Peugeot has launched their latest version of the ever popular 208GTi. The Peugeot 208 GTi traces its history through the 200 series vehicles back to the 205GTi. Loads of fun with true sporting prowess the Peugeot 208 GTi has already proved a hit with pre orders.
“We are very excited to be launching the all-new 208GTi to the Australian market. This car is a halo car for the 208 model line-up as well as the Peugeot brand,”said Peugeot Automobiles Australia General Manager/director Bill Gillespie.
“The new 208GTi draws a direct link back to the original hot hatch predecessor, the 205GTi. The 205GTi built the Peugeot hot hatch reputation and the 208Ti is a modern take on that hot hatch theme.
“In addition to the RCZ, the new 208GTi will represent two strong halo models for the Peugeot brand in Australia. Whilst appealing to Peugeot traditionalists we believe the new 208GTi will bring new buyers to the Peugeot brand.
“We have had unprecedented levels of interest for the 208GTi and dealers are already holding substantial levels of forward orders,”Mr Gillespie said.
SPORTY AND REFINED IDENTITY
Peugeot has made its mark in the history of motor sport and the launch of the 208 GTi brings the Peugeot GTi legend right up-to-date. At first glance, the 208 GTi truly affirms its sporty and refined identity through its bodywork. Crossing the gloss black rear skirt, the exhaust emerges with a trapezoid chromed double tailpipe, an innovative design emphasising the uniqueness of this model.
The chromed trim strip decorates the window lower edge culminating in a signature accent that pays tribute to the illustrious 205 GTi. Furthermore, the quarter panel trim proudly bears the GTi logo, in bright chrome accentuated in red highlights.
Regardless of the colour chosen, the red highlights accentuate the vehicle: on brake callipers, grille lower bead, Peugeot lettering on the tailgate and on the grille. In addition, the grille has a 3D chequered motif with chromed inserts in the gloss black grille.
The bright chrome touches on the fog lamp trim surrounds, the grille upper trim and the door mirrors give the GTi a sporty elegance.
The light signature of the front face is refined by new square shaped halogen headlamps, equipped with a latest generation light guide. These carefully designed lamps with a rectangular internal structure use LED technology for the directional indicators and daytime lighting. A chequered signature at the top of the headlamps is yet another reference to the 208 GTi’s racing pedigree.
These lights frame a special 3D chequered motif grille which has been created using piano black and chrome inserts. The overall look is enhanced by striking red Peugeot lettering at the top of the grille and the touches of bright chrome on the foglamp trim surrounds and the door mirrors.
GTi ENHANCED AND COMFORTABLE INTERIOR
Opening the door reveals a passenger compartment that ‘wears the GTi signature’. It’s a contemporary style with a striking dark colour scheme that is brought to life by dynamic red highlights that create unique GTi theming.
There’s red stitching throughout, you’ll find it on the seats, seatbelts, handbrake, dashboard, floor mats and the perforated leather steering wheel with red racing marker.
Racing red also blazes from the rims around the instrument dials, the gearstick insert, and graduated colouring from red to black is on the door cross bars and the surrounds the air-conditioning vents and navigation panel.
The driver is well supported by the sports bucket seats that combine full grain Club Nappa leather with Caro Weave cloth and bold red design accents.
Providing an extra touch of GTi spirit, the vehicle performance information is provided via the high-mounted instrument panel with dials that feature a chequered-flag background and white needles.
The technologies in the sporty hatch match its sporty look with the latest colour touch screen and digital quality.
The feet naturally find the aluminium pedals and footrest and the hands rest intuitively on the small black full grain leather steering wheel, perforated and with red stitching.
The left hand finds the aluminium gear lever knob and leather handbrake lever with ease.
SAFETY
208 GTi offers the same comprehensive list of safety features as the rest of the 208 line up including Stability Control, Traction Control, ABS, EBA and EBFD. It comes with the latest-generation Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which is able to detect the first signs of a sideways skid and helps reduce over steer.
Passive safety features include 6 airbags, front pre-tensioning seatbelts, seatbelt fastening warning system and a collapsible steering column.
Doors are strengthened to provide improved overall stiffness and feature aluminum “beam absorbers” to distribute impact energy. In the event of a side impact, the upper stiffener restricts door distortion and improves occupant protection, especially at the B-post.
The front of the car features an aluminium cross member and high-efficiency absorbers used to minimise repairs in case of an urban impact (<15 km/h).
