IF YOU want proof that two cars with identical engines, almost identical weights and somewhat identical ideals can be as similar as chalk and cheese, you have come to the right place.
We have here the Peugeot 207 GTi, a spiritual descendant of the legendary 205 GTi, a nail-hard performance hatchback of the 1980s.
Underneath the rippling bonnet of the new Pug beats a 175-horse 1.6-litre turbo.
It is the same engine found in the new Mini Cooper S, which was featured in these pages last week.
Both cars are three-doors, tip the scale at just over 1.2 tonnes and would merit the 'hot hatch' tag.
Well, the Cooper S is a hot hatch (even the one fitted with an autobox we drove last week). But the 207 GTi lacks something that makes it a full-fledged hottie.
It has most of the credentials, though. A hot bod with pocket rocket-type genes - smokey headlamps (incorporating turning lights), metallic finish wing mirrors, a pair of big shiny tailpipes and 17-inch wheels anchored by great brakes.
Inside, snug bucket seats hug you like a long-lost friend, perforated metal pedals invite you for a 'heel and toe' shuffle and a speed-sensitive steering lets you have your way with the car without a struggle.
It hits 100kmh in a convincing 7.1 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the Cooper S automatic. Top speed is 220kmh.
In many respects, it is a fast car, enabling you to merge with traffic with ease, because you can always pull away by feeding the forced induction power plant lots of fuel and air.
But cars which can do the same are not uncommon. And not all of them deserve the GTi nomenclature. It is an automotive badge of honour; a guarantee that the driver will smile within the first mile.
Much of the compact Peugeot's failings lie with its transmission. First of all, the French car's stick shift has a rubbery action (no innuendo intended). And its gear ratios are so elastic that you need to work the throttle frenetically to gather the revs where you want them.
With this gearbox, the car feels more like a gazelle than a cheetah. You can rule out histrionics like wheelspins and smoking jackrabbit starts.
While the 207 GTi's steering is sharp and substantial with speed, the car itself is not hunkered down enough to make you want to exploit it. Its tallish stance and expansive bonnet get in the way of good judgment.
Still, the formula has worked well for Peugeot in world rallies.
In the real world, however, the 207 GTi is just too civilised. It makes a wonderful boulevard cruiser and has creditable pace.
Alas, the bar for cars associated with the 'gran turismo injection' terminology is a lot higher nowadays. And for a bit more money than the 207 GTi commands, you can buy the standard bearer: the VW Golf GTI, a car with more vroom, room and which is most deserving of the three letters.
Price:$95,900 with COE Engine: 1,598cc 16-valve inline-4 turbo Transmission: Five-speed manual Power: 175hp at 6,000rpm Torque: 240Nm at 1,600rpm 0-100kmh: 7.1 seconds Top speed: 220kmh Fuel consumption: 9.9 litres/100km (city) Agent: AutoFrance
