Iconic legend returns

PEUGEOT is
hinting at the return of an iconic legend with the reveal of the Peugeot 208
GTi Concept car.

The GTi Concept
is powered by the same 6-speed manual 1.6 THP 200bhp petrol engine seen in the
award-winning Peugeot RCZ. Saluting its illustrious predecessor, the legendary
205 GTi, a brushed aluminium GTi Concept logo is placed on the rear quarter
panels and within the grille.

Distinctive
exterior features found on the GTi Concept include Peugeot’s now signature LED
headlamps, double chromed exhaust tailpipes, lower bodywork spoilers and lower
sill skirt extensions.

On the inside,
the passenger compartment reveals a red perforated leather steering wheel,
leather head restraints and leather gear lever. The instrument panel is
enhanced with LED backlighting. The sports seats are trimmed with Nappa leather
on the outer section, whilst the cloth seating is embossed with a tartan motif.
The fascia is dressed in Alcantara velour with grey stitching and the roof
lining is entirely black.

To complete the
sports look and feel, the driver is greeted with a small sports steering wheel,
the pedals are aluminium and a raised instrument panel in line of the driver’s
sight houses brushed aluminium dials.

The GTi Concept
takes full advantage of its compactness and lightness, promising road-holding
that is both excellent and precise. A rear roof spoiler generates down force at
speed. For optimum braking performance, the GTi Concept is equipped with disc
brakes all around; 302mm diameter at the front and 249mm at the rear, set off
by red-painted brake callipers.

A second 208
concept car, the exclusive 208 XY Concept, will also debut at the Geneva Motor
Show. Powered by a 1.6-litre 115bhp eHDi engine and equipped with a 6-speed
manual gearbox, the XY Concept has been treated to 16 coats of paint and
lacquer to allow the car to appear to constantly change.

Inside, the
passenger compartment is trimmed with crimson stitched leather on the
dashboard, armrests, steering wheel and gear lever. The XY Concept rides on
exclusive dual-effect 18″ alloy wheels. The lower window edge and the
quarter panel are finished off with a special grille treatment with three
horizontal chrome bars.