The new Peugeot 208 GTI, which was shown in concept form at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in February, has been officially revealed ahead of its premiere at the Paris Motor Show at the end of the month. As with the Peugeot 206 and 207 GTI models, the French car maker is aiming to rekindle the magic of its 1980s 205 GTi hot-hatch.

As previously reported, the three-door 208 GTi gets the 147 kW and 275 Nm, 1.6-litre, turbocharged petrol engine found in the RCZ coupe. These figures give the 208 GTI the edge over competitors such as the Audi A1 (136 kW and 250 Nm ), the Renault Clio RS (147 kW and 215 Nm) and the Volkswagen Polo GTI (132 kW and 250 Nm).

In addition to the generous amount of power on offer, the 208 GTI only weighs 1 160 kg. No performance figures have been released yet, but armed with this new detail, the previous expectations of a 0 – 100 km/h sprint time in the region of 7 seconds, are likely to be a little pessimistic. Peugeot hasn’t released top speed or fuel consumption figures yet, but the company has said the car emits 145 g/km of CO2, which by our math is roughly 6.25 L/100km.

Peugeot’s front-wheel drive pocket rocket uses a 6-speed manual transmission and the company has re-tuned the steering, as well as enhanced the front sub-frame and rear cross-member for improved torsional rigidity over that of the previous 207. The suspension has also been given a reworking and uses sport springs, shock absorbers and new anti-roll bars. The 208 GTi now rides on 17-inch wheels wrapped in 205/45 rubber, which hide 302 mm ventilated brake discs at the front and 249 mm items at the rear.

Visually, the three-door 208 GTi features new halogen headlamps, gloss black mesh grille with chrome inserts, matching rear skirting with trapezoidal chrome dual exhausts, silver mirror caps and, in a nod to the 205 GTi, a chrome window sill strip with the GTi logo on the C-Pillar. The new car will also be easily recognisable at night, thanks to a ‘cat’s-eye’ pattern created by the indicators and running lights.

“The 208 was an excellent base for developing a sports hatchback,” commented Marie Beaumont, 208 GTi Dynamics Manager. “We have worked with particular attention on the steering response, the chassis dynamics and the rigidity of the suspension. The 208 GTi successfully combines performance, safety and driving pleasure.”

The 208 GTi’s interior features a red and black colour scheme that includes: red-stitched, black leather and cloth combination upholstered sports seats; a flat-bottomed steering wheel; high-gloss red-painted door handles and dashboard inserts; aluminium pedals, footrest and gear lever; as well as a red backlit instrument cluster that features a brushed aluminium background with white needles and a black chequered flag motif.

The new 208 GTi will go on sale in Europe in the second quarter of 2013, by which time the standard 208 should’ve been on South African roads for a good few months.

Earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show, Peugeot took the wraps off their 208 GTI Concept. From the get go it looked like a fairly well advanced ‘concept,’ which wasn’t far off being production readiness. Now, the cash strapped French manufacturer has intimated that the 208 GTI Concept will be given the green light and will arrive in dealer showrooms in 2013. A production version of the 208 GTI will be shown at the Paris motor show this September.

Powering the 208 GTI will be PSA’s widely available, 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine; of Citroën DS3 and Mini Cooper S fame of course. The 208 GTI is expected to make around 150 kW in its most powerful state of tune, something akin to its DS3 Racing brethren, while another more mild version should make an amiable 118 kW.  The former may indeed be called the 208 GTI Racing and is touted to reach 100 km/h from standstill in under seven seconds. The 208 GTI Racing is expected to use a 6-speed manual transmission and sit on lowered, wider suspension, with a larger grille, as well as bolder side skirts, some signature badging and twin exhaust outlets.

We particularly love Peugeot’s detailing on the 208 GTI Concept. The GTI Concept logo (pictured on the rear quarter panels), acts as a salute to its illustrious predecessor – the 205 GTI. The French ‘Le Tricolour’ flag up front will be replaced with the Union Jack on UK cars. (Will we get the rainbow-nation flag down here we wonder?!) The LED daytime running lights have a feline look, perfectly in keeping with Peugeot’s long standing emblem, and the LED backlighting that surrounds the instrumentation is also brilliant.

