THIRTY years ago Peugeot launched a car that changed the brand’s perception in drivers’ minds.



 

The 205 GTi was so loved by critics and owners that Peugeot has been trying to replicate the appeal of its first hot-hatch ever since.

To celebrate that anniversary, it has launched this limited edition version of its current hot-hatch 208 GTi, called the 208 GTi 30th.

The 30th anniversary cars cost £21,995, £2,000 more than the “standard” GTi, and Peugeot expects most to go to those who have owned, or still own, a 205 GTi.

It also expects the majority of buyers to be male and younger, at least in attitude, than the average, despite a higher insurance rating.

One hundred limited edition cars will come to the UK out of a production run of 800.

The first 30, hand-painted in a distinctive metallic red and matt black colour scheme (see right), have sold out even before reaching the UK.

The remaining 70, in a choice of all red or all white, have been allocated to Peugeot dealers and are expected to sell out fast.

As with the regular GTi, the 30th edition is only available as a three-door hatchback, but there are a host of subtle changes that mark out the special edition.

It has 18in alloy wheels unique to the car, and sits half an inch lower than the regular edition.

The grille surround, front fog-light bezels and door mirror casings are all painted matt black and the matt black finish is used on the side-skirts and wheel-arch extensions.

There is also a 208 GTi 30th badge just behind the rear-most side window.

The wheels are also mounted fractionally wider, too, both front and rear.

While the red and black version looks a bit odd, the satin white car has excellent presence and really suits the GTi 30th, although the limited edition is not just about looks.

Peugeot has tweaked the 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine to raise the power by 8bhp to 208bhp and insists this is not a gimmick to match the power to the name.

While an extra 8bhp doesn’t sound like much, the engine has also been tuned to deliver more grunt.

You can feel this if you drive the regular and limited editions back to back but Peugeot says this tweak will not be passed on to BMW, which uses the same 1.6-litre engine in the Mini.
 

The result of the engine upgrades is a drop in the 0 to 60mph time from 6.8 to 6.5 seconds in the standard GTi.

This may not seem like much, but it’s a noticeable improvement.

To cope with the additional performance the 208 GTi 30th is fitted with larger front brakes, so you can slow down and accelerate faster.

Its gearing is unchanged, though, and because there is only a slight power increase, the top speed remains at 143mph.

Rather cleverly, Peugeot has made the GTi 30th more efficient than the regular GTi.

The average fuel economy of 52.3mpg is 5mpg better than previously.

This is thanks to engine changes and an additional stop-start system for more economical city driving, although urban roads are not really what this car is about.

Point it at your favourite B-road, or take it to a track day session, and the upgrades are apparent.

Although the regular 208 GTi was always fun, the difference is marked.

The stiffer, lower suspension improves precision when you turn into a corner, even if there is not much more feedback from the steering, and we found the comfort levels as good as any of the rival hot-hatches.

The biggest improvement to the GTi 30th is the addition of a mechanical differential between the front wheels, which dramatically cuts wheel spin on slippery surfaces.

The system gives you more grip, providing better control of the driven wheels and faster acceleration, creating a car that is fun, even playful, yet reassuringly predictable near the limit of grip.

Some of the extra £2,000 has also gone on more supportive sports seats, not that there was anything wrong with the standard GTi’s.

The small numbers involved in the GTi 30th means Peugeot doesn’t really have to worry about competing with rivals.

The outgoing Vauxhall Corsa VXR Clubsport is possibly the closest hot-hatch, in terms of capability, entertainment and price.

The Ford Fiesta ST and Renault Clio RS are both fun and less expensive, but they miss out on important equipment such as that clever differential, which is key to the 30th’s character.

It is that sense of something special that means the 208 GTi 30th is well worth the additional price over the regular GTi.

As for capturing the spirit of the 205 GTi, perhaps it does.

What is certain is that the car stands, and will succeed, on its own excellent merits.