Peugeot officially introduced today the all-new 208 GTi hatch, which will be revailed at the Paris Motor Show on September 27. The initial specifications of the new hot hatch say that the new model is a whopping 165kg lighter than the 207 RC (called GTi in the UK). The new hatch also more powerful than the 175hp 207 RC / GTi as it is equipped with the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol found in the flagship version of the RCZ Coupe, which generates an output of 197hp.
A six speed manual gearbox drives the front wheels with the French carmaker quoting 0-100 km/h (62mph) acceleration in less than 7 seconds, 0-1,000m (0.62 miles) in 27 seconds and 80-120km/h (50-75mph) in fifth-gear in less than 7 seconds. The corresponding numbers for the older 207 GTi / RC are: 0-100km/h (62mph) in 7.1 sec; 0-1,000m in 27.8 sec; 80-120km/h (50-75mph) in 5th in 7.0 sec and CO2 emissions of 171g/km.
The Peugeot 208 GTi now rides on 17-inch wheels wrapped around in 205/45 rubber, which house larger 302mm ventilated discs at the front and 249mm at the rear.
Exterior upgrades include a rather subtle styling package comprising a bespoke finish for the front grille, chromed mirror caps, side sills, a black rear diffuser with trapezoid chromed double tailpipes, LED headlamps.
The interior of the hot Peugeot 208 GTi has been luxed up and it features unique trim and colors including the leather treatment with contrast stitching for the sport seats, flat-bottom steering wheel, gearbox and door panels, and the LED back-lit instrument panel.
The new Peugeot 208 GTi will go on sale in Europe in the spring of 2013.