The sports seats are trimmed with Nappa leather on the outer section and an embossed tartan motif on the inside, lovely. The small steering wheel is also a perfect accentuation of a small, fast super-mini.  Lets hope they keep these details for the production version 208 GTI.

Citroën is unleashing the hot new DS3 Racing in South Africa. The DS3 Racing is born from the Citroën Racing team’s knowledge gleaned from seven consecutive FIA World Rally championship Drivers and Co-drivers titles with Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena, together with 7 FIA World Rally Championship Manufacturers titles and over 120 podium finishes since 1999.

Limited to just 1 000 production units worldwide, of which South Africa will receive just ten, the DS3 Racing is modified and hand-finished by the Citroën Racing Team in their special rally workshop and fitted with parts developed according to the Citroën Racing specifications.

The styled bonnet conceals a four cylinder 1.6-litre THP (high pressure turbo) petrol engine. To achieve the additional power output, Citroën Racing’s engineers modified the performance of the turbo and adjusted the mapping of the engine control unit. A special tail pipe and muffler were also added. As a result, the DS3 Racing’s tuned and turbocharged engine develops 152 kW – a power increase of almost 30% over the standard unit – with a torque increase of 15% from 240 Nm to 275 Nm. These figures give the DS3 Racing a top speed of 235 km/h and a 0 – 100 km/h sprint time of 6.5 seconds.

The car has undergone some significant sporting enhancements to provide a more thrilling drive. The steering has been made even more precise, with the control system modified for the new tyres. The fitment of stiffer suspension springs, adapted front and rear shock absorbers (to handle the increased power), and the widening of the front and rear tracks by 30 mm – plus lowering the car by 15 mm – all dramatically change the driving dynamics. These changes reinforce both the stability and dynamic control of the car, and enhance the feedback between the road and the driver. The braking system has also been up-rated to ensure control over the car’s additional power. The front wheels get 4-piston racing callipers and special disc-brakes – with drilled discs at the rear. For enhanced control, the ESP has been adapted to complement the sportier handling, but can be disengaged according to the driver’s preference.

Measuring 3.94 m long, DS3 Racing’s obsidian black body is contrasted with a bright orange-coloured roof, side mirrors and brake callipers. The alloy wheels and front grille surround – with integrated chevrons – are finished in orange chrome. A carbon finish is used around the front bumper, lower body trim and wing extensions, whilst large 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome door handles and even a chrome-finished exhaust complete the dynamic styling. A DS3 Racing signature on the rear tailgate confirms the model’s exclusivity.

Inside the cabin, carbon trim adorns the dashboard, centre console, steering wheel inserts, armrests and door side mouldings. The vibrant orange colour of the bodywork continues into the cabin with the glossy strip of the dash, gear stick and gear stick surround finished in the same bright tone. The sporty, figure-hugging seats are also touched with orange elements and are embossed with ‘Citroën Racing’.

With only ten available to purchase in SA, the R399 900 asking price may not look all that steep when you consider the exclusivity. Also included is a 3-year/100 000km warranty, roadside assistance and a 4-year/60 000km service plan.

With tongue firmly in cheek, Citroën is positioning its new DS3 into the same segment as the Mini but with the message being “Never Look Back’ – the DS3 an anti-retro fun car with the same kind of drive appeal as the Mini.

More seriously, however, the DS3 – with South Africa the first non-European country to launch the car – is the first in a series of DS ranges with the DS4 and DS5 still to come. The DS – Different Spirit – is pitched above the equivalent base model range (in this case the C3) offering completely new styling and features.

Frederic Chapuis, MD of Citroën, says: “The new DS line will feature a range of distinctive models with revolutionary design content, rounding out the marque’s main range. As its name suggests, the new line is a further symbol of Citroën creativity and technology.

