Peugeot 208 GTi returns in style

Peugeot’s GTi badge has returned, reappearing on its first electric performance car, a hot e-208.

Launching at the 24 hours of Le Mans race, it is the first GTi from Peugeot since production of the 308 GTi ended in 2021.

The new 208 GTi represents a significant makeover of the city-focused e-208. Peugeot Sport did the development work.

It borrows the motor from Alfa Romeo’s Junior Veloce. Powering the front wheels via a mechanical limited-slip differential, it puts out 207kW and 345Nm. That’s a big jump on the regular e208’s 115kW. It’s also twice as much power as the original 80s 205 GTi had.

Peugeot quotes a 0-100 time of 5.7sec, making it faster than the Mini JCW Electric. Its top speed is a claimed 180km/h.

New gear includes hydraulic bump stops and a rear anti-roll bar. The steering is tuned for a more direct response.

Riding 30mm lower than the regular e208, the front track is wider by 56mm while the rear is up by half that.

A new front lip, rear spoiler and diffuser mark out the newcomer.

It also runs on 18-inch “Hole” alloys inspired by those fitted to the classic 1.9L 205 GTi. Sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres hide the rims. Up front are 355mm brake discs clamped by four-piston calipers.

Wheel-arch extensions allow the extra rubber room to rotate, finished in red stripes.

Inside, the bucket seats feature retro-style two-tone upholstery. There are red highlights for the stitching, seatbelts, carpets, air vents, digital dials and ambient lighting. There’s an Alcantara finish for the seats and steering wheel. GTi badges abound.

“A unique onboard immersive sound experience” plays through the internal speakers, and is switchable. 

There’s also a Sport drive mode that automatically disables some of the driver-assistance systems.

Software modifications to the e-208 GTi’s 54kWh NMC battery reduce temperatures under high loads and improve energy recovery.

Range between charges is set at 350km and a 20-80 per cent refill takes less than 30 minutes using a 100kW DC connection.

Jean-Marc Finot, senior vice-president of Stellantis’s motorsport operations, said that the new car will have “the typical Peugeot GTi agility and steering feeling”.

Standard kit includes a large central touchscreen with navigation, and smartphone connectivity. An eight-year warranty will also come as standard.

Pricing will be competitive with that of the Mini JCW.