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.