After five years of absence, Peugeot has revived the iconic GTi badge with the new all-electric e-208 GTi, breaking away from the classic hot hatch recipe of a lightweight body and roaring combustion engine. Peugeot says the new e-208 GTi charges in as the most powerful in its class, with design cues clearly nodding its heritage.
At the heart of the new e-208 GTi is the “M4+” electric motor mounted on the front axle that produces 280 hp and 345 Nm, for a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 5.7 seconds – that’s Golf GTI-level performance. Top speed is limited at 180 km/h.
The e-208 GTi marks the brand’s first all-electric model designed by Peugeot Sport. Taking its learnings and experience from developing the 9×8 hybrid hypercar competing in the World Endurance Championship, Peugeot says the e-208 GTi has been optimised for thermal management and energy recovery.
Peugeot Sport has also enhanced the chassis and braking system of the new GTi. The ride height has been lowered by 30 mm, with the track widened by 56 mm at the front and 27 mm at the rear for improved stability. The brakes are bigger than the standard e-208, too, with 355 mm discs wrapped with four piston callipers for better stopping power.
ALSO READ: Peugeot 2008 gets RM21,500 price cut for 2025 – now from RM112k
Additional upgrades such as a limited-slip differential (LSD), revised springs and shock absorbers with dedicated hydraulic stops, newly calibrated steering, and a rear anti-roll bar deliver a balanced blend of sporty performance and everyday comfort.
The new Peugeot e-208 GTi uses the same CLTC sourced battery as the standard model, but slightly upgraded with a 54 kWh capacity compared to the standard model’s 51 kWh, offering a WLTP range of 350 km (down from 400 km). Charging specs remain unchanged, with 100 kW DC fast charging from 20% to 80% in 30 minutes, and 7.4 kW AC charging from empty to 80% in 4 hours 40 minutes.
Identifying this sporty model is no hard task as the Peugeot e-208 GTi features widened wheel arches, a front spoiler integrated into the bumper, and a rear diffuser with an LED fog light. It rides on 18-inch wheels bearing a “GTi” emblem with a design that pays tribute to the iconic hole wheels of the original 205 GTi. These holes aren’t just for looks – they also help cool the brakes.
To further differentiate the GTi over the standard e-208, Peugeot has also given small red touches throughout the car at places such as the brake callipers, around the Peugeot badge, below the rear spoiler and fender flares.
ALSO READ: All-new Peugeot e-3008 displayed at KLIMS 2024, EV SUV shown to gauge Malaysian consumer interest
The red theme continues inside too. The digital instrument cluster and central screen is configured in red as standard, with specific performance pages available to the car. The Sport steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara and perforated leather with a centre emblem that lights up in red.
The new seats feature integrated headrests and a central red trim, paying tribute to the iconic 1.6 and 1.9 205 GTi seats. Red floor mats and seatbelts further enhance the sporty theme, while a unique acceleration sound reinforces the sense that you’re driving a more performance-oriented model.
GALLERY
