Peugeot has a very long history in the hot hatchback segment that spans more than three decades and it promises to continue the tradition with the newly introduced 208 supermini that forms the base for the new GTi Concept, which will make its first public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012.
While the Peugeot 208 GTi comes with a concept tag, a production version is a done deal and could be revealed as early as this autumn at the 2012 Paris Motor Show with sales likely to kick off next year.
The 208 GTi is based on the regular three-door hatchback model and features a subtle aero kit with elegant wheel arch extensions that make room for the beefier five-spoke alloy wheels, side skirts, a roof spoiler and a neat looking rear diffuser with two chromed tailpipes.
Other exterior details worth mentioning include the new metal mesh of the grille with the lower bar being decorated in the colors of the owner’s country of origin – for example, in France you can put the ‘Le Tricolour’ flag or in Britain, the Union Jack
Mounted within the grille is the brushed aluminum GTi Concept logo that can also be found on the rear quarter panels, as a nod to its predecessor, the iconic 205 GTi.
The 208 GTi also features an upgraded cabin with a flat-bottom, leather steering wheel, and sports seats trimmed in Nappa leather on the outer section, and cloth in the center with an embossed tartan motif. Furthermore, the dashboard is dressed in Alcantara with grey stitching, the roof lining is entirely black and the pedals are aluminum.
Under the hood, the 208 GTi makes use of the same 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the RCZ coupe, which produces 200 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 254Nm / 188 lb ft at 1,700rpm (or 203 lb ft with overboost). A 6-speed manual gearbox transfers power to the front wheels.
Other changes include 36mm wider tracks at the front and at the rear, a re-tuned suspension and a new braking system with 302mm discs up front and 249mm at the back that are set off by red brake calipers.
PHOTO GALLERY
