Peugeot 208 GTI and XY Concepts to debut at Geneva

The Peugeot 205 GTi is regarded as one of the greats of the original hot hatchback era. Sadly, the car had to be killed off because of high insurance premiums due to theft and ‘joyriding.’ Also, emissions regulations were becoming more stringent. 

Fans can now rejoice as the iconic hot hatchback will make a comeback in the form of the 208 GTi Concept that is set to make its debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The 208 GTi is, in essence. a beefed-up version of the standard Peugeot 208. The wheel arches get wing extensions, and the bodywork gets sills to enhance the stance of the 208 GTi. 

The 208 GTi gets the 1.6-litre THP engine from the Peugeot RCZ, and mated to a six speed manual gearbox. The GTi benefits from the 208’s light and compact body that aids in delivering good drive dynamics. Front and rear track of the car have been widened by 36mm to enhance drive dynamics, the concept car also gets a rear spoiler to increase downforce at high speeds. The 208 GTi Concept gets disc brakes all around with red-painted brake callipers (302mm at the front and 249mm at the back) for better braking.

On the inside, the 208 GTi Concept stays true to the hot hatchback theme with sporty leather and highlighted stitching on the steering wheel, gearlever and seats. The steering has a flat lower section with the GTi Concept logo set in an aluminium ring. The instruments get LED backlighting to complement the car’s sporty theme. The centre console is finished in a graduated red to black effect and the chequered flag theme is present on the aluminium door crossbars. 

Other visual features include lower bodywork aero spoilers, side skirts with signature badging, double chromed exhaust pipes and a brushed aluminium grille with the GTi logo that can also be found on the rear quarter glass panels, harking back to the original 205 GTi. The metal mesh on the front grille carries chequered flag motifs while the lower bar wears either the French ‘Le Tricolour’ flag or the Union Jack on the UK editions.

Alongside the shouty 208 GTi, Peugeot will also be showcasing the 208 XY Concept for the urban dweller who wants to simply stand out of the crowd. The 208 XY Concept is finished in a crimson colour treatment inside out. The ‘Pulsion’ paintwork means that the colour shade of the car changes when viewed from different distances and positions. This has been achieved by using 16 coats of paint on the car! 

On the inside, the car gets crimson stitched leather everywhere. Finishing touches are completed in gunmetal aesthetic treatment to the steering wheel, air vents and door crossbars. 

The Peugeot 208 XY Concept is powered by a 1.6-litre e-HDi diesel engine that develops 116PS of power, and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The car rides on 18-inch dual effect alloy wheels finished in Pulsion colour with chrome detailing.