Why you need to keep your eye on the Peugeot 208 GT-Line

Look and feel

For a sporty car, the 208 GT-Line isn’t too intimidating on the outside. Inside the cabin, however, the GT-Line boasts super sporty seats, upholstered in black and red with contrasting stitching, a a supercar-like dash, and a tiny steering wheel which instantly makes you feel as though you’re in a race - and you’re winning.

Current version

The 2018 version comes with a host of premium quality, sporty equipment such as new headlights with black and chrome elements, LED daytime running lights, and repositioned fog lamps.

Exterior features unique to the GT-Line model include an ‘equaliser’ grille with red detailing, a gloss black finish for the grille surround, fog lamp finishers and exterior mirror housings, and 17’’ Caesium alloy wheels (which you’ll need to be careful with when you parallel park - a scratch doesn’t come cheap).

2020 model: Look out for...

The updated GT-Line which is set to arrive next year will carry some familiar design elements of the larger 508 and 3008, while keeping some details of the 205. It will also feature a redesigned interior and updated technology.

The interesting ‘3D-claw’ tail lights found on the 2018 version remain, but the new version’s claw lights will look slightly different and the car will feature this ‘claw’ design in the front daytime running lights as well.

The new 208’s ‘3D i-Cockpit’ will have various high definition touchscreen infotainment options available, as well as a configurable head-up display.

Personality

Responsive is a word built into the fabric of this car. Peugeot has a history of racing and has carried that DNA over to the 208 GT-Line model. The 208 GT-Line’s dynamic, engaging character, thanks to its compact dimensions and supple suspension, is coupled with the 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder engine.

With 81kW and 205Nm, the current flagship accelerates from 0–100km/ in 9,6 seconds and has a top speed of 190km/h.

The 208’s combined-cycle fuel consumption is said to be 4,5 litres/100km, while CO2 emissions rating is a mere 104g/km.

2020 model: Get ready for...

The new 208 will be built on the company’s latest CMP platform, will be 30kg lighter than its predecessor, and will feature many advanced technologies that you’d usually expect on larger cars. This will include features such as adaptive cruise control with stop and go, a new-generation emergency brake assist system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, smartbeam headlights with automatic dipping and driver attention monitoring, to name a few.

2020 model

The all-new 208 will come with a choice of petrol, diesel and electric (EV) powertrains. The zero-emission Peugeot e-208 is said to be the first in a series of 100% electric models, as the manufacturer plans to electrify its entire range by 2023.

Price and warranties

The current flagship Peugeot 208 GT-Line 1.2 PureTech BVM 81kW Turbo MT sports a price tag of sub-R300,000 and comes with a three-year/100,000km warranty and three year/45,000km service plan.

The 208 Active 1.2 PureTech BVM 60kW MT and the 208 Allure 1.2 PureTech BVM 60kW MT are both available at sub-R250,000.

In summary, the Peugeot 208 GT-Line is a feisty little hatch that wants to be seen and that will no-doubt be talked about. Next year’s updated model might present a stronger challenge to some established favourites, thanks to its performance, standard specs, styling, and price.