1st Mar 2009, 14:10
I have had my GTi 180 for over three weeks now, got it for £4k 35k on the clock, 04 plate. I previously owned a 206 1.6 8v 1999, which I had for nearly five years (first car ever!)
First observations:
When I got it, I was very underwhelmed by it, it felt slow and laggy. Ride was choppy and throttle response was woolly.
THEN, I took it to my performance tuning specialist and dyno'd the car;
168bhp and 138lb/ft of peak torque... obviously something was wrong here.
Actually not, the 206 GTI 180 produces VERY LOW torque figures as standard, and sometimes much below the rated figure.
We remapped the car and fitted a special induction kit designed to maximize torque output.
The car produced a healthy 186bhp and 159lb/ft of torque. Then I serviced the car; figures went up very slightly to 187bhp and 161lb/ft of peak torque!
One very big disadvantage of the standard map is the level of low down torque available is very low. After mapping the car I now have around 140lb/ft of torque available from 2000rpm. There is a slight dip between 3200rpm-3800rpm to about 130lb/ft, which I have yet to solve, but after the cams kick in at 4k, the torque rises rapidly to 161lb/ft peak at 5500rpm!
The car has a non-standard exhaust fitted. Whether this is aiding/hindering the cars performance we do not know. We will be working on exhaust/manifold work to the vehicle very soon and possibly reconsider the cams on the car, but I am hoping to reach the 200bhp mark with a proper custom made exhaust and manifold.
Figures to one side, the torque of a car is the most important when it comes to feeling speed. With N/A vehicles, obviously the torque is not going to be as prominent as say a turbocharged equivalent or a larger cc engine.
However, as important as torque figures are, the power band and delivery are also important. Right now, I have a very good usable torque from about 1800rpm to 3000rpm for normal day to day driving (which was absent on the standard map). If I want the power, I keep the rpm over 4k.
I find I get around 27mpg doing this, and I do drive the car quite hard.
The ultimate aim is to make the car as competitive as other N/A small hatchbacks. The weight of it doesn't help. (With my ICE to be fitted it comes to around 1185kg), but we are hoping the exhaust and manifold will bring the torque up considerably more making it more of a 'torquey tenor' than a top end hot-dog! 100bhp/litre and as close as 100lb/ft per litre would be very, very nice!
2nd Jun 2009, 15:44
I have owned a Peugeot 206 GTi 180 for 19 months, which I bought from main dealer and I couldn't be happier, it's just brilliant.
Two bad things though... group 17 insurance and the low profile tyres wear out in no time... even if you drive like a granny.
30th Apr 2010, 08:41
I have taken owner ship of the most immaculate 03 plate 206 GTi 180, in blue - that exists in Britain (all subjective of course). In other words I love it. It's so chunky and eye catching. The interior is stunning, This was my favourite hot hatch when it first came out, and now I have one! It handles brilliantly, to beat the bumpy ride, drive it a bit faster, somehow it feels more comfortable when bombing along. It just gets better and better. Fastest car I have owned, the engine makes the most awesome grunt when picking up speed. I like Type R's and clio 172/ 182, but this is my pick of the bunch. I think it's a future classic.
7th Jul 2010, 14:24
Bought a Pug GTI 180 a couple of months ago and after fitting a Pipercross panel air filter (about £30) and running it on super unleaded, I find the car has much more to offer. I am not sure how much more BHP this gives, maybe about 10, but the frustration of it feeling 'held back' a bit before has gone.
My only complaints are poor quality speakers which are quite a big job to replace, and the fake suede leather seats are a nightmare in the hot weather as they don't breathe at all. Anything over 23 degrees and you've got to have the air con on or you arrive at your destination with a sweaty back!
Great little car though. Clearly, not the build quality of a golf GTI, but at about half the price, I can live with that!
8th Sep 2010, 19:05
Have owned a Peugeot 180 GTi for 6 years. Bought new. Have owned many BMW's (including 5 series) before buying this. My little pocket rocket can dance on the road – no lack of acceleration for overtaking – the gearbox is brilliant – what is everyone going on about! Totally a driver's car – only downside is it's a little noisy on the open road, and sometimes wish there was a sixth gear!
Wouldn't sell it until something better for price comes along.
31st Oct 2010, 07:53
I've had a 180 for over a year now, bought after my 138GTi was written off. As with the 138, you have to drive the 180 for an extended period before you learn to get the best out of it, and it's nowhere near as immediately approachable as an RS Clio or Civic R (both of which I've driven).
Compared to the 138, the 180 goes quicker, corners harder, and has much better brakes. It is a far more focused driver's car, and needs to be driven hard to get the best out of it, with all the extra power only coming on tap after 4k revs.
The 138 is the much better day to day proposition - it's just as quick as the 180 at slower urban speeds, where it has more usable torque at low revs, has a more comfortable ride, which is easier to live with than the rock hard 180, is far less thirsty, and much cheaper to insure.
Horses for courses I suppose - if you want a cheap quick car, 138 GTis can be picked up for peanuts these days. If you want a more focused drivers car and can afford the difference, get a 180 (the Recaro seats alone are worth the price difference in my opinion). I personally much prefer the 180.
Both 206 GTis are great little cars in their own ways - the 180 is more accomplished technically, but the 138 is an easier car to live with - and both are somewhat misunderstood and maligned.
To people who come on here to quote 0-60 differences of half a second - grow up.
22nd Dec 2008, 19:12
Hi.
I`ve had my 2001 206 GTi now for about 4 months and pleased as punch with it, I must admit when it comes to parts it`s not cheap - cam belt change £329, brakes £300 and exhaust which I got cheap.
But then it`s not very often these items need to be changed.
Overall it`s not as quick as some cars out there, but get one with a Sp pack on and they look great (makes me smile looking at it, as well as driving it)