Peugeot 208 GTi ON THE ROAD

Review & Photos by Rob McSorley

It has been said hundreds of times before how amazing the Peugeot 205 GTi of the 80s was and every subsequent French hatch bearing the iconic 3 letters on its rump has been scrutinised and compared ever since. Is this fair? Yes and no really. What makes a hot hatch half decent hasn't changed over the years but what has are the constraints on manufacturers to meet safety regulations. It means that engineering a hot hatch to be fun is harder than it used to be.

Peugeot has really fallen victim over the years. The 206 GTi was slow, handled like a blamanche and just didn't look or feel sporty. Later came the 206 GTi 180 which was mildly better but still as exciting as a wet weekend. The next real chance for Peugeot came with the 207 GTi which on paper looked good but in reality it was simply too heavy and didn't have enough power. It also lacked agility and had wishy washy steering. 

Fast forward to 2013 and Peugeot is telling the world that the "GTi is back" and promise great things of the new 208 wearing the badge. The 208 itself is an excellent starting point as it drives very well thanks to a lower kerb weight, looks the part and has a lovely cabin. In fact it is our favourite supermini so the 208 GTi should be brilliant. Shouldn't it? 

It certainly has the performance to have you grinning from ear-to-ear with a 1.6-litre twin scroll turbo petrol engine under the bonnet kicking out a very decent 200 bhp (the very same unit found in the RCZ). It can thrust you to 62 mph in just 6.8 seconds and on to a dizzy 143 mph. The figures tell only half the story as the maximum torque of 203 lb ft can be extracted from just 1,700 rpm making for frantic pace with no turbo lag and plenty of power whenever you desire it.

Thanks to a tight 6-speed manual with well spaced ratios keeping the engine on the boil is child's play and it loves to be revved. All the way to the red line if you are that way inclined. It also emits a burbling growl from the exhaust which is pretty seductive but some will wish was louder. 

Peugeot has gone all out when it comes to the GTi's chassis. As you would expect there are stiffer, lowered springs and firmer dampers but unusually it also has much wider tracks at both ends for improved stability. How does it all come together? Deliciously. Instantly you can feel that this 208 is much more planted and feels solid under your backside. Its modest kerbweight means that it turns in crisply with little lean and corners like it's on rails rewarding with endless levels of grip and pointy, direct steering. You can also enter corners a silly speeds and the GTi will see you through as it hunkers down and drags you out the other side grinning like a Cheshire cat.

When you aren't driving the 208 GTi like you stole it what gives this little rocket added appeal it its easy going nature. Despite the beefed up suspension somehow a lot of the chassis's pliancy has been retained making for a comfortable ride that takes a lot to upset it. The engine is also pretty quiet and good soundproofing keeps wind and road noise outside where they belong. It is also easy to live with on a daily basis with a roomy cabin that can seat four in comfort and a boot that is deceptively spacious.

To distinguish the GTi from lesser models Peugeot has gone for subtle exterior jewellery but it still manages to look sporty. There are wheel arch and sill extensions, gorgeous 17 inch alloy wheels, a big spoiler, a twin exhaust, unique headlight graphics and a chequered grill. There is also a red bar beneath the front grill and a smattering of red GTi badges that remind others that you are driving something special. It's a very appealing look that builds on the good looks of the basic 208 design.

The cabin too has been tarted up with heavily bolstered part leather sports seats, splashes of black and red gloss trim and carbon effect dials. You also get a neat red centre line on the wheel like you find on track cars. The drivers seat is 10 mm lower than before so you really feel part of the action and the 208s dinky steering wheel with high mounted dials work incredibly well. The dash design is smart and easy to navigate centered around a touchscreen infotainment system that is a little tricky to operate but does everything you could want it to. The materials used also feel good to the touch although the unpleasant plastic used on the doors still remains.

For your £18,895 the GTi is well equipped with electric windows, dual zone climate control, sat nav, bluetooth and usb connectivity, cruise control, parking sensors, part leather seats, automatic lights and wipers, fog lights and led daytime running lights. Also for a car with so much power and performance running costs will surprise many. Emissions fall into VED band E emitting just 139 g/km resulting in an annual fee of £120. Fuel economy is also impressive with the GTi capable of returning 47.9 mpg if driven carefully.