“The DS3 is an assertive vehicle with radical good looks that can be personalised with a broad range of styling components. A breath of fresh air and modernity, the newcomer’s dynamic on-road performance successfully blends efficiency and peace of mind, while the intelligence of its design makes for a modular car that adapts to all situations.”

The DS3 can comprehensively individualised with a range of 11 body colours, four roof colours, a variety of wheel colours and various dashboard colour options.

“With its sculptural styling and striking lines, the DS3 exudes enormous appeal. It is a truly distinctive vehicle with a strong personality built on original creations including a ‘floating’ roof, a ‘shark fin’ that lends vigour to the waistline, and recesses on the nose housing LED lights,” says Chapuis.

“The DS3 will also stand-out on the road, combining driving pleasure and everyday ease of use. Nimble and energetic, the DS3 brings the driver ‘closer’ to the road for effortless cornering,” says Vincent Besson, Director of Products and Markets Strategy at PSA. “Driving the DS3 is like having the wheels at your fingertips”.

Locally it launches with two petrol engines, the THP 150 and the VTi 120, these engines being part of the collaborative between PSA and BMW – so the same engine as found in Mini is in this car.

The newcomer is 3,95 m long, 1,71 m wide and 1,46 high and features a dashboard set high up to increase leg room with slim-back seats and estate car-style rear design free up room in the back. This translates to real, usable interior space both front and rear, extensive stowage space (including a 13-litre glove box) and a 285-litre boot with a modular, 60:40 split-fold rear bench. With the rear seats folded boot capacity increases to 980 litres.

The lines of the DS3 exude a funky appeal with the somewhat radical front end featuring LEDs daytime lights nestled in the side recesses.

The driving position is cockpit-inspired, with all displays and driving controls within easy reach of the driver. The instrument cluster, with three conical dials, together with the small-diameter wheel and low-slung, body-hugging seats together convey an emphatic sporty character.

However, it is much more than just ‘cute’ looks and the DS3 has a MacPherson-type suspension at the front and a flexible traverse beam at the rear. Springing and damping have been developed to ‘read’ the road, with excellent body roll control and impressive poise in corners, while remaining easy to handle. Bi-density shims on the rear axle help filter out road disturbances while ensuring cross-wise stability.

Standard safety features include ESP, ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA). Passive safety measures include six air bags, three-point seat belts and Isofix anchor points in the rear side seats all fitted as standard.

From the first trim level, the DS3 gets a range of driving aids, such as a cruise control/speed limiter and a gear change indicator that recommends gear changes to save on fuel and cut emissions.

And, for total sensory pleasure, the DS3 is shipped with a scented air-freshener, fitted with a premium, chrome-finished control. Both engines have a capacity of 1 598 cm3 with the VTi producing 88 kW at 6 000 r/min and the turbo-charged THP energising 115 kW at 6 000 r/min. Torque figures are 160 N.m and 240 N.m respectively. The VTi drives through a 5-speed manual gearbox while the THP gains an extra cog.

Citroën claims maximum speeds of 190 km/h for the VTi and 214 km/h for the THP with 0-100 km/h acceleration times of 8,9 seconds and 7,3 seconds with fuel economy of 7,9 l/100 km and 9,4 l/100 km. CO2 emissions are between 136 g/km and 155 g/km.

On The Road

Launching a 1,6-litre car at the energy-sapping Reef altitude is always a bit of brave move by automakers but Citroën went ahead and the VTi Style I drove came away from the encounter with reputation intact, earning itself a modicum of respect into the bargain.

While the 5-speed does require a bit of rowing to keep it in the power band, the engine revs smoothly to the red line with just enough of a growl to be music to the ears. Outside of that high end of the rev range note the car is impressively quite with no suspension, road or wind noise intruding into the cabin.

It is solidly planted on the road and soaks up undulations. The electric power steering is light (perhaps a touch too light at low speeds) but accurate and the car points exactly where you want it to go.

