French brand Peugeot has dropped the GTi spec from its '20-' range.
The last 20- series GTi will be the 207 version (pictured), however the company says it will focus its sports-oriented efforts on the larger 308 to appease the hot hatch fans that enjoyed classics such as the 205 GTi.
The change appears to clear up the confusion surrounding Peugeot's plans for the GTi moniker; the company previously reported as planning to drop the grade altogether and then subsequently recanting.
Applying the GTi spec to the larger Small Car segment means Peugeot can take on the likes of Renault Sport's upcoming Megane 250 and VW's Golf GT. It is expected the 308 GTi will use the same 1.6-litre engine powering the new RCZ, which is good for 147kW/275Nm.
The 308 GTi will also wear sports-oriented body bits like side skirts, and front and rear spoilers to set it apart from the more sedate 308 hatch, wagon and CC models.
Adding the GTi spec to its larger hatch is evidence Peugeot is serious about its new "exclusive emotion" philosophy. How it fares against competition from Renault Sport and VW will be interesting, to say the least...
Peugeot anticipates revealing the 308 GTi at the Paris motor show later this year.
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