Tech Data

Price as tested: £18,895
Engine: 1.6 16v 200 bhp - 0-62mph: 6.8 secs - Maximum Speed: 143 mph -
Economy: 34.4 mpg (urban) 60.1 mpg (extra-urban), 47.9 mpg (combined) - Emissions: 139 g/km (Band E) - VED (12 months): £120
Dimensions: Length: 3962 mm - Width: 1829 mm - Height: 1460 mm - Wheelbase: 2538 mm
*data from Peugeot UK

DriverVIBE Verdict

The 208 GTi is a real return to form for Peugeot and is worthy of the famous badge. It is very quick, handles brilliantly and is wickedly fun to drive. It also looks fantastic, has an interior that feels racy and is constructed of premium materials but is still usefully practical. What the GTi does offer that some rivals don't is an easy going side when you want to take things a little more calmly. Its ride, considering the beefier chassis, offers good comfort and bump absorption and its engine settles down proving to be refined. For your money you also get plenty of sporty touches inside and out that build on the strong, bold design of the standard 208 and all the equipment you could ever want. It also won't cost the earth to run with very respectable running costs. It results in a hot hatch that ticks all the right boxes and is an immensely fun and competent all-rounder that should be on any hot-hatch buyers shortlist.

All photographs and text are the exclusive property of Rob McSorley (except where stated otherwise). They are made available for your personal viewing enjoyment only. No images are within the Public Domain. The photographs may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, manipulated, projected, used or altered in any way without the prior permission of Rob McSorley (info@DriverVIBE.com).

Subaru Forester UK Media Launch

Words & Photos by Rob McSorley

When considering a dependable compact crossover very few think of Subaru's Forester. Is it because it's not a good car? Far from it as the Forester is one of the most capable and easy to live with cars money can buy. It has always enjoyed a loyal following from die-hard Subaru fans who need good four wheel drive traction. We were invited to the UK media launch of the new Subaru Forester and were keen to find out what the new car has to offer. The event was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel at Castle Donington in Derby. 

The launch of the new fourth generation Forester is very important for Subaru as they describe the model as "The heart of Subaru and what we (Subaru) are all about". The brand are keen to emphasise that a lot of time was spent on focus groups made up of both new and existing customers in a bid to get to the heart of what the new model should be and what improvements need to be made. As a result the new Forester is an evolution (rather than revolution) of its predecessor that is functional, durable, not pretentious and fit-for-purpose.

Sales have been hit hard by the adverse exchange rates between the Yen and UK pound which has forced prices up over recent years and has even seen some Subaru dealers closing their doors for good. At its peak 12,000 Foresters were leaving forecourts per year but during 2012 just 2,000 were sold. Subaru are optimistic that they will shift 2,500 units during 2013.

The evolution theme is evident in the design of the new Forester which hasn't changed massively from previous incarnation but it is certainly a little more distinctive. At the front there are more angular lights, a more butch lower bumper and the brands pronounced grill. In profile it retains its low waistline and tall glass area but now has some subtle creases breaking up the uncluttered metalwork. The rear has been brought up to date with edgier lights and attractive creases on the tailgate. It's far from sexy but it has a nice solid look that appears modern and it's nice to see alloy wheels standard on all models.

Subaru have made notable changes to the dimensions. The windscreen has been pushed forward, the wing mirrors are mounted lower and further back for increased visibility. The bonnet is also lower and the new car weighs a little less than before. The wheelbase is longer and it is also a little longer and taller. That said the seating position is lower for a more natural driving position and for the first time the door sills open with the doors so a muddy Forester doesn't mean muddy trousers when getting out. We just wish frameless doors would have made an appearance from earlier generations.

The cabin is a big improvement from before. The materials are still robust rather than sumptuous but Subaru's reputation for hard wearing interiors is set to continue. Everything feels meticulously well screwed together with durable fabrics in all the right places. There is little to get excited about with the design which it shares a lot with the smaller XV but it's easy to find your way round the logical controls. The dials are also very attractive and easy to read. 

The cabin is noticeably roomier than before with acres of room for five adults and the seats although a little soft airy comfortable. The boot too is bigger than before at 505 litres and is a good square shape with a low load lip protected with a metal cover. Storage inside for phones, keys and other bits and bobs is also good.

We had the chance to get behind the wheel of both the 145 bhp 2.0D 6-speed manual, the 237 bhp 2.0 petrol turbo and 147 bhp non-turbo mated to Subaru's Lineartronic CVT. The diesel boxer engine provides plenty of low end pull for most situations especially compared to the wheezy lower powered petrol. The powerful XT is the most thrilling scampering to 62 mph in just 7.5 seconds. It also benefits from Subaru's SI Drive system which adjusts the engines throttle response and torque curve for varying levels of sharpness. It also has sharper styling upfront and a harder suspension.

