Thursday 26th June 2014

Peugeot 208 GTI 30th anniversary: official

Diff and 'box from the RCZ R plus more power? The anniversary GTI just got much more interesting!

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Ah well, this is good news. Following the announcement of a 208 GTI 30th anniversary, Peugeot has confirmed the car's spec. And having worried that it would simply be a new paint job, it's pleasing to report some interesting mechanical changes too.

Paint scheme optional. Phew

As well as another 8hp and 18lb ft over the GTI (up quite intentionally to 208hp and 221lb ft), the 30th anniversary comes with plenty of modifications from Peugeot Sport to take it beyond the standard car. The Torsen LSD and six-speed 'box from the RCZ R are added, the tracks are wider (22mm front, 16mm at the back) the suspension geometry is altered and the driver aids are 'less intrusive'. All good news as far as PH is concerned. 'Comprehensive' probably best describes the changes from GTI to 30th anniversary, as we've not even mentioned recalibrated springs and dampers, revised steering system or bigger brakes (323mm fronts with Brembo four-pot calipers) yet...

That power gain actually comes from a new 1.6-litre THP engine, meaning CO2 is down to just 125g/km but 0-62 takes 6.5 seconds. And it's got stop start. Take that Fiesta ST.

And fear not, the 30th anniversary doesn't have to be painted in the 308 R-aping paint job. The textured black/lacquered red combo can be replaced with either Pearl White and Ruby Red thankfully. All 30th anniversary GTIs come with new 18-inch wheels on Michelin Pilot Super Sports and matt black accents replace the chrome on the standard GTI. There are the obligatory badges adorning inside and out too.

So well done Peugeot for proving the doubters wrong and (hopefully) delivering a car fit to mark the 205 GTI's 30th birthday. After a Goodwood reveal the 208 will make its full public debut at the Paris show before sales begin in November. Somewhere near £20K and Peugeot could well be onto a winner.

[Ali_T]

A tribute to the 205 GTI and The A-Team as well? Cool!

Edited by Ali_T on Thursday 26th June 14:58

[IntriguedUser]

Extra 8 BHP? I'm sure a small headwind would have as much impact as 8bhp. Either way its a cool car, nice paint job

[jorgereg]

More than the extra 8 bhp, the interesting bit is the LSD.

[jorgereg]

And that two paint scheme, Peugeot is putting in all its "sporty" concepts is revolting

[Reavenger]

• Slight power increase
• LSD
• Bigger brakes
• Unique paint scheme
• MSS tyres
• 125 co2 is very good even though it is a small car.

Guessing close to 50mpg too.

I'm actually very impressed. Assuming weight hasn't changed that much (1,180kg?).

I'd like to see a sporty seat option like Recaro though.

Edited by Reavenger on Thursday 26th June 15:00

[l354uge]

Nice.

When is the stripped out 'rallye' version coming then? :-)

[jorgereg]

That would be awesome...

[shalmaneser]

It's got an acceptable number of exhaust pipes too!

[ManaghGB]

I really like the look of this!

I've currently got a new Fiesta ST which is brilliant, apart from the dreadful, rock hard ride and the fussy centre console.

The 208 GTI looks like the right compromise.

[LukeDM]

This could tempt me into debt.. It looks really good!

[coogy]

I actually like the sound of this! Ok, it still looks a bit crap especially at the front but on paper its all there!

[Mercury00]

Would've been nice for them to have taken some little styling cues from the 205 as an homage. Maybe modern-day versions of the 205 GTI alloys, a red carpet etc.

[GTID]

Never paid much attention to the 208 Gti before but that spec is very interesting!

[matt1269]

Reavenger said:

I'd like to see a sporty seat option like Recaro though.

Edited by Reavenger on Thursday 26th June 15:00

It says on the Peugeot website that it has bucket seats designed by PeugeotSport.
Pretty excited for this car!

[Ecosseven]

Looks nice and I'm sure it will drive very well indeed, however one aspect spoils the car for me - the steering wheel. No matter how I adjust it I can't see the dials properly and it never feels comfortable.

[morgs_]

Now that is an exciting specification! After the positive reaction to the RCZ-R, I hope the similar setup might give the GTi that little extra something it's missing at the moment.

On an O/T note, what has happened to PH's proofreading? I've read four articles today and all have had small, but glaring issues!

[GTEYE]

Blimey, and some of us didn't like the Black and Red edition Fiestas last week. That looked positively tasteful in comparison.

Much as I really want to like the 208GTi, unfortunately I can't see us talking about it in 30 years like its rather famous predecessor.

It seems to be visually lacking a certain something, and I can't believe it is selling that well either, (like the Clio 200). I just wish it had more of the 205's visual details - that was a big part of what made it special.

Everyone is seems is buying Fiesta STs, which are absolutely everywhere.

Can't say I blame them.

Somehow, an opportunity missed.

Edited by GTEYE on Thursday 26th June 17:21

[Sampaio]

Wait, wait... new engine??

[Hellbound]

Sampaio said:

Wait, wait... new engine??

Yup.

Whole new engine. Torsen diff. Suspension. It's a heck of a lot for an anniversary special.

Wonder if Mahle Motorsport were involved.

[Nousernamesleft]

Well, it still look terrible, that front looks too confused and really girly, but maybe it's good to drive. Still, nicely done Peugeot, doing special editions the right way!