There has been a lot of movement in the local hot hatch segment of the market. Last week, Volkswagen launched the Golf 7 GTI and now Peugeot has launched the 208 GTI.
Lower and wider (10 mm increased front track and 20 mm at the rear) than the standard 208 the GTI is distinguished by an aggressive body kit, including flared wheel arches and chrome highlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and revised front bumper grille incorporating LED daytime running lights. Interior highlights include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, part-leather bucket seats and aluminum pedals and gear knob.
The car features 302 mm ventilated disc brakes up front with further under-the-skin upgrades including re-calibrated dampers, sports springs, updated roll-bars, and revised (weighted) steering. The hottest 208 tips the scales at only 1 160 kilograms.
Under the bonnet of this car lies the PSA 1,6-litre turbo engine as found in the likes of the impressive Citroen DS3. This unit delivers 147 kW and 275 N.m. Mated with a six-speed manual transmission Peugeot claims a sub-seven second 0-100 km/h and top speed of 225 km/h.
There is only one version of the 208 GTI available. The 208 GTI has a recommended retail price of R259 900.