The Forester rides with impressive suppleness and is very refined. It also handles with real conviction turning in crisply with plenty of grip and respectable levels of roll. The steering is a bit of a letdown which although offers OK feedback is too light and doesn't weight up enough when corners. The manual gearbox fitted to the diesel is disappointingly rubbery but the CVT fitted to both petrol versions is one of the best around changing ratios smoothly keeping the engine in the optimum rev range at all times. 

During the launch the Subaru PR team were keen to demonstrate the Foresters strong off-road ability. We had the opportunity to test the new X Mode system which optimises the cars symmetrical all-wheel-drive system depending on the conditions. It includes a hill descent system which proved effective. The course we had access to was a dry, dusty track with steep inclines wand uneven grassy sections but the Forester didn't even break into a sweat. Traction is very impressive and comfort levels always high even on really poor surfaces.

After the launch it was easy to appreciate the Forester's talents and the decision to evolve the design with subtle improvements. It is a very likable crossover that does all you could ask of it very well although it is far from exciting. 

Stay tuned as in a few weeks we will be spending a week with the new car to see what it is like to live with.

All photographs and text are the exclusive property of Rob McSorley (except where stated otherwise). They are made available for your personal viewing enjoyment only. No images are within the Public Domain. The photographs may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, manipulated, projected, used or altered in any way without the prior permission of Rob McSorley (info@DriverVIBE.com).

5 Cars For Thrill Seekers On A Budget

Words by Rob McSorley

For a large percentage of drivers a car is designed to get from A to B with minimal fuss but for a lot of people a car should be thrilling to drive. It should make you smile and cherish every journey regardless of how long it is. It is easy to think that an exciting car commands a high asking price but as we prove here you can get your hands on an exciting motor for very little cash.

1. Peugeot 106 GTi

Launched in 1996 the cheeky 106 GTi was Peugeot’s next hot-hatch after the iconic 205 GTi. Based on the same core values of a lightweight body and feisty engine the 106’s normally aspirated 1.6-litre 16v engine produced a very decent 120 bhp. With a kerb weight of just 950 kg it could rocket to 60 mph in just 8.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 128 mph. 

Performance wasn’t the only alluring trait of the 106 GTi. It was incredibly nimble with limpet-like grip levels and superb body control thanks to its unusual torsion bar rear suspension. It also had a powerful set of brakes with all-round discs and ABS to help reduce the monstrous lift-off oversteer. For such as focused drivers car the 106 had a ride that could shame a lot of much larger cars and could be specified with premium options such as leather seats and even air conditioning.

Peugeot did a good job of tarting up the GTi to differentiate it from more modest versions with alloy wheels, arch extensions, lower sills and butch bumpers. Perhaps the best part was that later in its life the little 106 GTi has its limelight stolen by its Saxo VTS cousin so is now a lot rarer on the roads and also has a better reputation.

How Much? From £600

2. Mazda MX5

Launched in 1990 the Mazda MX5 was a roadster that would capture the hearts of buyers throughout the world which explains why it remained on sale with the same basic design until 2005. It was originally powered by a 118 bhp 1.6-litre then later a 128 bhp 1.8 litre petrol engine. With its front-engined rear wheel drive layout and low kerb weight the little MX5 wasn't particularly quick but it was a joy to drive.

With a low slung cabin, low centre of gravity and even weight distribution the MX5 was able to turn the dullest of roads into hilariously fun roller coaster rides. With brilliant grip from its strangely thin tyres it could carry plenty of speed into and out of corners with its balanced yet predictable handling.

With Mazda’s superb reputation for reliability the MX5 was an easy car to live with and offered good levels of space and comfort for its two passengers. The boot was also a good size although early cars had fragile interior trim but this was later improved. Running costs were low so anyone could park the cheeky looking MX5 on their drive.

How Much? From £700

3. Ford Puma

Launched in 1997 the Puma was a very clever little coupe in that it shared a lot with the Fiesta including its chassis and interior but you would never know. That's because it was wrapped in a svelte body that looked sporty, unique and youthful. From the dark feline front lights to the swooping roofline the Puma turned heads from the moment it left the showroom.

