Wheels Magazine: Peugeot - A Return to Form?

We don’t want to get our hopes up too much but there’s been more than a whisper that Peugeot might have finally cracked its GTi conundrum.

Our ears pricked up after an announcement that a GTi concept will be showcased in Geneva with ‘regeneration’ being Peugeot’s buzzword for the latest model. Its no-nonsense look will inevitably lead to comparisons with the 205 and in an attempt at nostalgia Peugeot has added features reminiscent of the legendary car, such as positioning the concept logo within the grill and rear panel windows.

It gets more power via a 1.6L THP whilst also shedding 100kgs compared to the 207. With a sporty red to black interior that includes aluminium pedals, and sports leather stitched steering wheel and gear lever the 208 is making all the right noises. Despite no official date it is almost certain to go into production within a year to compete against the market leading VW Golf GTi.

Even today, all hot hatches are to an extent judged against the legendary 205 and the 208 will be no different. To emulate the success of its predecessor will be tough - if not impossible - but the early evidence on display is generating a healthy interest.