Hot 2026 Peugeot 208 GTi unleashed

Peugeot has relaunched its GTi hot hatch sub-brand with the reveal of the all-electric 2026 Peugeot 208 GTi at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Built to battle the Alpine A290, Abarth 500e and the inbound Volkswagen ID.2 GTI, the return of the GTi follows a near four-year hiatus since sales the last-generation Peugeot 308 GTi closed back in 2021.

Developed by Peugeot Sport and said to draw inspiration from the legendary 205 GTi, the new battery-powered performance car is based on the French brand’s current e-208 hatchback but pinches its powertrain from the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce.

That means the sporty new Peugeot gets a single e-motor that pushes out 206kW and 345Nm.

Boosting traction, that power is channelled to the front wheels via a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Off the line, the 208 GTi overcomes its 1596kg kerb weight and sprints to 100km/h in just 5.7 seconds, making it a useful 0.2 seconds quicker than the MINI John Cooper Works electric and a substantial 0.7 seconds quicker than the Alpine A290.

Top speed is limited to 180km/h.

Supplying current to the motor is the e-208’s 54kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery. The power source is said to use software developed for the 9X8 LMDh hybrid racer to enable it to claw back more energy under braking and supply high power at lower temperatures than the standard car.

The claimed range is 349km, with Peugeot Sport claiming a 20 to 80 per cent DC top-up takes less than 30 minutes at a peak charging rate of 100kW.

To ensure it has a chance of outhandling its chief rivals on road and track, Peugeot Sport has developed a bespoke suspension setup that combines stiffer springs and dampers with hydraulic bump stops, a new rear anti-roll bar and a sharper retuned steering rack.

The changes see the GTi sit 30mm lower than the standard hatch, while its track is 56mm wider up front and 27mm wider at the rear.

Externally, the 208 GTi gains a front splitter, rear spoiler and a rear diffuser that should all boost downforce without adding drag.

Playful touches include a set of 18-inch alloy wheels that mimic the 205 GTi 1.9-litre’s original rims, while the GTi’s typeface is also borrowed from the ’80s hot hatch.

Big 355mm brake discs and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres are both present, hinting at the 208 GTi’s potency on the track.

Cementing its status as a true hot hatch, within the 208 GTi gets a pair of Alcantara-trimmed bucket seats and a sports steering wheel that are combined with red carpets, just like the 205 GTi.

“We are thrilled to introduce the new Peugeot E-208 GTi, a ground-breaking next chapter in an iconic GTi story,” said Peugeot CEO, Alain Favey. “This model represents a fusion of our rich heritage with cutting-edge technology, offering unparalleled performance and driving sensations, because at Peugeot we are serious about driving pleasure. With this new GTi, we set new standards within the hot hatch market.”

According to reports, the arrival of the new 208 GTi is not a sign of a complete switch to all-electric power for its famous GTi nameplate, with hints a combustion version or hybrid Peugeot 208 GTi could follow in the future.

A switch in strategy saw plans for importing the standard e-208 hatch dropped in Australia at the last minute, meaning the reborn GTi’s future Down Under remains uncertain, despite our love for hot hatchbacks.

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