Next Peugeot 208 GTi hot hatch to reprise 205 era

Peugeot currently has no bespoke performance model in its line-up after the 508 PSE got the chop. However, a spicy GTi version of the next Peugeot 208 is becoming a distinct possibility.

What makes this more likely is the news that Vauxhall is working on a hot version of the upcoming Corsa. Both superminis are due out next year, each riding on the new Stellantis STLA Small platform.

Further evidence of a compact sporty Peugeot offering comes from new Stellantis UK boss, Eurig Druce. He commented when asked about replacements for the rorty 508, “There may be other products in the future.” 

“Peugeot has always had a penchant for fast, small hatchbacks, as we’ve seen various generations of GTis.

“I remember the 205 GTi when I first joined the company. And the 206 GTi thereafter.

“It would be a sad, sad day for us to declare that we will never go there again. I wouldn’t want to see that sad day coming and I don’t think I will.”

A go-hard version of the next Peugeot 208 would also give the company a rival to the alluring Alpine A290 and Mini JCW Electric.

On the subject of a hot 208, he commented “I’d love to see it, personally. Peugeot Sport engineers would be the people that would do that sort of thing.”

Whether it is badged PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineering) or GTi is unclear but the latter seems more likely because of its heritage, according to UK’s Auto Express.

Druce said that whatever Peugeot calls it, a bigger motor alone won’t cut it because most EV rivals, including those from Stellantis like the 200kW+ Abarth 600e, are quick and nimble. A 208 GTi would need to be engineered for enjoyable dynamics as well and must look the part.

Inside, buyers could expect the faster car to have sportier seats, a special version of Peugeot’s “Hypersquare” steering wheel and an updated i-Cockpit instrument cluster.