Peugeot 208 GTI gets go-ahead
Paris show debut and 2013 release for the return of the GTI Pug
The new car will get its public debut at the Paris motor show this autumn, before going on sale in 2013. Beneath the bonnet will be the same BMW-PSA developed 1.6-litre turbocharged engine used in the Mini and DS3.
Two versions of the car are likely to be offered, with a 155hp output as 'standard' and a beefier 204hp for a top-end car, which could be called the 'GTI Racing'.
But Peugeot has lost its reputation for fast hatches of late, effectively handing over the responsibility for fun French hot hatches over to Renault for the past decade or so. But will the return of the GTI name resurrect the spirit of the old Pug hot hatch GTI and bring Peugeot back to the forefront of the performance hatch market?
The answer is unfortunately an emphatic 'maybe'. Because although Peugeot is indeed bringing back the GTI badge and although it will almost certainly be less wet than the 207 GTI, the 208 is not a signal for Peugeot to start chasing after Renaultsport.
Speaking with Autocar, Peugeot UK's managing director Tim Zimmerman said: "We have to find our own niche, and one in which we can expect to sell a significant number of cars. The Renaultsport route has its own appeal, but it is not the way we want to go. We want more emphasis on everyday usability, where we think we'll find a larger audience.
That ok for you?
Being serious for a second, comparing it to a legend is unfair from the start. Plus, we're never going to have cars like that again. If this car is compared to its modern day rivals, it may have a fighting chance.
I also agree that a 155bhp GTi is a little tame for our times for a hot hatch, the 204bhp model should be more interesting.
However, I can't see them doing the weighty 'GT car in a hatchback shell' that VW do either, so they may end up as a bit of a neither-here-nor-there halfway house. Really hope they don't, but we'll see.
However, I can't see them doing the weighty 'GT car in a hatchback shell' that VW do either, so they may end up as a bit of a neither-here-nor-there halfway house. Really hope they don't, but we'll see.
There is always a chance it will be a flop though because as we all know Peugeot lost their way with hot hatches many years ago. Do it properly or not at all, Peugeot.
It's funny nearly 30 years on people still compare new Peugeots to the 205 GTI. There will never be anything like a 205 again.
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