With 180 bhp on tap, the range-topping 206 GTi 180 is undeniably one very ‘hot’ hot hatch” Just one look at the Peugeot 206 GTi 180 is enough for you to wonder if the term hot hatch was coined exclusively for the 180. Seductive styling and a muscular stance hints at its sizzling performance, as do the deep front and rear aprons, the purposeful rooftop spoiler and 17-inch alloys wearing meaty 205/40 Pirelli P7000 tyres under sharply defined wheel arches. A pair of large bore chromed exhaust pipes, micro-carbon gloss door mirrors, an alloy fuel filler cap and colour-coded bumpers, side rubbing strips and door handles add visual polish as does the gleaming pearlescent paintwork Aegean blue on our test car. But its not all window dressing, either. The rear spoiler not only looks good, it also increases downforce on the rear axle by up to 25Kg for improved high-speed stability. Before you fire up the engine theres more good news. The 180s well-built cabin is unmistakably designed to be a drivers workplace. Dominating the interior and trumpeting the exterior pocket-rocket theme are two racing-style front seats with shoulder supports and integrated head restraints upholstered in a pleasing combination of leather, Alcantara and monochrome silver grey/black honeycomb mesh Zagros cloth trim. The two rear passengers also enjoy identically-trimmed, individually-sculpted bucket seats. And, of course, each has a 3-point belt and a head restraint. Access to the back is easy, and the front seats return to their original settings with no problem. A stylish touch is the leather-clad instrument binnacle. Four black-faced dials with silver needles and crisp graphics, defined by chrome bezels, keep the driver informed and cover revs, speed, oil and water temperature and fuel. At night theyre lit up an attractive soft orange thats gentle on the eyes. As befits its range-topping status, the GTi 180 comes well-specced. In addition to the sports seats and set n forget digital air-conditioning with climate control you get a heat reflective windscreen, a remote control radio/CD with a 5-disc autochanger, automatic rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights and a trip computer. Tinted glass, one-touch electric windows, electric folding and heated door mirrors, front fog lights and remote locking can also be taken nicely for granted. In addition there is a handy service indicator and electronic oil level display: the level is shown for approximately ten seconds following the service information after turning on the ignition. A mini-stalk on the right of the steering column allows remote access of all audio In Euro NCAPs crash tests the 206 achieved a four-star rating. Standard active safety kit includes the sports suspension, ABS with electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake assist, an electronic stability programme and traction control with an easily-reached deactivation switch, along with speed-sensitive power steering. The range of direct and indirect passive safety equipment includes smart driver and front passenger airbags, two side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags and seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters. Another convenient safety feature is the automatic hazard light activation in the event of emergency braking. Okay, now you know that the 180 will do its utmost to keep you safe if the worst happens. Now, how about heading out? Around town and at low throttle openings on the open road, you could be forgiven for thinking youre travelling in an ordinary 206. Under these restrictive conditions the ride feels firm — a necessary by-product of the uprated bushes between the suspension and body to ensure it corners as flatly as possible. Away from heavy traffic, however, its a different story. The 180 comes excitingly and entertainingly alive. Sink deep into the bucket seats, drop down a gear or two and hang onto the revs to feel the adrenaline coursing through your veins. Contributing in a big way to the fun is a chassis thats sensitive to throttle input. Also playing a major part is the 180s sports suspension, which endows the car with road-hugging agility. The 180s biggest strength is that its easy to drive fast most of the time — so be very aware of the legal limits. Its ability to put down power combined with a flat cornering attitude will bring a smile to the face of demanding drivers. Damping quality is first rate, enabling the car to remain glued to the tarmac over humps and bumps, keeping the tyres in regular contact with the ground. Even more impressive than what you can do in a GTi 180 is the amount it lets you get way with. For example: carrying in too much speed and braking late in a corner usually has unpleasant consequences. In the 180 you can do that and then lift off to find it still plays along, maintaining handling balance and letting you power out safely. Were not talking about playing brinkmanship with the laws of physics here, just serious or accidental exuberance. The GTis 180bhp is sent to the front wheels via a five-speed box, but its electronic stability program software quickly puts paid to any wheelspin before it gets started — trying to coax a squeal from its 205 section Pirellis is a waste of time. The speed-related power steering is a tad heavy, but its alert enough to exploit the nimble handling. The strong ABS disc brakes (vented at the front, solid at the rear) are communicative and deliver good deceleration and stability when braking on poorer road surfaces. Backing up the GTis 180bhp is 152lb ft of torque at 4,750rpm, 80 per cent of which is available from 2,000rpm. The engine powering the 180 is the most powerful 4-cylinder engine of the current Peugeot generation. With double overhead camshafts and 16 valves it also benefits from variable valve timing, which does a good job of boosting mid-range torque. While the beefy engine is happiest once it has hit 4,000rpm — when theres a noticeable increase in power — it will pull cleanly in top gear from 70 mph even up a long climbing stretch of motorway. On challenging B-roads youll find third gear especially entertaining around this rev-band which, incidentally, is a good time to power down the window to enjoy the rorty sound signature. To make the most of the GTi 180s rev-hungry power delivery characteristics, Peugeot has fitted shorter ratios for second through fifth while first gear has been lengthened to ensure strong acceleration particularly when exiting acute bends. Driving with verve on more challenging roads calls for the engine to be kept on the boil. With you clamped securely and comfortably in the sports seat, the stubby gear lever is well positioned for rapid gear changing, when a light but positive touch will unerringly slot the longish-throw lever through the gate. As the GTi 180 proves, owning a decidedly hot hatch today no longer involves serious compromises with safety, practicality, comfort and reliability. Its always a case of horses for courses. But if its an exciting drive youre after — one that allows you to feel the difference your driving skills make to your driving enjoyment — then the 180 could be the ideal choice for you Peugeot 206 GTi 180 - £15,215
Posted on: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 21:10:58 +0000
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