Peugeot's new-age hot-hatch

This is Peugeot's latest-generation hot hatch -- the 207 GT 1.6 Turbo. It's a precursor to the car that will replace the 206 GTi and emerge as a rival for that other Gallic tearaway, the red-hot Renaultsport Clio 182 (soon to be replaced by the Clio 197).

The newcomer is particularly significant as it's the first Peugeot offering to use a cutting-edge1.6-litre turbo engine jointly developed by PSA (Peugeot/Citroen) and BMW. It's also the first force-fed Pug supermini since the 1984 205 T16, which formed the basis for the company's Group B rally campaign.

First, some numbers: the blown, direct injection 1.6-litre engine punches out 112kW at 5800rpm, (compared with 131kW at 6500rpm for the Clio 182) and 244Nm from a super-low 1400rpm (versus 200Nm at 5250rpm for the high-strung Clio 182).

If the Pug's outputs seem a little underwhelming -- considering it's force-fed -- don't despair, because a hotter variant (which is likely to wear a GTi badge) will follow further down the track.

Meanwhile, the GT is shaping as a zippy runabout with bags of low-end oomph. Its emphasis is clearly on driveability, rather than out-and-out performance.

It's offered in three-door form only and comes extremely well equipped (in Euro spec, anyway). The standard kit list includes six airbags, ABS, EBFD, EBA, ESP, tyre pressure sensors, two Isofix three-point rear child seat mountings, electric windows,

There's also directional headlamps, dual zone climate control, a panoramic glass roof with sunblind, 17-inch alloy wheels and half leather trim.

The car's UK pricing has been set at £14,345, which equates to $35,190 in our money, but it will need to be more keenly priced in Oz if it's to make an impact here (bearing in mind that the more powerful, albeit long-in-the-tooth, 206 GTi 180 costs $32,990).

Meanwhile, Peugeot has also unveiled its Peugeot 207 Super 2000 Rally Car, which follows in the wheel tracks of the 206 WRC.

Previewed by the Peugeot 207 RCup Concept Car at March's Geneva Motor Show, the new rally weapon has completed its initial development stages on both loose and tarmac surfaces.

Powered by a 208kW/280Nm 2.0-litre engine, the 207 Super 2000 revs to 8500rpm and drive is relayed to all four wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox. It weighs 1100kg in loose-surface trim and 1150kg for tarmac events.