The Peugeot GTi is back – and now you can order one
► First 100% electric Peugeot GTi ► Starts at £34,995 ► 277bhp, limited-slip diff and retro wheels
Peugeot’s GTi name makes a valiant return after years of being dormant. This is the new E-208 GTi, the first new high-performance model launched by Peugeot since its Peugeot Sport Engineered days.
And, given the brand’s propensity for hot hatchbacks over the last 40 years, we’re pleased to see the GTi name return to something that isn’t a crossover or SUV. Hurrah for some high-performance common sense. What is completely different, though, is how this GTi is powered – it’s electric.
The new E-208 GTi, unsurprisingly, follows the same sort of recipe used by the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce and Abarth 600e. Given it’s on the same platform as those two crossovers, it wouldn’t have taken much for Peugeot to shape it up into a GTi car.
Performance, then, will be familiar if you’ve been paying attention to your Stellantis performance cars. The new E-208 GTi includes a 277bhp M4+ electric motor driving the front wheels, good for a 5.5sec 0-62mph sprint and a top speed of 112mph.
The 54kWh battery pack remains the same as the regular E-208, meaning a WLTP range claim of 234 miles.
It’s not just about power, though, as the new E-208 GTi comes with a limited-slip differential and a sports suspension setup ‘with specific hydraulic stops’ that drops the ride height by 25mm. Engineers have also widened the car’s track – 56mm at the front and 27mm at the rear – for a better stance. Plus the addition of a 31mm rear anti-roll bar.
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres are wrapped around those, er… interesting new 18-inch wheels. They’re designed to be a bit of a throwback to the pepperpot-style alloys seen on the 205 GTi 1.9, and Peugeot claims they help with brake cooling. Other visual details include beefier wheelarches, red brake callipers, flashes of red in the headlights and grille and a fat rear spoiler.
Inside, there are more red details on the i-Cockpit steering wheel, while thickly-bolstered new performance seats come with GTi branding and some retro stitching.
Prices start at £34,995 with orders shipping out by the end of 2026.
