The year is 1984, and Peugeot has introduced their 205 GTi,
a hot hatch with phenomenal performance that can top trump the hot hatch daddy, Volkswagen's Golf GTI.
Fast forward to 2012, and the Peugeot has made a comeback in
the form of the 208 GTi. However, this time around the Peugeot and the
Volkswagen are two quite different cars. The Volkswagen Golf GTI now in its
sixth generation is a full sized family hatchback while the Peugeot 208 GTi
stays true to its origins by staying in the supermini segment.
When Peugeot considered bringing back their original hot
hatchback their intentions were simple, to create a small, modern, fun to drive
car that harked back to the 205 GTi.
The end result is a compact hatchback with a 1.6 litre turbo
charged petrol engine. Named the 1.6 THP (short for Turbo High Pressure) the
engine has been lifted straight out of their 308 GTi. It develops 200PS of
power and 275Nm of torque in the 208 GTi and is mated to a six-speed manual close-ratio
gearbox.
When those statistics are put into the compact metal shell
of the 208 GTi that weighs in at just 1,160 kgs, the end result is 0-100 km/h
in less than 7 seconds and a touted top whack of 225 km/h. Combined with a
traction control system that can be completely switched off the Peugeot 208 GTi
is a recipe for unbridled fun.
"The 208 was an excellent base for developing a sports
hatchback. 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." Marie
Beaumont, 208 GTi Dynamics Manager
The chassis of the vehicle has been tweaked to create driver
involving dynamics. The suspension, calibration of shock absorbers, anti-roll
bars, enhanced front subframe and rear crossmember rigidity along with the 17
inch diamond carbon wheels all add up to create a driver’s car.
Stopping power is provided by 302mm ventilated discs at the
front and 249mm at the rear that are cooled by air intakes that help them provide
precise braking.
Staying with hot hatchback trademarks, the styling of the
Peugeot 208 GTi involves design cues on the exterior of the vehicle with various
chrome inserts (including the GTi badge next to the rear quarter window) and
striking lines that convey its intentions. On the inside, the colour scheme
involves red, black and satin chrome and red GTi overstitching throughout.
The recently launched 208 hatchback that has racked up over
9,000 bookings in the U.K has given Peugeot the confidence to confirm
production of the 208 GTi hot hatchback, the car will hit the market in spring of
2013.
The car will be showcased at the upcoming 2012 Paris Motor
Show.