On the road the Puma was a joy with crisp handling, beautifully direct steering and plenty of zest from the fizzy 1.7-litre 16v petrol engine that kicked out 125 bhp. It was huge fun on any road but still offered good levels of comfort. It was also blessed with a good sized boot and plenty of room for front seat passengers. Its rear seats however were best left for very occasional use.

The interior was lifted straight from its Fiesta cousin so is smart enough with clear dials but hasn't aged too well. It is also a little short of creature comforts including an adjustable driving position.

How much? From £800

4. Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin

Launched in 2000 Mitsubishi’s smallest go-anywhere 4x4 was a rugged little car for those who look for their thrills off the beaten track. Named after Pininfarina who styled the Pinin you would expect a sexy look but unfortunately what you got was a tall, upright design.

Available in both long and short wheelbases with 3 or 5 doors the Pinin appealed to a range of buyers. Inside was a back-to-basics, hard wearing interior which made up for its lack of luxuries with plenty of space and a decent boot. 

On the road it wasn't much fun as it was slow, rolled through corners and jolted uncomfortably over the smallest of rutts in the road. But it was never intended to be a car for enthusiastic drivers. Instead it was equipped with all manner of diff-locking wizardry making the little Pinin a seriously capable car when the going got tough. For those who pushed the Pinin to it’s limits off-road were probably disappointed that it didn't really have any. But you were sure to have fun trying.

How Much? From £1,000

5. Ford Mondeo ST220

Launched in 2002 the MK3 Mondeo built on the broad talents of its predecessor which included sharp handling, luxury levels of refinement and a practical, well built interior. When Ford decided to shoehorn their 3.0-litre V6 engine under the bonnet it was a recipe for success. With 226 bhp on tap the ST220 could reach 60mph in just 7.5 seconds. Ford even produced an economical 2.2-litre TDCi diesel version for those who preferred to fill up from the black pump and an even more practical estate.

Ford also worked hard on the Mondeo’s suspension with lowered, stiffer springs and thicker anti-roll bars to cope with the additional power. The result was a large family car with the handling of something half its size yet still retaining a degree of comfort when not in a hurry. With direct steering and peerless body control the ST220 was a hoot to chuck around.

It also looked the part with bespoke 18 inch alloy wheels, mesh grills, twin exhausts and sill extensions. It also came with gorgeous leather seats with Recaros up front which were also available in an eye-popping red colour which were not for the fainthearted. 

The only problem was its thirst for petrol and its ability to munch through tyres. Still those who do fall for the ST220s charms will be grinning from ear-to-ear even on the shortest journeys.

How Much? From £1,600

All photographs and text are the exclusive property of Rob McSorley (except where stated otherwise). They are made available for your personal viewing enjoyment only. No images are within the Public Domain. The photographs may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, manipulated, projected, used or altered in any way without the prior permission of Rob McSorley (info@DriverVIBE.com)

Subaru BRZ ON THE ROAD

Review by Rob McSorley

Photos by Mat Brooks

Everybody knows the old cliché "You wait all day for a bus and then two turn up at the same time" but the same is true in the world of sports cars. For a while there has been a lack of good ol' fashioned sports cars and then Toyota and Subaru both bring one to the market with the GT86 and BRZ. The truth is that they are very similar as they are the fruit of a joint venture between Toyota and Subaru's parent company Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.

Despite what Toyota will tell you the twins owe more to Subaru than Toyota with a 2.0-litre normally aspirated engine under the bonnet and most of the platform engineered by Subaru. The differences between them are limited to interior trim and equipment and differently styled bumpers. We managed to get hold of a BRZ to see if it was worth the wait. Read on to find out

There are certain ingredients that are needed to make a good sports car. The BRZ scores on all fronts, for starters its boxer engine is mounted as low and far back as possible in the chassis which results in a 53/47 weight distribution. Power is fed through the rear wheels and the seating position is inches from the tarmac.

Its 2.0-litre boxer engine isn't as powerful as some would have liked with 197 bhp and 150 lb ft of torque. The shove on offer comes fairly high in the rev range at 6,400 rpm so it means you need to work it hard. When you do flex your ankle the snarling sound gets better and better the more you hear it. The power is served smoothly and there always seems to be good reserves of thrust when you need it. With a 0-62 mph sprint taking 7.5 seconds the BRZ is no slouch but wont blow your socks off like other sports cars will.

On the road the BRZ turns the tamest of driver into a Ritalin deprived child as it urges you to push it harder. The brutal, mechanical feel to all of the controls is heavenly including the clutch pedal which has some weight to it and is easy to modulate. The gearbox couldn't be better with a snappy, short throw and heavy action that feels precise. The steering is quick, direct and communicative. You could probably close your eyes and still give an accurate account of what the road surface feels like down to the last scuff.

