Peugeot produces 208 GTi

Peugeot has revealed first images and details of the final production version of its all-new 208 GTi two weeks before the Australian release of the car upon which it’s based, the redesigned 208 hatchback.

Due on sale in Australia next June, about nine months after the local launch of the standard 208 line-up later this month, the new three-door French hot-hatch emerges almost entirely faithful to the thinly disguised concept that previewed it at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Vital statistics revealed before its world debut at the Paris Motor Show in three weeks confirm the 208 GTi will be powered by a 1.6-litre THP turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 147kW (200hp) and 275Nm of torque.

Combined with a relatively light 1160kg kerb weight (80kg lighter than Renault’s Clio RS200 and some 165kg lighter than the 207 GTi it replaces) and a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission as standard, Peugeot says its new GTi will sprint to 100km/h in less than seven seconds.

Emitting 145 grams of CO2 per kilometre, the new GTi engine matches the outputs of the most powerful version of Peugeot’s RCZ coupe, a facelifted version of which will also debut at Paris as well as the Sydney Motor Show three weeks later, while a lower-output version powers Citroen’s DS3.

Designed to “regenerate the legend” of the iconic 205 GTI, the 208 GTi is lower and wider than the standard 208 three-door, thanks to specific 17-inch matt-finished ‘Diamond Carbon’ alloy wheels with 205/45 tyres, springs and wheel tracks – the latter up by 10mm at the front and 20mm at the rear.

Also unique to the GTi, which continues to employ MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension, are a firmer anti-roll bar, front subframe, rear cross-member and dampers.

The steering has also been retuned and the brakes comprise red calipers at all four corners, 302mm ventilated discs at the front - cooled by “dynamic air intakes” - and 249mm discs at the rear, while the standard ESP electronic stability control system can be fully disengaged.

“The 208 was an excellent base for developing a sports hatchback,” said 208 GTi Dynamics Manager, Marie Beaumont.

“We have worked with particular attention on the steering response, the chassis dynamics and the rigidity of the suspension. The 208 GTi successfully combines performance, safety and driving pleasure.”

The top-shelf 208 is differentiated from lesser three-door models by new halogen headlights, plastic wheel-arch flares, broader side skirts, new LED daytime running lights and indicators and a unique gloss-black chequered flag-style grille design.

At the rear is a gloss-black diffuser punctuated by a trapezoidal chromed dual exhaust outlet, while red-highlighted chrome GTI logos on the C-pillars are a nod to the 205 GTI. Also chromed are the foglight bezels, door mirrors and grille surround.

The changes run similarly deep inside, where Peugeot has fitted sports front seats with partial Club Nappa leather trim and an aluminium gearshifter, door sills and pedals.

There are also red trim highlights for the seats, door armrests, centre air-vent surround, seatbelts, leather-clad steering wheel and instrument panel, which also scores brushed aluminium, LED-backlit dials.

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