Peugeot 208 GTi to debut at 2012 Paris Motor Show

  • Sep 4, 2012
  • Views : 19062
  • 2 min read

  • bookmark

Peugeot confirms production plans for 208 GTi hatchback that will hit the market in 2013

Peugeot 208 GTi

Peugeot introduced the 205 GTi hatch with performance to trump the Volkswagen Golf GTI, in 1984. Now in 2012, Peugeot has made a comeback with the 208 GTi, with the intention to create a small, modern, fun-to-drive car that harks back to the 205 GTi.

Times have changed and now the Volkswagen Golf GTI, in its sixth generation, is a full sized family hatchback, while the Peugeot 208 GTi remains true to its supermini origins.

To be showcased at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the 208 GTi compact hatchback sports a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, called the 1.6 THP (Turbo High Pressure), lifted from the 308 GTi. It develops 200PS of power and 275Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed manual close ratio gearbox.

The car weighs just 1,160kg, it does the 0-100km/h sprint in less than 7 seconds and has a top whack of 225km/h and features a traction control system that can be switched off for unbridled fun.

The chassis has been tweaked for involving dynamics. The suspension, calibration of shock absorbers, anti-roll bars, enhanced front subframe and rear cross member rigidity along with the 17-inch diamond carbon wheels all add up to create a driver’s car. While stopping power is provided by the 302mm ventilated discs at the front and 249mm ones at the rear, cooled by air intakes.

Slideshow

208 GTi

Sporting trademark hatchback styling, the 208 GTi features chrome inserts (including the GTi badge next to the rear quarter window) and striking lines. The interiors are done up in a red, black and satin chrome colour scheme and red GTi overstitching.

 

"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," said  Marie Beaumont, 208 GTi Dynamics Manager.

Launched recently, the 208 hatchback has racked up over 9,000 bookings in the UK, that has given Peugeot the green light to confirm production plans for the car that will hit the market in the spring of 2013.

Slideshow

See what our community has to say! NEW

India's largest automotive community

Explore Now
comminity image
×
Recently Visited
Select Category