Peugeot 208 GTi

(Monday 3 September 2012)

Peugeot has issued preliminary details of the 208 GTi, the performance version of the supermini introduced earlier this year.

There is a lot of talk about the distinctive styling, but we suspect potential buyers are going to be more interested in the technical stuff. So let's lead off with the fact that the GTi uses the famous 1.6-litre THP turbo petrol engine co-developed by PSA Peugeot Citroen and BMW, producing in this case a maximum of 200bhp.

That puts the GTi smack up against the Renault Clio and Vauxhall Corsa in their hot hatch forms. Not yet having a confirmed 0-62mph time, Peugeot refers to it as being "under 7 seconds", which would be competitive but no more.

However, Peugeot is also claiming CO2 emissions of 145g/km, an extraordinarily low figure for a car of this type which suggests combined fuel economy in the mid-40s mpg and is well out of the reach of either the Clio or the Corsa.

The suspension has been reworked to cope with the extra performance (as it would rather have to be), the front and rear tracks have been widened, and the GTi sits on 17" wheels covered with 205/45 tyres.

First UK deliveries are scheduled for spring 2013. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.

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