The presence of a lower beam made of plastic with a special pedestrian protection system limits pedestrian leg injuries in the event of impact (less than 40 km/h).
The rear features a compact aluminium cross member used to handle urban and highspeed impacts at the same time limiting weight and overhang.
Thanks to a combination of superb road-holding, braking systems and multi-feature ESP, when you drive a 208 GTi, you’ll feel safe.
PERFORMANCE
The 1.6 THP engine powering the 208 GTi has just been awarded the coveted 2013 International Engine of the Year prize for the 7th year in a row. Presented by Engine Technology International publication, the prestigious 2013 International Engine of the Year Award in the 1.4 to 1.8-litre category was once again won by the 1.6-litre, fourcylinder, direct-injection turbo petrol engine developed in cooperation by PSA Peugeot Citroën and BMW Group.
The pairing of this award winning 1.6 THP 147kW petrol engine, a six-speed close ratio manual gearbox and a reworked exhaust line and a light weight chassis of 1160 kg, 208 GTi exudes power from the very start. In fact it powers from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds.
Light in weight, at 1160 kg, the 208 GTi achieves a real feat by emitting CO2 at just 139 g/km. 208 GTi balances from one turn to the next with complete precision. The steering settings have been revised to increase firmness, the front suspension returns the information perfectly and responsively. The rear suspension is also well tuned for safe and involved driving.
The spring damper adjustment, anti-roll bar, front sub frame and rear cross member are stiffened and the shock absorbers have been reinforced.
The braking system has been strengthened to provide control and incision and the 17″ alloy wheels with 205/45 tyres, house 302mm ventilated discs at the front and 249mm at the rear.
Performance credentials summary
0 to 100 km/h: 6.8 seconds.
1000m standing start: 26.9 seconds.
Acceleration from 80-120 km/h: 6.8 seconds in 5th; 7.6 seconds in 6th.
EXTERIOR STYLE
The 208 GTi makes an immediate impression. Defined by a three door body style, it sits on a 10mm widened track at the front and 20mm widened track at the rear. Bodywork components enhance the overall effect with wheels that hug the arches along with unique body sills and wing extensions.
The tailgate introduces a new spoiler and gloss black rear skirt with chrome highlights and a trapezoid chromed double tailpipe. The chromed trim strip decorates the window lower edge culminating in a signature accent that pays tribute to the illustrious 205 GTi. Furthermore, the quarter panel trims proudly bears the GTi logo, in bright chrome accentuated with red highlights.
The 208 badge has been moved to the left of the tailgate making way for the GTi badge on the right.
17″ alloy wheels with a diamond finish and red brake callipers enhance the sports orientation.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
208 GTi comes with a comprehensive list of standard equipment including: automatic locking doors and boot (activated by vehicle moving), cruise control with speed limiter, speed sensitive power steering, electronic parking assistance (rear), power windows (one touch on driver’s side), height and reach adjustable steering wheel, electrochrome rear view mirror, power operated and heated door mirrors, electronic folding door mirrors, tinted glass, dark tinted privacy rear quarter glass.
The audio system has six speaker speed related volume controls, multi-function 7-inch colour touch screen, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth, two USB ports, auxiliary jack and satellite navigation.
There is dual-zone climate control air conditioning with pollen filter and an air conditioned glove box.
The speedo has a digital odometer and digital trip recorder, rev counter, distance to next service indicator, trip computer external temperature gauge and multi-function digital display.
Inside, there are front door stowage bins, front seat back map pockets, front centre armrest, removable security cover above boot, front map reading lights, drive and passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, 12V accessory power point in centre console, reclining front seats, height adjustment of driver and front passenger seats, height adjustable front and rear head rests, sports front seats embossed with GTi logo and 60/40 split folding rear seats.
AVAILABLE COLOURS
Metallic colours:
Le Mans Red
Futura Silver
Shark Grey
Calado Blue
Nera Pearl Black
Flat colour:
Alpine White
208 GTi PRICING *
$29,990
*Prices quoted are the Manufacturer’s List Prices (MLP), inclusive of Luxury Car Tax (LCT) at the rate of 33%, and excluding dealer delivery charges. LCT is payable on all vehicles with a total purchase price, including the price of factory & dealer fitted optional extras & dealer delivery charges, above $57,466. This is a manufacturer’s list and new vehicles must be purchased from dealers. Specifications and pricing are as planned for Model Year 2013 and subject to change without notice or obligation.
