You sit 10mm lower in the GTi versus a regular Peugeot 208, and you instantly notice the difference from behind the small wheel. For many the high-level instrument cluster will mean that the lower section of the information displayed remains obscured in their normal driving position. The solution is a slight, if initially un-natural, adjustment of the wheel’s rake angle.

Otherwise though it’s easy to get comfortable in the 208GTi, the seats offering all of the adjustment and support you would expect. But despite the refreshingly simple and intuitively controlled touchscreen infotainment system the GTi’s cabin is a busy place to be, and the extra flashes of chrome and metal-look plastic are unnecessary.

While the leather-faced dashboard is a more welcome addition, it’s a shame the accountants won the war on the decision to leave the door tops in plain plastic, which feels considerably lower rent.

Hot hatches aren’t always known for their ride quality and long-legged ability, many being set up to excite and engage on track rather than rutted real-world road, but the Peugeot 208 GTi is different. During the product briefng the firm’s engineers were keen to stress it is optimised for the road, not the circuit, and despite the stiffer suspension, Peugeot 208 GTi comfort levels are exemplary.

Across broken surfaces the 208 GTi soaks up the imperfections without fuss, the fluid and measured responses of its dampers making for a particularly comfortable ride. Even harsh ridges fail to send anything more than a murmur into a cabin that remains remarkably free of the expected bangs and crashes for a car of this type.

Whether you’re travelling at speed or through a traffic-calmed town the GTi is hushed and quiet. In fact refinement is so high, no destination should be off-limits to this car – regardless of how far away it is.