Its more gutsy sibling has a chooglin’ boogie engine tune at the top end of the rev range and it’s quite hard not to keep in a lower gear than necessary just to keep that tune wailing louder than Julius Malema at a press conference.

With the Highveld altitude ironed out by the turbo the THP wants to get up and go and delivers on the fun when given its head. It corners sweetly, stops quickly and does all things anyone could want from a small car – but, one with a big heart.

Our version on the launch drive was a white body with black roof and piano black dashboard – extremely stylish and good looking.

Limited Edition DS3 Racing

Citroën unleashed a hot DS3 at the Geneva Motor Show – the limited edition 150 kW DS3 Racing – and of the 1 000 being built, South Africa is hoping to get an allocation.

Developed by Citroën Racing – the winning team behind five WRC manufacturer’s titles and six driver’s titles for Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena – DS3 Racing is a special edition with a 100% sporting pedigree.

With integrated carbon-trimmed components and specialist motorsports equipment, DS3 Racing’s tuned and turbo-charged 1,6-litre THP 150 engine develops 150 kW – a power increase of almost 30% over the standard unit – with a torque increase of 15% from 240 N.m to 275 N.m.

To achieve the additional power output Citroën Racing’s engineers modified and optimised the powertrain components, tuned the performance of the turbo and adjusted the mapping of the engine control unit. A special tail pipe and muffler were also added.

Allowing DS3 Racing to stick to the road, the car has undergone some significant sporting enhancements. The steering has been made even more precise, with the control system modified for the new tyres. The fitment of stiffer suspension springs, adapted front and rear shock absorbers (to handle the increased power), and the widening of the front and rear tracks by 30 mm – plus lowering the car by 15 mm – all dramatically change the driving dynamics.

The braking system has also been up-rated to ensure control over the car’s additional power. The front wheels get 4-piston racing callipers and special disc-brakes – with drilled discs at the rear. For enhanced control, the ESP has been adapted to complement the sportier handling, but can be disengaged according to the driver’s preference.

All DS3 models come standard with a 3-Year/100 000km warranty, 4-Year/60 000km service plan and 3-years roadside assistance.

Colin Windell is the editor of Fleet magazine and contributor to SACarFan.

Citroën’s hottest ever hatch is under starters orders! The 144 kW DS3 Racing, is set to get the green light at the Geneva Motor Show, and these are the first official pictures.

Sharing the same bold styling blueprint as the standard car, the DS3 Racing comes with a dark grey body contrasted with vibrant, bright orange-coloured roof, side mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, brake callipers and front grille surround with integrated orange chrome chevrons. The ‘Racing’ also gets a sporty carbon finish around the front bumper, wheel surrounds and side skirt.

Under the bonnet there’s a more powerful version of the firms turbo-charged 1,6-litre THP (Turbo High Pressure) engine, with the Racing spec unit capable of producing 144 kW, compared to the current DSport range-topper, which delivers 108 kW.

This means the fastest DS3 in the line-up will take only 6.9 seconds to go from 0 – 100 km/h and will be capable of a top speed of 224 km/h. This amount of power sits the Racing between MINI’s Cooper S and JCW, both of which use a version of the same engine, and on a level with rivals like the Renault Clio RS.

And it’s not just straight-line speed that has been fine-tuned. As well as a 30 per cent increase in power from the same sized engine, the DS3 Racing gets adapted suspension, with both front and rear tracks gaining 30 mm in width and the ride height has been lowered by 15 mm too. The front and rear dampers have also been appropriately tuned to handle the extra power. All this results in more precision, control and sportier handling. An enhanced braking system with 4-piston callipers incorporated into the front discs drastically improves stopping power, while the exhaust system has also been restyled.

On top of all this, expect the DS3 Racing to come with its fair share of limited edition badges and plaques, helping to further distinguish it from the rest of the range. The hot-hatch will be exclusive too. With only 1 000 units scheduled to be sold when it hits showrooms later this year.

Adapted from AutoExpress