Peugeot 208 GTi Concept
Peugeot has revealed the first details of its 208 GTi Concept, which will be unveiled at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.
From a marketing perspective, both the name and the purpose are clearly meant to evoke the iconic 205 GTi of the 1980s. That car was renowned for three things: its ‘interesting’ on the limit handling, performance - especially in 1.9 litre form - and pretty yet purposeful styling.
Undoubtedly the 208 GTi will have a decent chassis, helped by various electronic driver aids and a sporty suspension set-up that features a widened track. Similarly, performance won’t be lacking thanks to the 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS), 1.6 litre THP 200 engine borrowed from the RCZ.
But one area in which the new arrival might struggle to compete against its ancestor is looks. Admittedly, the 208 is attractive enough from some angles (especially the rear) and the glasshouse works well. But those scalloped body sides make it look like a Kia Rio, while the area around the front grille is just a jumbled mess. And who thought that slapping a French Tricolour or Union Flag sticker across the superfluous lower grille bar was a good idea?
Whether suspect design details will be enough to hamper sales remains to be seen, but the 208 GTi is entering a highly competitive segment. Its rivals are going to include such luminaries as the Renault Clio Renaultsport 200, Mini Cooper S and Citroën DS3, while the new Ford Fiesta ST is due soon. And, based on appearances, all of them have more showroom appeal than the Peugeot.
Related posts:
More Mini special editions
Clio Renaultsport 200 Raider
Ford Fiesta ST Concept
From a marketing perspective, both the name and the purpose are clearly meant to evoke the iconic 205 GTi of the 1980s. That car was renowned for three things: its ‘interesting’ on the limit handling, performance - especially in 1.9 litre form - and pretty yet purposeful styling.
Undoubtedly the 208 GTi will have a decent chassis, helped by various electronic driver aids and a sporty suspension set-up that features a widened track. Similarly, performance won’t be lacking thanks to the 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS), 1.6 litre THP 200 engine borrowed from the RCZ.
But one area in which the new arrival might struggle to compete against its ancestor is looks. Admittedly, the 208 is attractive enough from some angles (especially the rear) and the glasshouse works well. But those scalloped body sides make it look like a Kia Rio, while the area around the front grille is just a jumbled mess. And who thought that slapping a French Tricolour or Union Flag sticker across the superfluous lower grille bar was a good idea?
Whether suspect design details will be enough to hamper sales remains to be seen, but the 208 GTi is entering a highly competitive segment. Its rivals are going to include such luminaries as the Renault Clio Renaultsport 200, Mini Cooper S and Citroën DS3, while the new Ford Fiesta ST is due soon. And, based on appearances, all of them have more showroom appeal than the Peugeot.
Related posts:
More Mini special editions
Clio Renaultsport 200 Raider
Ford Fiesta ST Concept
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