
The combination of red and black interior in
corners with perfection and brakes with
the one I drove was not only eye-catching,
authority.
This is also a car that is not sandwiched in
OTR price: £18,895 (metallic paint £495 extra)
CO2 emissions 139 grams/km
MPG combined 47.9. 0-62 mph in 6.8 secs
Church Road, Bembridge PO35 5ND
Tel: 01983 872121
dealer.peugeot.co.uk/staddlestones-isle-of-wight
www.visitislandlife.com
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