Peugeot’s revered GTi badge has returned to appear on its first electric performance car, a hot hatch based on the e-208 that is aimed squarely at compatriot Alpine’s A290.
Its launch at this week's 24 Hours of Le Mans marks the return of one of the most evocative badges in performance motoring, after the 308 GTi went off sale in 2021. It is also the first hot Peugeot since the 508 PSE was axed in late 2024.
Developed by Peugeot Sport and inspired by the widely admired 205 GTi, the new car represents a dramatic overhaul of the city-focused e-208.
The key to the package is a motor transplant from the 208’s larger cousin, the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce. Mounted up front and paired with a mechanical limited-slip differential, it puts out 278bhp and 254lb ft – a substantial increase on the power of the regular 154bhp e-208.
These reserves slingshot the 1596kg hatchback to 62mph in 5.7sec – 0.2sec quicker than the 255bhp Mini John Cooper Works Electric and 0.7sec ahead of the 217bhp Alpine A290 GT Performance. Its top speed is claimed to be 112mph.
Alongside that extra pace, it is fitted with hydraulic bump-stops and a rear anti-roll bar. The steering is also said to have been tuned for more direct responses.
The new GTi gains a look that matches its performance billing. The hot hatch is 30mm lower than the standard car and the tracks have been widened by 56mm at the front and 27mm at the rear to create a muscular stance.
Changes compared to the standard e-208 include a front lip, a new rear spoiler and a chunky rear diffuser – which has a motorsport-inspired integrated rear fog light.
What’s more, it gets bold 18in alloys that are inspired by those fitted to the later 1.9-litre 205 GTi and wear the original GTi typeface. These are shod with track-focused Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres; sited behind them up front are a set of 355mm brake discs.
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The GTi is most certainly NOT back. This is just an EV with a GTi name, which is abhorently wrong. It will lack every single thing that made the original GTi a great car.
So this is how car makers try to attract people to EV's is it - take classic names from the past, label EV's with them, then pretend. Renault have done it with the '5' and '4', now Peugeot try the same thing. It's all smoke and mirrors - nothing more.
The Lion strikes again! Ri-di-culously attractive car. Surely one of the best looking B-segment cars of all time. Along with the A290 the Force the Frappe hits it home.
Absolutely!
Be interesting to read the first drives, but it's likely to be the usual Stellantis turd priced at comedy levels.
Go get a job!
Do you work for Stellantis by any chance?
Go away, troll.