When you do want to get your pulse racing the BRZ is your willing slave thanks its sublime chassis dynamics. With your backside only inches from the tarmac and the near perfect weight distribution the BRZ devours corners like there's no tomorrow. It's alert, planted and beautifully flat even when pushed very hard.

When you do stretch its legs you are rewarded with tenacious grip levels and a crisp turn in permitting the driver to get straight back on the power mid-corner. It's also possible to provoke the tail to sneak out of line but the purity of the feedback through the controls means it's easy to keep control with quickly returning grip. The BRZ makes every journey an absolute hoot as you catapult from one corner to the next.

But don't worry, for such a focused machine impressive levels of comfort have been engineered into the BRZ to keep her indoors happy. Riding surprisingly well on its 17 inch alloys the BRZ offers good pliancy over rough surfaces. The boxer engine also remains quiet when you take things a little more calmly and wind and road noise fail to penetrate the snug cabin.

From pictures the BRZ looks like a fair sized car but in the metal it is actually very compact. From behind the wheel it feels snug with the almost vertical steering wheel enhancing the sporty feel. The cabin's design isn't over complicated and is built using robust rather than luxurious materials but it only adds to its charm. The seats are as near to perfect as possible with thick side bolsters which hold you tightly but are still comfortable. The dials are unfussy with a large central rev counter and the switchgear is logically laid out even if the bolt shaped heater controls are a little tacky.

Space is generous in the front with good leg and headroom but space in the back is severely restricted to the point that you could hardly refer to the seats as seats, more like trimmed storage areas. The boot however is decent with 243 litres; enough for a set of golf clubs or weekend bags. Visibility is also better than we expected with thin pillars and large windows although the low seating position means that the end of the bonnet is impossible to see.

Car styling is subjective but we think the BRZ is a well styled coupe. Its low slung look and long bonnet/short tail stance give the car a solid, planted look and the design of the wheels suit its character well. The angular front lights and aggressive lower bumper create a mean face and we particularly like the subtle bulge in the wing around the front wheel. The rear also looks fairly tasty with sharp-looking lights, a sporty diffuser with twin exhausts and a sizable boot spoiler. Our test cars colour is also a must evoking memories of Impreza WRXs of old which is no bad thing.

At £26,495 the BRZ is aggressively priced against rivals but comes with all the essentials you could need. Touchscreen sat nav, heated half leather seats, keyless entry, dual zone climate control, cruise control, electric windows and mirrors are all standard. It's also good for up to 44.1 mpg if not driven like a maniac and costs a reasonable £215 a year in road tax. It is also sure to be reliable as Subaru and Toyota's reputations are impervious.

Tech Data

Price as tested: £26,495
Engine: 2.0 16v 197 bhp - 0-62mph: 7.6 secs - Maximum Speed: 140 mph -
Economy: 27.2 mpg (urban) 44.1 mpg (extra-urban), 36.2 mpg (combined) - Emissions: 181 g/km (Band I) - VED (12 months): £215

Dimensions: Length: 4240 mm - Width: 1775 mm - Height: 1425 mm - Wheelbase: 2570 mm

*data from Subaru UK

DriverVIBE Verdict

If you are looking for a proper hairy-chested sports coupe then the BRZ is a worthy model to consider. It has the ability to make every journey fun often resulting in long detours. The way it behaves on the road ticks all the boxes with well mannered dynamics that make every driver feel like a pro. It handles brilliantly with plenty of grip and poise and levels of feedback through the controls that many rivals can only dream of. It results in an exhilarating driving experience that makes it easy to exploit the revvy, willing nature of the boxer engine. It may not be as quick as some would have liked but it seems perfectly suited to the BRZ and once you become accustomed to the engines power delivery you can carry tremendous speed into corners. Comfort also hasn't been forgotten with a compliant ride and refinement in abundance. The cabin is also a great place to be feeling snug and well designed although it perhaps doesn't feel special enough. So what did we not like about the BRZ? That's easy; the fact we only had the keys for 3 days!

All photographs and text are the exclusive property of Rob McSorley (except where stated otherwise). They are made available for your personal viewing enjoyment only. No images are within the Public Domain. The photographs may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, manipulated, projected, used or altered in any way without the prior permission of Rob McSorley (info@DriverVIBE.com).