2019 Peugeot 208 GTi special edition lands with LSD and AEB

PEUGEOT has crafted an even more potent version of its 208 GTi hot hatch dubbed the Definitive Edition, which gains a selection of driver-focussed mods as well as autonomous emergency braking – a first for the French GTi family.

The special 208 GTi has been created to send off the celebrated model, which has racked up five years in Australia and is due to go out of production later this year. Want the ultimate iteration of the 208 GTi? Perhaps get in quick, as supply will be strictly limited to just 20 examples locally.

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Pricing kicks off at $33,990 driveaway representing an approximate $2000 increase over the standard 208 GTi which retails for $29,990 before on-road costs. That said, the limited edition 208 adds in a host of goodies for your extra cash.

Power from the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder remains unchanged at 153kW (or a fitting 208 horsepower, quips Peugeot) but a range of upgrades has shaved three-tenths from the zero to 100km/h dash, which now takes 6.5 seconds.

The extra pace is largely due to the fitting of a Torsen limited-slip differential, improving traction in a straight line as well as in the twisty stuff, while a unique exhaust system was also installed for better engine response across the rev range.

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A revised suspension system has not only been lowered by 10mm, but Peugeot engineers also widened the Definitive Edition’s track by 22mm at the front axle and 16mm at the rear for increased stability and a more planted stance.

Wheel camber, alignment, damper and spring rates were also modified for the special edition and capped off with unique 18-inch wheels, which are 13mm wider than the standard GTi rolling stock and wear grippy Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber.

Vehicle electronics were also significantly revised. The Pug’s stability program was remapped to optimise the effect of its new diff, while engine management was recalibrated to match the less restrictive exhaust system.

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Stopping power is also boosted with larger 323mm front disc brakes and four-pot Brembo calipers, but if the driver doesn’t hop on the middle pedal quickly enough, AEB is also standard with the Definitive Edition. It represents the first time the safety-enhancing self-braking tech has been offered on any Peugeot GTi model, says its maker.

Weight has been minimally reduced with the replacement of the spare wheel in favour of a tyre inflator kit.

Come home in an example of one of the strictly limited Definitive Edition GTis and your neighbours will know you spent the extra moolah over the standard version thanks to a number of aesthetic changes.

Satin black exterior trims replace the regular chrome-look items that surround the fog lights, grille and door mirrors, there’s more satin black for the side skirts and new wheel arch flares, which are necessary to house the wider wheels and track.

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Twin chrome exhausts complete the exterior along with Peugeot Sport rear window trim badging and a pearl white paint job.

On the inside, the Definitive Edition gets specially developed sports seats upholstered in Alcantara with red stitching and more Peugeot Sport branding, which is also found on the red floor mats. There’s more matching red for the seatbelts and pin striping for the door handles.

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