Peugeot SA has added the high-performance GTi version to its 208 hatchback range, in a bid to restore the French manufacturer’s hot-hatch mojo and face off against the Volkswagen Polo GTI, the RenaultSport Clio and Ford Fiesta ST.

The Peugoet208 GTi is specially tuned and runs a wider track, a specifically tuned suspension, sporty full-house interior and a lusty high-pressure turbo engine which was recently crowned 2013 International Engine of the Year.

Peugeot 208 GTi – Specifications and Features

Exterior Design Features

The Peugeot 208 GTi has an athletic presence which combines its unique three-door shape, wider front and rear track, the extended wheel arches, deeper sills together with comprehensive colour-coding, and the large Carbone 17-inch alloy wheels with low profile rubber. The broad-spoke wheel design is further complimented by bright red front and rear brake callipers.

Adding bold and distinctive power features to the car’s exterior is the more prominent hexagonal grille that features a three-dimensional chequered design that combines glossy black and bright metallic inserts. The rear features an extended roof spoiler and a lower apron finished in contrasting black and an integrated rectangular design for the twin exhaust tailpipes.

In addition, the centre panel of the Peugeot 208 GTi is finished in lacquered gloss black, the lower section benefits from a two-part finisher that emphasises the car’s sporty character, while the curved lower intake adds to the overall aggression of the frontal styling.

The Peugeot 208 GTi will be offered in array of exterior colours including Bianca white, Calado blue, Aluminium silver, Rioja red, Shark grey and Nebra black.

Engine Capability

The core of the Peugeot 208 GTi is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol motor equipped with a high-pressure turbocharger and delivers 147kW of power at 5800 rpm and 275Nm of torque at 1700 rpm. Connected to a six-speed manual gearbox, the 208 GTi can sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds reaching a top speed of 230km/h.

Fuel consumption is rated at 5.9-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 139 g/km. With a kerb mass of only 116 kg, the feisty hatchback achieves a power-to-weight ratio of 127kW/ton, which accounts for its rapid straight-line dynamics.

Interior Design Features

The interior design carries through the dynamic personality of the new Peugoet 208 GTi that focuses on sporty style, high-tech sophistication, driver-focussed ergonomics, and comprehensive safety. The prominent, full-colour touch-screen features a brushed-metal surround, while the small, perforated leather steering wheel has brushed metallic accents and a chromed third spoke, on which the GTi badge is displayed. The gloss-black dashboard finishers and the door handles feature a fading black-to-red effect, while the dials in the instrument binnacle gain red surrounds.

The short gearshift lever is adorned with an aluminium gear-knob that features red detailing. The pedals and footrest are also aluminium, with an aluminium sill panel. Red Peugeot background lettering adds a final touch. The bucket seats are adjustable for height, reach and backrest rake. The steering wheel is also rake and reach-adjustable, and features controls for the sound system, cruise control and speed limiter.

Standard and Safety Features

Standard specification includes remote central locking, dual-zone climate control, electrically operated windows and exterior mirrors, auto-activating headlights and windscreen wipers, cruise control, speed limiter, and front and rear parking sensors.

Safety features in the Peugoet 208 GTi include front, side and curtain airbags, while the front seatbelts are equipped with pre-tensioners and load limiters. Electronic stability control with traction control is standard, there is also a Park Assistance system, which allows for automated parallel parking, ABS anti-lock control with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and electronic braking assistance (EBA) for the all-disc braking system.

Peugeot 208 GTi – Price

View the new Peugeot 208

Peugeot 208 GTi – R 259 900

The Peugeot 208 GTi will be available with Peugeot’s Premium Plan which includes a three year/100 000 km warranty, a five-year/60 000 km maintenance plan, and a three-year/100 000 km roadside assistance package.