Opinions people 208 THP 1.6 vs DS3 THP 1.6

[THE_EGG]

Alright people, my current scenario is that my current n/a DS3 really doesn't have enough grunt for me and I find the auto-box really annoying (not changing gear in drive when I want it to and being jerky in manual mode and only being 4-speed :O). Anyway, I asked my salesman who sold me the car to keep me posted about cheap deals for trading it my DS3 for the THP DS3 Sport or the THP 208 Sport and some have come up recently and the trade-in cost is cheaper than what I was going to spend on my current DS3 in upgrades + both the 208 and DS3 THP have more gadgets. The biggest reason I'm considering these two is that the 125kw/tonne ratio came in in QLD at the start of this year for turbocharged vehicles. And from what I've heard from friends and from the answers I got from the department of the transport, the exemption form is only used to clarify/verify that yes the car is under 125kw/tonne.

I should note that the 208 is about 80kg lighter than the DS3 and has a roomier cabin and has the exact same engine as the DS3 so it is ~0.3 of a second fast than the DS3 0-100km/h (probably not noticeable in the real world).

Note I plan to have a test drive within the next week or two.

Peugeot 208 THP 1.6
Pros (over DS3 THP 1.6)
- Newer
- WAY More kit
- Cheaper servicing costs than DS3 (I know that's weird but it's true)
- I don't think the styling will date as much as the DS3

Cons (over DS3 THP 1.6)
- Costs more
- Unsure of tunes availability and upgrade parts because of the car being new
- 'Scratchier/harder' plastics used in the interior vs DS3 (need to clarify that myself when I test-drive)

Citroen DS3 THP 1.6
Pros (over 208 THP 1.6)
- Cheaper
- Comfirmed that upgrades are available for it for in the future (few years down the track)
- Been out for a while now, without anything major going wrong

Cons
- Not as much kit as the 208
- Storage is pretty terrible (one cupholder in the whole car etc) in the cabin
- I might get bored with it more quickly as I have already had a DS3 before

As you can see, I'm in a bit of a confused state at this juncture. Thanks for the incoming opinions!

[99_FGT]

Has to be said: Clio Sport. No P plate restrictions, and you will never feel like it "needs" more power, or that it is lacking in kit, because it is just so much fun to drive.

[THE_EGG]

Has to be said: Clio Sport. No P plate restrictions, and you will never feel like it "needs" more power, or that it is lacking in kit, because it is just so much fun to drive.

Yeh, I would like to have that but it is too expensive for me unfortunately. The best deal the salesman could do for me was an ex-demo for just under $36000.

[99_FGT]

If you have your heart set on a new car, then yes, out of your price range.
Looking at the pug can only see a "Allure Sport" - is there a true sport or GTi yet?

[THE_EGG]

If you have your heart set on a new car, then yes, out of your price range.
Looking at the pug can only see a "Allure Sport" - is there a true sport or GTi yet?

Yes that is correct, it is the Allure Sport. The salesman said he can drop the price a few grand to DS3 DSport price levels. And personally if I was after a second hand car I would love a Smart Roadster and do that up over time but it has to be an ex-demo or brand new car for me (parents are strongly encouraging me to get a new or ex-demo car).

The GTi is still a concept at the moment I think??? Unsure about the GTi and I'm sure it would be over the 125kw/tonne threshold. I'm thinking it will just be a Pug version of the DS3 Racing except rumours are that the 208 GTi will be coming to Australia.

[team_v]

To be honest i would go the Smart Roadster route.
Whilst it is second hand it would have almost all of the gadgets tha tthe new cars have anyway wouldn't it?

Plus they have the brabus engine.

[THE_EGG]

To be honest i would go the Smart Roadster route.
Whilst it is second hand it would have almost all of the gadgets tha tthe new cars have anyway wouldn't it?

Plus they have the brabus engine.

Haha I know, and I don't need to fill out an exemption form either. A friend of mine got one second hand from Victoria and drove it up here and he gave me a ride in it. It handles BRILLIANTLY, and it feels REALLY fast but it does feel dated and the transmission (6-speed automated manual) is truly horrible which also equates to a pretty terrible 0-100 time of 10.5 seconds (worse than my current DS3). Also the plastics used in it feel really cheap.

I've been told not to go for it from parents because of safety concerns (even though from memory it managed 4 stars which isn't bad). Also because it is a convertible I'm a little worried about the devices used for that breaking because they are nearing 10 years old.

Unfortunately I'm thinking the roadster is out of the equation because I'm thinking I'll be in the same boat as I'm in now which is having to spend quite a bit to make it into the car I really want.

[Mk3 AAA]

All of those cars are French which means they're off my ever recommending to a friend list (yes the Smart is French too... sort of) BUT the Smart Roadster is heaps of fun have taken one for a burn and it was a giggle... except the gearbox and it would've been nice if we got the hatch too.

[team_v]

There is a Polo 9n3 GTI at the Gold coast (for sale on the forum here) for arond 10k.
That should fall within the power/weight parameters

[99_FGT]

There is a Polo 9n3 GTI at the Gold coast (for sale on the forum here) for arond 10k.
That should fall within the power/weight parameters

Yeah, I'd say save money and buy S/H too, but for some reason his parents want him to buy new or demo...
I bought a new car once, and had to sell it after 12 months due to getting a company car. We lost so much money, I can't see me buying new again.
Al..