UK media outlet Autocar is reporting that Peugeot will scrap its GTi badge. That’s right, no more hot hatchery from one of the finest exponents of the genre.
Apparently Peugeot will focus more heavily on the likes of the upcoming RCZ coupé. It is believed the Audi TT in haute couture will offer more to Peugeot’s brand recognition than tuned versions of their volume selling hatchbacks. Well, that’s the theory anyway.
Speaking to Autocar Peugeot’s marketing director said, “For us, the GTI concept is dead. We will move away from hot hatches towards premium sports coupes.â€
So, shed a few tears for the end of some froggy cornering goodness. The likes of the 205 GTI, 306 GTi6 and 206 GTI180 will be remembered fondly. Even the awkward looking 207 GTi, with a MINI Cooper S engine, is quite a capable mover.
Let’s hope Renault maintains the rage, as the French generally take a vive la différence approach to the hot hatch segment.
[Source: Autocar]
9 replies on “Peugeot puts a line through the GTi”
“For us, the GTI concept is dead.”
English to French translation – “We’re surrendering to the Germans.”
Nothing was better than the 205 GTi. I’m disappointed but i have to say i never thought they’d produce another decent one again so probably no great loss.
Their current line up is akin to the Golf Mk IV GTI.
VW pulled their finger out but the Frogs are dropping their guns and running.
what the hell were we thinking ordering a 308 XTS?! oh right its for my mum
The 205 GTI was the last Pug actually worth purchasing. It’s just been rubbish after more rubbish since then…
Actually the last 207 GTi was one of the best in terms of performance and day to day driving. While the 205 GTi is definately up there, EVO mag (probably one of the most reputable and popular magazines in Europe)rated the 2005 Clio RenaultSport 182 Cup in their top 10 drivers cars of all time (it’s a long list of 100). The 205 GTi snuck into the top 20 I think.
Some saying rubish like the French have given up? Please! Renault are French and still make the hottest hatches on the planet! Golf’s and anything German (not including the Focus RS) are for protenders. The real hot hatches are still made in France and Renault certainly don’t look like giving up the game any time soon.
In terms of driver performance lets look at the difference between Renault and VW.
Renault: We combat understeer and improved handling by giving our hot hatches a proper mechnical limited slip diff (R26, R26.R, & the latest Megane RS 250 Cup).
VW: We combat understeer and improved handling by giving our gay hot hatch code in the ESP to apply the brake! Give it a fancy name and tell everyone it’s an electronic locking diff. Please what a joke! If it was so great race cars wouldn’t use mechanical locking diffs for outright performance.
I know whos philosophy I’d prefer as a “real” driver if I was looking for a hot hatch, and it wouldn’t be VW.
Apparently “real” drivers only drive RWD! Or, so I’ve been told on these pages, haha.
[…] not all that long ago that Peugeot had consigned the GTi badge to the history books and now they are using their proud heritage in the segment for new inspiration. In their own words […]