Peugeot Packs Pug Heat With 208 GTi

Ladies and gentleman, the wait is finally up. Following the recent launch of the – frankly dowdy – Peugeot 208, the French firm has uncovered the hot GTi version. And according to Peugeot, it’s a car that ‘regenerates the values of the iconic 205 GTi.’ Which sounds promising.

Under the hood lies a turbocharged 1.6-litre THP 197bhp petrol unit – the same engine you’ll find in the stunning Pug RCZ and Citroen DS3 – which, if the French marque is to be believed will give the newcomer a 0-62mph time in ‘less than seven seconds.’ So far so good.

Also good is the news that the 208 GTi weighs just 1160kg, features a wider track than the standard car (10mm and 20mm front and back respectively). It also looks the part courtesy of matte-finished 17-inch alloys, GTi badging, Nappa leather sports seats and plenty of chrome.

With prices likely to top £21k when it goes on sale next year, however, the new GTi faces a tough birth; the brilliant Renaultsport Clio 200 costs £18,135 by comparison and will likely keep its coveted crown as ultimate hot hatch.

If that's still too much to stomach, then why not bring it back to the old school? Here's a video of two oldtimers to whet your appetites: