Peugeot 208 GTi Launched in Malaysia

The hot version of the Peugeot 208 has arrived in our shore today. Packed with 200bhp delivered at 5,800 rpm and 275Nm at stupendously low 1,700rpm, Peugeot 208 GTi is capable of blasting the tarmac to 100km/h in mere 6.8s on its way to 230km/h top speed. All this for RM139,888.

Peugeot 208 GTi is powered by a turbocharged 1.6L in-line 4 mill which is widely used in PSA family, but it is in a higher state of tune. All the performance does not come at the expense at the fuel economy as the hot hatch is sipping it fuel at the rate of 5.9L/100km in a combined cycle. Drive is enthusiastically channeled via a 6 speed manual gearbox.

Peugeot 208 GTi wears sportier clothes compared to the bread and butter model. There's a wider wheelarch which accomodates 10mm and 20mm increased in front and rear track, more pronounced side skirt, more aggressive front grille insert, bigger spoiler and rear bumper lower garnish with dual exhaust pipe. Stance is enhanced with larger 17' alloy wheel wrapped by 205/45 low profile tyres.

The interior has been garnished up with the spicier looking trim, mostly in black base with red trim. The seats are upholstered in black Nappa leather with red insert, similar finishing is applied to the steering wheel, gearknob and dashboard top portion. There's also silver panel found surrounding the airconditioning vent, door grab handle and the seatbelt. Aluminum is used for an added contrast, and the touch has been applied to the steering wheel, gearknob and pedal.

Peugeot 208 GTi is equipped with 6 airbags and the usual plethora of ABS, EBD and stability control system. Available in only two color; Rogue Red and Digital White, Peugeot 208 GTi also comes with 5 years warranty with unlimited mileage for an added peace of mind. Several more photos can be found after the jump.

Peugeot 208 GTi - 200bhp, 7s to 100km/h & 1,160kg

Peugeot 208 GTi is promised to be spiritual successor to the legendary Peugeot 205 GTi. The latter was never really quite replaced in the Peugeot contemporary line-up due to, largely, lack of lightweight hatchback that rekindles the spirited drive of the old Peugeot. The 208 GTi sets to change that.

Initial signs are good. Packing 200bhp and 275Nm of power and torque, courtesy of a turbocharged 1.6L THP mill, the new GTi has a small inertia too, tipping 1,160kg at kerb, some 165kg less than the 207RC, a car it succeeded. Paired to a close ratio 6 speed manual, sprint to 100km/h is a touch less than 7.0s, with impressive in-gear acceleration to match.

Peugeot 208 GTi also benefits from re-spec springs, re-calibrated shock absorbers, stiffer anti-roll bar, an enhanced front subframe and rear crossmember rigidity over the cooking 208. The main aim is to delight its driver with an incisive driving experience due to the involving chassis dynamics, providing superb driving sensations thanks to its agility of the car achieved from great steering response, chassis dynamics and the rigidity of the suspension. Braking power is provided by  302mm ventilated discs at the front and 249mm at the rear. It shod on  205/45 tyres, the 17" diamond Carbon wheels, with Storm paint and matt varnish finishing.

To differentiate the scorching hot 208 from its lesser sibling, Peugeot has modified the front end of the car with the new grille trimmings with gloss back panel and chrome insert.The gloss black grille draws the eye with bright chrome inserts, which reinvent the sport chequered flag effect but in 3D. The side profile is garnished with the quarter panel trim proudly bears the GTi logo, in bright chrome accentuated in red highlights. Regardless of the exterior colour chosen, this red punctuates throughout the vehicle: on brake callipers, grille lower bead, Peugeot lettering on the tailgate and on the grille. The rear end features gloss black rear skirt with the exhaust emerges with a trapezoid chromed double tailpipe.

Opening the door reveals the sport seat with Nappa leather and Caro Weave cloth, accompanied red detailings. The dashboard too comes with red stitching. The pedals and footrest are aluminium. In addition, there's also a unique 208 GTi floor mats with black surround and stitched in red. Similar upholstery is used for the steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake lever with black full grain perforated leather steering wheel with red stitching. 

More photos of the Peugeot 208 GTi can be found after the jump.