Peugeot E-208 GTi: 281 hp, from €42,900 in France, 55 hp more than the VW ID. Polo GTI
Peugeot's first electric GTi has 281 hp, a limited-slip differential and 0–100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. Its 51 kWh battery gives 352–375 km WLTP. It costs €42,900 in France and £34,995 in the UK, with first customer cars from November.
Peugeot is bringing back the GTi badge, this time on an electric car. The E-208 GTi was developed by Peugeot Sport, the team behind its Le Mans prototype, and The Irish Times published a drive this week. Its verdict: "an utter delight to drive."
Key specs
- Motor: 281 hp and 345 Nm, front-wheel drive, with a limited-slip differential
- Performance: 0–100 km/h in 5.5 seconds
- Battery: 51 kWh, the same as the regular E-208
- Range: 352 km WLTP on the standard Michelin sport tyres, or 375 km on the no-cost efficiency tyres
- Chassis: 25 mm lower, track up to 58 mm wider, 18-inch wheels
- Boot: 309 litres
Outside, it has red pinstripes and gloss-black trim that nod to the legendary 1980s 205 GTi, and inside there are high-back bucket seats and bright red carpets.
How much it costs
Orders opened in June at Le Mans. In France, the list price is €42,900 (with a €1,850 launch discount), in the UK £34,995, and in Ireland around €40,000, for just 40 cars arriving in February. First UK deliveries are due from November. Peugeot says the car is built in limited numbers. There's no Romanian price yet.
The VW rival
The E-208 GTi arrives just ahead of its direct rival, the VW ID. Polo GTI, which costs €39,995 in Germany. The Peugeot costs more but has 55 hp more (281 vs 226). The VW, in return, has a bigger battery and more range, up to 431 km.
The same 281 hp motor also powers the new Opel Corsa GSE, from €39,900 in Germany, which Opel is showing in Paris.
