One of motoring's most famous performance-car names has made a comeback – but it's electric, not petrol, and is not likely to reach Australia.
Electric Cars
Peugeot has resurrected its GTi line of hot hatchbacks after a five-year hiatus with a new model which, for the first time in its history, drops petrol power for electricity.
The E-208 GTi is the first all-new Peugeot hot hatch in 10 years – since the 308 GTi of 2015 to 2020 – offering nearly than double the power of the standard electric 208 city hatch.
It is highly unlikely to be sold locally – despite the per-capita popularity of performance cars in Australia compared to other global markets – as the regular E-208 is not available.
Powering the E-208 GTi is a front electric motor from the related Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, developing 206kW and 345Nm – compared to 115kW/260Nm for the standard model, and 153kW/300Nm of the last petrol 208 GTi.
Peugeot claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.7 seconds – helped by a mechanical limited-slip front differential – and a 180km/h top speed.
Energy is stored in a 54kWh (gross capacity) battery pack with a "specific cooling system", for a claimed driving range of 350km in European WLTP testing, down from about 400km in the regular model.
DC fast charging remains limited to 100kW, for a 20 to 80 per cent recharge in a claimed 30 minutes.
The battery pack and electric drivetrain means the car is not as light as a petrol rival, weighing in at about 1600kg – about 350kg more than a turbocharged Hyundai i20 N.
The GTi sits 30mm lower than the standard E-208, with reworked suspension inclusive of new springs, dampers, and hydraulic bump stops, as well as a rear anti-roll bar.
Track widths have been increased by 56mm at the front, and 27mm at the rear, riding on new 18-inch wheels inspired by the 1980s Peugeot 205 GTi, wrapped in 215/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 track-day tyres.
Other changes include more direct steering, enlarged 355mm front brake discs with four-piston calipers – but unchanged rear brakes for "efficiency" – and a 'Sport' stability-control modes that disables the driver assistance systems.
Peugeot promises "a unique onboard immersive sound experience ... derived from the performance of the motor" which is claimed to "further driving sensations and can easily be activated or deactivated, as the driver prefers."
The wider footprint has necessitated black wheel-arch flares – adorned with red highlights – plus a subtle front splitter, new rear diffuser home to an LED fog light, and a rear spoiler.
Exclusive to the GTi is the shade of red paint shown in these images.
Inside, there are new front sports seats with integrated headrests – featuring a red stripe inspired by the 205 GTi – plus a steering wheel wrapped in leather and Alcantara.
Red accents are used throughout the cabin – including on the steering wheel and seatbelts – while there is Alcantara on the sides of the centre console.
The graphics on the instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen are coloured red, the latter also incorporating 'performance pages' with key driving data. The default colour for the ambient lighting is made red.
The 2026 Peugeot E-208 GTi is expected to go on sale in Europe later this year. Australian plans are yet to be announced, but unlikely.
Electric Cars Guide
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
