The new car that will take Peugeot back into the hot hatch arena, the Peugeot 208 GTI, has been spied testing for the first time.
Spotted during cold weather development work in the middle of Scandinavia, this three-door Peugeot 208 doesn’t sport the aggressive rear wing or bespoke front grille that’s expected to feature on the final GTI version.
However, telltale signs that this is the ‘hot’ version of Peugeot’s new 208 include the twin exhausts and the low-profile suspension. The final GTI will have its own unique wheel designs and tyre sizes, plus sports seats and unique interior decor will complete the package.
Two versions will be offered, both using the 1.6-litre twin-cam turbo engine that currently powers the Citroën DS3 and Mini Cooper.
A 154bhp version is likely to be used in the GTI, with a hotter 204bhp unit going into a more focused model, possibly called GTI Racing. The quickest Peugeot 208 is on course to offer sub-7.0sec 0-60mph acceleration and a top speed of well over 140mph.
The mainstream 208 arrives in June, with the GTI expected to follow before the end of the year.
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Re: Spy pictures: Peugeot 208 GTI
Apologies. Of course it was the 207 followed by the older 206. Humble pie for breakfast.
Re: Spy pictures: Peugeot 208 GTI
What a frumpy lump. Hope it looks better in the metal.
Re: Spy pictures: Peugeot 208 GTI
Clearly some of our fellow Autocar posters have been used as testers of the not yet released 208! :)
Anyway, Peugeot's one time mastery of FWD ride/handling is becoming a distant memory. In recent years they've been thoroughly outdone in dynamic terms not only by the sporty offerings of the likes of VW, Ford and Honda, but worst of all for Pug, by their home grown nemesis, Renault.
Can Pug strike back at long last and recapture the old glory days........or will the Lion go from weakness to weakness?