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Failing to have the hot temper of his eldest
� 205 GTi, 208 GTi � th ... |
Peugeot 208 GTi against Peugeot 205 GTi - Evolution
Twenty-nine years separate these two flanked bombinettes logo GTi. With the sultry 205 GTi, 208 GTi sharing exception and ruthlessly efficient performance. But as the "ancestor" was demanding to drive, so the youngest can be many hands.
Heredity is hard to bear when you call 208 GTi. Three little letters that magic 206 and 207 have never been right, at least in France. But, as the saying goes, you can not be and have been. So to look at the page in 2013, the 208 GTi could only get rid of the personality of the 205 GTi, born in 1984. A heyday for driving enthusiasts, where speed was synonymous with success. Roll GTi (205, VW Golf as elsewhere) was also likely that "cruiser" today SUV and other "crossover" of all kinds. Nevertheless, it is salivating this "bodybuild�e" 208 who enjoys referring to its predecessor: fender flares (painted black instead of the 205), red strip at the bottom of the grille, GTi logo on the sides and the steering wheel, plus a red line on the seat belts (depending on the time, the 205 GTi was completely red belts), these are all nods to confirm parentage. If the black-red gradient around the vents and door against headbands are not suitable for everyone's taste, the aluminum pedals and the way stitched leather coating covering the dashboard provide an upscale touch to this cabin done properly, with the exception of a few details.
Peugeot 208 GTiBenefits Beautiful versatility
Consistent performance
Driveability
Interior done correctly
Pitfalls of Sensation sweetened
Behavior unexciting
Poor visibility
Position of questionable conduct
Peugeot 205 GTiBenefits Chassis agile and efficient
Acceleration current
Sacred temperament
Pitfalls of Finish dated
Directorate lasts maneuvers
Minimal equipment
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The interior of the 205 � shows a poverty which
is no longer used |
Like all 208 GTi this shows a strong personality with a high instrumentation, its large touchscreen and a small steering wheel, redesigned for the occasion and true promise of agility. Unfortunately, as many drivers who move seat set at the lowest flying above the rim mask me some counters, and the screen between them. I rattle duty press and lower the steering column ... until I remember that the 205 GTi had a non-adjustable steering wheel. Neither one nor two, I rushed to check by opening the door of the copy we borrowed for the occasion. Experts have recognized a GTi 1.9 "Phase 2" after 1987, when she received a more modern edge board. Slipping into his seat implies, indeed, dealing with a single setting available: forward or back seat! A little light to be installed properly, especially as the seat seems too high. But this is far from the only aspect that has taken a slap. Finishing, despite the state "contest" the 205 here this is hardly worthy of a current Lada, while equipment side, the great desert. Apart from the electric front windows and central locking, there is nothing to put in their mouths. For the air conditioning, open the window, and a gaping hole indicates the location of the radio. In short, the 205 GTi, we are here to lead and nothing else!
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�The 208 GTi is efficient and effective. But the
205 GTi� showed, for unparallel ... |
Who never had a chance to take the wheel of this legendary bombinette, I did not pray when the owner handed me the keys. Ignition on, the four-cylinder is struggling to stabilize its idle (recurring defect at the time) and get the car out of the parking requires grip, steering is not power (it was an option) . 3.8 steering wheel turns lock to lock are also, quite anachronistic (2.9 turns in the 208 GTi), but once the 205 GTi launched the little required to turn the steering efforts surprises. The Lioness is a lightweight (875 kg announced), and that is its strength. The reactive accelerator accentuates the impression of liveliness, especially as the "big" 1.9 130 hp beefier low speed qu'alerte to take turns, still provides acceleration current (0 to 100 km 7.8 s). As a kart, this 205 GTi surprised by its agility and efficiency of its front end, even praiseworthy. But beware not to get carried away. First, because the braking without ABS does not allow for stopping distances as short today. Then, because there is no electronic crutch to make up for bad driving.
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Red accents bring excitement to this
sport interior nicely .... |
Conducted at a good pace, this GTi sanctions a brake support or a simple lift of the foot by a sudden slip back, which requires a solid knowledge of countersteering. Driving is not easy, especially if the firm damping is bearable, the soundscape is "rich" of air noise and intrusive engine. Before needing an aspirin, I take a photo stop to steal the wheel of the 208 brings me posthaste in 2013. The atmosphere is much more subdued, space, more generous, but all is not rosy. Starting with poor rear visibility - I regret the large windows of the 205 - and feel watered down. The firmness of the suspension at low speed (it will then arrange) reported good happens something. But, except for some resonances exhaust, the sound of the 1.6 turbo is not intoxicating, Peugeot has not managed to cram the "sound system" under the hood of the RCZ. The first kilometers are quite frustants, heavy traffic with the unique advantage of demonstrating the proper education of the engine and transmission.
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The conduct of this � 205 GTi is not easy,
but lightweight and bi ... |
I almost believe in a normal 208, until the laces appear Col de Vence. This time, I loose rein to 200 horsepower sophisticated 1.6 (direct injection, turbocharged double-entry). Acceleration prove consistent - 0 to 100 km / h in 6.8 seconds - if not spectacular, the constant torque from 1,700 to nearly 5,000 r / min smoothing sensation. However, the needle of the speedometer climbs quickly, which highlights the driveability of the 208 GTi, although ESP stability control (fussy) offline. The small Lioness swapped "mobile hindquarters" the 205 GTi for a perfectly neutral attitude, very reassuring, but unexciting used for the genre. This choice "public" at least has the advantage of making the 208 GTi, silent also very versatile. Especially if the appetite may exceed 15 l/100 km if you abuse the 1.6 turbo, it is perfectly possible to limit the 8 without being frustrated driving: through breathing turbo, the sixth is exploitable from 70 km / h and offers strong reminders (80 to 120 km / h in 8.4 seconds according Peugeot). After a final exchange of frames, one thing is clear: the 208 GTi will not mark in history as the 205 GTi. But as exciting as it remains, the latter corresponds to a bygone era. Other times, other manners.
