Quote Originally Posted by philthy View Post
How's the 208? Great looking car. Seems like Peugeot is having a return to form recently.
It's great. Peugeot has finally figured out how to combine handling and ride comfort AGAIN. I owned a 306 GTi6 years ago. This 208 has some of that feel in the twisties. The Polo never was all that great in the corners. Soft handling and a rough ride. Engine (apr) was great though and it made a great long distance car for such a small vehicle.

The 208 is all together more advanced. Engine is out of the Mini Cooper S but tuned closer to JCW levels. Not short of acceleration and it still gets 6.1L/100 on a cruise back from Melbourne. Has a wide track feeling to it... very stable in corners. Faster you go the better it feels. The Fiesta ST crossed my mind for two sec... too hard riding, tacky interior, RS200 was too exy and the engine/gearbox is crap around town. Interior was great. 208 was the best of both worlds.

I think Subaru has got it right with the new WRX. It builds on tech and refinement whilst keeping a bit of the old mongrel WRX feel to it. From all reports the handling is a standout. And they are bloody cheap for what you get.