Category: Peugeot

Peugeot reignited the interest of its hot hatch fans when it took a 208 GTi Concept to the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. Now, they’ve come good by confirming that the 208 GTi has been approved for final production.

Of course, the GTi badge carries great tradition for Peuegot and we’re all hoping the latest iteration can honour the marque’s heritage in this segment. Marie Beaumont, 208 GTi Dynamics Manager, is saying all the right things: “The 208 was an excellent base for developing a sports hatchback. We have worked with particular attention on the steering response, the chassis dynamics and the rigidity of the suspension. The 208 GTi successfully combines performance, safety and driving pleasure.”

The 208 GTi won’t set any world records for power, using a 147kW/275Nm 1.6-litre THP 200 engine. But weighing in at around 1160kg and running on 17″ alloys it should be nimble enough to throw into corners with accuracy and finesse. Having a proper manual gearbox also adds to the driver involvement promised by Peugeot.

The first 208 GTi models should be running off the production line just before the middle of next year. There’s no word yet from Peugeot Australia on 208 GTi availability, but we’ll update you as soon as we hear anything.

This humble mid-size car from Peugeot, which won’t even be sold in Australia, represents a huge shift in the company’s naming structure. It’s the 301 and will be the first model to carry the new nomenclature.

Previously, the badging for Peugeot worked like this: the first number indicated the size of the car—the bigger the number, the bigger the car; the central zero is a key Peugeot trademark; and the final digit represented the generation of the vehicle. To put that in a real-world context, the 306 was the sixth generation of Peugeot’s mid-size hatch. It was followed by the 307 and the 308.

You can see why something had to change with the naming. Were the old system to continue the 308 would become the 309 and, then what? The three-digit model naming is central to Peugeot’s brand and that is unlikely to ever change.

Under the new naming convention the model designations will stay the same from generation to generation. Now, the final digit will remain the same and as you can see with the image of the 301 above all new Peugeot models from this point forward will end with a 1.

Over time the previous nomenclature evolved to cater for a wider variety of models on the same platform. For example, SW has been added to indicate a station wagon version of a specific model. Similarly, a double-zero, as seen in the 4008, indicates the model is a vehicle with a “high structure”. That means SUV to you and me. Those systems will continue, but will, of course, adapt to the new 1 badging. So the next generation of 4008 will be the 4001.

This is the coolest motoring story you will read all week. And probably all month and maybe even all year. The Peugeot 205 GTI took over from the Mk1/Mk2 Volkswagen Golf GTI as the hot hatch leader. Today they still look great and are no doubt a heap of fun to drive.

However, as our own experience in a 1980 Mk1 Golf GTI tells us, driving these little pocket rockets from two–three decades ago quickly reminds how far the motoring world has advanced insofar as performance, braking capabilities and general ride and handling are concerned.

But what if you cold bring some 21st century performance and refinement into an iconic hot hatch chassis? The power of modern day hot hatches, but with the more raw and rewarding driving thrills of their forerunners. Seriously, what’s not to like!

This is where UK-based Pug1off steps in. They’ll take your 205 GTI and will breath new life into its heart. Engine conversions, suspension upgrades, gearbox swaps, you name it, they’ll do pretty much whatever your budget allows.

One of their key packages is to ditch the old 1.9 litre engine in favour of a 2.0 litre from the 306 GTI Rallye. That’s good for 167hp at the wheels, they say, which in a sub 900kg hot hatch can only equal massive smiles.

More detail after the break.

Peugeot could be offering relief to lengthy lead times forced on Volkswagen Polo GTI buyers if the 208 GTi drives as good as this new Concept model looks. The 208 GTi Concept will debut at the Geneva Motor Show and is sure to pique the interest of hot hatch fans the world over.

Power will come from the effervescent 1.6 litre turbocharged RCZ THP 200 engine and will be coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

It’s 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 the 208 GTi is the “re-generation of a legendary icon”, referring, of course, to the original 205 GTi.

The 208 offers something typically different in exterior and interior styling and after not quite getting it right in the 207 model we reckon Peugeot might just have the bark to match its bite this time around.

Following last week’s report on a new Peugeot 208 GTi, the wraps have officially come off the new 208 hatch. Based on these pics it’s quite a smart looking thing too. There’s oodles of Euro chic in the design detailing, although things do get a bit fussy on the C-pillar of the three door.

Inside, we’ve been given brief glimpse. We can see the 208 looks the part and has a nice level of finish. Although, we do wonder if its HVAC controls may be a bit awkward to use, placed under the dash above as they are.

The best news on the 208 we’ve seen to date is a continuation for manufacturer’s to shed weight from outgoing models. As such the 208 will weigh in at more than 100kg lighter on average than the 207.

It’s expected the Peugeot 208 will be on sale in Australia towards the end of next year. More pics, video and press guff for you after the break.

Fantastic news for hot hatch fans with word Peugeot is about to get serious again. The new 208 range is due for launch in the middle of next year with the cooking GTI model expected before the end of 2012.

The 207 GTI was a bit hit and miss, despite sourcing power from the same 1.6 litre turbo four found inside the MINI Cooper S and Citroën DS3. That same engine will be kept for the 208 GTI, but it will lose quite a bit of front overhang and, more importantly, around 100kg in weight. The wheelbase will remain unchanged from the outgoing 207 layout.

It’s expected the 208 GTI will offer two states of tune for its engine. A somewhat middling 115kW entry level (doesn’t bode well) and a GTI ‘Racing’ with around 150kW (that’s better).

Let’s hope Peugeot get their suspension tune right and the 208 GTI ignites the spirit of the iconic 205 GTI.

[Source: Autocar]