New Peugeot 208 GTi Concept

Peugeot has revealed a headline grabbing 200hp GTi Concept version of the new 208 supermini. It looks every inch the genuine hot hatch.

What is it?

The legend has returned. The 208 supermini marks a real return to form for Peugeot, and what better way to celebrate this than with a new hot GTI version? With a 200hp 1.6-litre turbo and a comprehensive styling makeover to match, it looks like that 1980s Peugeot icon, the 205 GTi, has been reborn.

What's hot?

The car itself: the 208 GTi Concept is a full-fat hot hatch. Performance promises to be scorching, as the RCZ THP that donates this engine is swift - and the 208 is much lighter. The chassis has been tuned to suit too, with Peugeot even widening the track to show how seriously it's taking things. And with wings, spoilers and bodykit extensions throughout, it really does look the business.

What's not?

Peugeot hot hatches of recent years have been so tepid, a small part of us does still wonder if the brand can truly rediscover its mojo. Don't worry about the 'GTi Concept' tag, because Peugeot will be building this: question is, how quickly can it roll the 208 GTI out?

How much and when?

We'd wager the 208 GTi will carry an £18,000 price tag when it goes on sale. The 208 range rolls out in the summer: a spokesman told us that if the concept is produced, it would be likely to arrive in 2013...

Anything else I should know?

French cars have a Le Tricolour flag inscribed in the lower bar of the front grille. Rest easy, patriotic UK GTi fans: British cars will carry the Union Jack. Brakes are uprated with big 302mm discs at the front, clamped by red calipers hidden behind 18-inch alloys, while the front track is a full 36mm wider than the standard 208.

On Bing: see pictures of the Peugeot 208 GTI Concept
Find a used Peugeot 205 GTI on Auto Trader
2012 Peugeot 208 GTi Concept revealed

New Peugeot 208 revealed
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