The 208 GTI 30th Anniversary Could Be The Best Peugeot Hot Hatch In Years

We’re rather fond of the 208 GTI, and very much enjoyed running one as a long-term test car. It’s a great all-round motor, but it falls down dynamically compared to its rivals. Until now, that is, as there’s a new 30th Anniversary edition which looks set to right all of the standard car’s wrongs.

Power from the turbocharged 1.6-litre four-pot is up from 197bhp to 205bhp, and the torque has been boosted by 18lb ft to 221lb ft. 0-62mph is now down a tenth to 6.5 seconds, but the changes we’re interested in aren’t under the bonnet.

That’s because this car is packing the same Torsen limited-slip differential and six-speed gearbox as the RCZ-R. It’s also getting a wider track and the suspension has undergone a whole host of tweaks and changes. Peugeot has even dialed back the traction control, and added bigger brakes. The good news keeps on coming, too, as that two-tone 308 R-like paint job is optional, should you find it a bit conspicuous.

The car is on display at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, and will go on sale this November. Prices haven’t yet been revealed, but we’re hoping the increase isn’t huge.