Peugeot has revealed the new e-208 GTi in production form, ahead of its public debut at the Le Mans 24 Hours later this week.
The electric hot hatch was unwrapped in concept form at La Sarthe last year, but this is the finished product – ready for showrooms in the coming months with a design that Peugeot says “is incredibly close” to the original show car.
The first new Peugeot GTi model since the hot 308 retired in 2021 is also its most powerful yet, with its single front-mounted electric motor producing 278bhp and 254lb ft of torque for a 0-62mph time of 5.7sec – slightly quicker than its Alpine A290 rival.
Technically, it’s a close relation to the Abarth 600e, Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce and upcoming Vauxhall Corsa GSE, which means it also gets a mechanical limited-slip differential to increase its agility in the bends.
Beyond the hefty power increase of 124bhp over the standard e-208, the GTi also gains bespoke hydraulic bump stops, a rear anti-roll bar and a unique steering tune that’s said to boost responsiveness.
It also rides 30mm lower and has significantly widened tracks – by 27mm at the rear and 56mm at the front – for improved poise and stance.
As previewed by the concept, the visual makeover extends to a prominent rear spoiler and diffuser, a beefier front lip and striking 18in alloy wheels with a design inspired by the distinctive ‘pepperpots’ of its hallowed 205 GTi forefather.
Further details will be revealed on Friday 12 June as Peugeot marks the 100th anniversary of its first Le Mans race by taking to the circuit in three GTis – painted red, white and blue to celebrate the brand’s French heritage.
UK sales of the new hot hatch will begin towards the end of the year.
The standard e-208 tops out at around £28,000, so we expect the e-208 GTi to reach the mid-£30,000s, which would line it up neatly against the A290.
