Peugeot 208 GTi (2012 - 2018) 1.6 THP GTi 3d Owner Review

After extensive research and reviews I bought my 208 GTi as a MK5 golf GTI alternative. I wanted a mature hot hatch that was easy to live with but also relatively economical as I was still doing ~14k a year. The interior & cabin is brilliant with great seats, infotainment system & screen and loads of equipment (cruise, auto wipers, auto lights, climate control etc). Engine is responsive if a little lacklustre; it's not particularly boosty for a turbo and rather linear. Some will like that, some won't. It's genuinely fast though. It's brilliantly economical. Mine has averaged 43mpg over 7k so far based mostly on A & B roads. I've seen an indicated 51 on a 400 mile trip using cruise control. 2 negatives; 1. Handling. Certainly related to tyres but very keen to understeer before your anywhere near the limit. 2. Reliability. On talking to other owners, the THP200 engine has a fair few weak points Vs the THP208 that arrived after 2015. Mine has cost a lot in unexpected engine repairs, including throwing a fuel pump (common fault) without warning on the M6, leaving me stranded. Also listing coolant and needing a new water pump. It has now developed a rattle which may be timing chain tensioners (£1000 from Peugeot if so). And it was a full service history car. In review, cracking car just make sure you get a facelift with the newer engine.