Peugeot 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport
The Peugeot 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport represented Peugeot's most serious attempt to recapture the spirit of the legendary 205 GTI. While the standard 208 GTI was a competent hot hatch, the 'by Peugeot Sport' version elevated it with meaningful mechanical upgrades that transformed the car from a pleasant warm hatch into a genuinely engaging driver's machine.
The headline figure was 208 horsepower from the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a deliberate nod to the 208 model designation. This represented a useful increase over the standard GTI's 200 horsepower, but the more significant upgrades were found elsewhere. A Torsen limited-slip differential was fitted, dramatically improving traction out of corners and reducing the torque steer that plagued the standard car. Larger brakes with 323mm ventilated front discs provided greater stopping power and better fade resistance.
The suspension was lowered by 10mm compared to the standard GTI, with revised spring rates and damper settings developed by Peugeot Sport. The anti-roll bars were stiffened, and the rear torsion beam was reinforced. These changes gave the car a more purposeful stance and significantly improved body control during spirited driving.
The 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport's compact dimensions and relatively light weight of 1,160 kilograms made it a lively and agile performer. The turbocharged engine provided strong torque from low revs, with 300 Nm available from 1,700 rpm. This made the car punchy and responsive in everyday driving, while the engine continued to pull strongly to its upper reaches. The six-speed manual gearbox had a pleasantly precise shift action.
Visually, the by Peugeot Sport version was distinguished by larger 18-inch alloy wheels, a more aggressive front bumper with additional air intakes, side skirts, and a subtle rear spoiler. The interior featured sports seats with Peugeot Sport branding, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. The overall presentation was purposeful without being ostentatious.
The car received warm reviews from automotive journalists, who praised the improvements over the standard GTI. The limited-slip differential was singled out as the single most important upgrade, transforming the car's cornering behavior from frustrating understeer to adjustable and engaging. The by Peugeot Sport version finally delivered the driving experience that the 208 GTI badge had always promised.
While it could not quite match the raw, lightweight appeal of the 205 GTI that inspired it, the 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport proved that Peugeot still understood how to build an engaging small performance car.
Verify it is the genuine 'by Peugeot Sport' version with LSD and larger brakes, not a standard GTI. Check for turbo health — listen for whine or smoke. Engine timing chain (not belt) is generally reliable but check for rattle on cold start. Gearbox should be smooth. Check for wheel bearing wear due to wider wheels. Front tires wear faster due to FWD and LSD. Interior wear on seats and steering wheel.
The 'by Peugeot Sport' version was introduced in 2015 as an upgrade to the standard 208 GTI. Built at Poissy. The Torsen LSD and larger brakes were developed specifically for this model. Production continued through 2019 when the Mk1 208 was replaced.