News: Peugeot 208 GTi Revealed

You've got to like the new design direction Peugeot is taking. Look at the 508 for example. Good looks, beautiful interior, feels more expensive than its price tag and a whole lot better than its indirect predecessor, the 407. 208 is the second all new car with the new direction in mind and boy does it look fresh. It may be fresh and like the DS3, look chic but the engine choices are more often that not on the mundane side with a 68 bhp 1.0l engine up to a slightly powerful 156 bhp Prince 1.6l engine. Nothing to shout about.

For you lads in need for more power, the 208 GTi is here though not in Malaysia. Yet. Unlike its predecessor that was bulky, fat and clumsy, the 208 GTi is supposedly a spirit brethren to the much coveted 205 GTi weighing only at 1160 kg. The engine is what you'd expect in other fast cars from the PSA venture, a turbocharged 1.6l Prince engine found in the RCZ and DS3 that produces the same 197 bhp and 275 Nm of torque. 0 to 100km/h takes less than 7 seconds and on to a top speed 225 km/h. You don't get an automatic though, you only get a close-ratio manual for this. Not that you'd want the automatic anyway since you'll be off in the woods in this trying to be Sebastian Loeb. 

The dimensions in the 208 GTi are a little different compared to the standard model. The front has been widened by 10 mm and rear track, 20 mm. The suspension has been retuned with recalibrated dampers, updated anti-roll bars, sports springs and revised steering. The GTi sports MacPherson struts up front and a rear torsion beam. Drive should be involving and direct but I bet your bum bums will have a hard time on roads in Malaysia. 

As with all top end models, the 208 gets physical plastic surgeries as well. The overall bodykit has been made more racer like with wider side sills and flared wheel arches. The grille is changed and loads of GTi badges will be on the car to remind you and your mates that you've bought the most expensive model. Parts of the interior gets the same colour accent as the exterior with chrome bits here and there. Bits and bobs have been retouched too with slightly better materials and lastly, the steering wheel gets a red stitching at the top to remind you that you're a rally driver. Nice.