Photo: SB-Medien
Many of Peugeot's models could not be re-certified before the September deadline (WLTP). That included the 208 GTi, which was pulled from the market.
But fear not, hot hatch fans, because a brand new 208 supermini is getting ready to do battle with the Ford Fiesta, upcoming Renault Clio and VW's Polo. Our latest spyshots show Peugeot putting the final touches before the imminent debut of the model.
New features that we can now clearly s include the headlights, grille, and taillights, all of which seem inspired by the 508. Also, just like the VW Polo, this Gallic supermini completely ditches its smaller 3-door body in favor of the practical 5-door which the majority of buyers want.
That's not all, though. We're 100% sure that this particular prototype is a hot model, but we don't know which one. Critical elements like lowered suspension, big wheels and a spoiler over the trunk give it away. Also, you never see twin exhaust pipes on a normal supermini, and this one has them.
So why are we saying this is the GT and not the GTi? Well, because French carmakers like to put their second-best foot forward. Think of the Renault Megane, which was spearheaded by the 205 HP Megane GT with its rear-wheel-steering or the 225 HP Peugeot 508 GT.
As a GT, the new 208 would offer somewhere between 150 and 200 HP, perhaps even the automatic gearbox option. This would come from the 1.6-liter turbo, but the little Peugeot would normally rely on other engines, like the new 1.5 diesel or the 1.2 turbo, both maxing out at 130 HP.
And since it's based on the same modular platform as the DS3 Crossback, this supermini should also have a pure electric version to rival the Renault Zoe. That will arrive further down the line, but the normal 208 could be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show and go on sale towards the end of the year.
New features that we can now clearly s include the headlights, grille, and taillights, all of which seem inspired by the 508. Also, just like the VW Polo, this Gallic supermini completely ditches its smaller 3-door body in favor of the practical 5-door which the majority of buyers want.
That's not all, though. We're 100% sure that this particular prototype is a hot model, but we don't know which one. Critical elements like lowered suspension, big wheels and a spoiler over the trunk give it away. Also, you never see twin exhaust pipes on a normal supermini, and this one has them.
So why are we saying this is the GT and not the GTi? Well, because French carmakers like to put their second-best foot forward. Think of the Renault Megane, which was spearheaded by the 205 HP Megane GT with its rear-wheel-steering or the 225 HP Peugeot 508 GT.
As a GT, the new 208 would offer somewhere between 150 and 200 HP, perhaps even the automatic gearbox option. This would come from the 1.6-liter turbo, but the little Peugeot would normally rely on other engines, like the new 1.5 diesel or the 1.2 turbo, both maxing out at 130 HP.
And since it's based on the same modular platform as the DS3 Crossback, this supermini should also have a pure electric version to rival the Renault Zoe. That will arrive further down the line, but the normal 208 could be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show and go on sale towards the end of the year.
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