In terms of all cars in history to wear the iconic ‘GTi’ badge, perhaps none other has ever held as strong a reputation for pure, unadulterated driving fun as the Peugeot 205 GTi (below in white). Since its introduction in the mid-80, the GTi has spawned successors and recently Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia, launched the all-new Peugeot 208 GTi.
Carrying within it years of expertise, innovation and passion for motor sports, the all-new 208 GTi is set to revolutionize the performance hatch segment. With its bold lines, dynamic interior and powerful performance, it is a car that clearly demonstrates its character and ambition. Intended for discerning individuals with high expectations, the all-new 208 GTi benefits from sophisticated choices of the materials and colours employed.
“The GTi badge is strongly associated with the 2-series range of Peugeot cars delivering the highest level of performance and technology honed from Peugeots’ active involvement in motorsports. Started with the iconic 205 GTi and followed up with the 206 GTi and 207 GTi, the all-new 208 GTi reignites the passion in the performance hatch segment,” said Dato Samson Anand George, Chief Operating Officer of Nasim Sdn Bhd.
Sporty, stylish and refined, the all-new 208 GTi is full of sports appeal. The overall design unashamedly shows off its sporting genes with its chequered radiator grille and sporty looks. The front face captivates as much as it impresses with Peugeot’s exclusive light signature that consist of LED Daytime Running Lights for indicators and daytime lighting.
The car’s dynamism is expressed first of all by its external identity, specific and immediately recognizable, due to its characteristic posture. Its compact lines are emphasized by widened wheel arches, special body sills, wing extensions and elegant chrome windows that enhance its visual appearance. Defined by a three door body style, it sits on a 10mm widened track at the front and 20mm widened track at the rear. The 17-inch two tone Carbon design alloy wheels set the tone while the GTi spirit comes alive in red detailing, from the lower grille finisher to the Peugeot lettering found on the tailgate and 3D chequered flag motif, which extends into the interior.
The quarter panel inserts, stamped with the prestigious, sporty GTi badge as a tribute to its illustrious predecessor, will please purists as will the emblematic spoiler which extends the dynamism of the silhouette. The chrome dual exhaust tailpipe cuts into the gloss black rear skirt highlighted with chrome and with its red brake callipers and diamond cut wheel caps, the all-new 208 GTi is the essence of style and sportiness.
The interior has been brought up to date with contemporary finishes that co-exist with state of the art technology. The elegant red and black colour scheme and dark headlining emphasise the dynamism of the head-up instrumental panel, which is enhanced by a dashboard trimmed in leather effect material with red overstitching and satin chrome finishing. Surrounded by red LEDs, the dials have a matt and gloss chequered background and needles that light up in red.
The all-new 208 GTi features an interactive HD colour 7-inch touchscreen that is conveniently positioned for easy access to the optional satellite navigation, an on board trip computer, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth, audio streaming, audio system has six speaker speed related volume controls and Smart Park assist.
The seats upholstered in Club Nappa leather with Caro Weave fabric are finished with elegant overstitching, aluminium door sills, embossed with the GTi logo and aluminium foot pedals. The driving position is further elevated by the full-grain leather steering wheel complete with controls as well as a GTi aluminium gearknob.
The all-new 208 GTi is powered by a 1.6-litre twin scroll turbo high pressure engine with direct injection that pumps out 200 hp and 275 Nm of torque. The engine has just been awarded the coveted 2013 International Engine of the Year prize for the 7th year in a row, presented by Engine Technology International publication.
Fitted with a six-speed close ratio manual gearbox transmission, the all-new 208 GTi has the capability to accelerate from 0-100 kph in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 230 kph. This new engine epitomises the character and daring of the all-new 208 GTi with its generous torque and dynamic performance but with only 139g of emissions of CO2 per km. Light in weight at 1160 kg, the fuel efficiency of the all-new 208 GTi on a combined drive cycle is rated at an impressive 5.9-litres per 100 km. The power unit improves on fuel efficiency and emissions standards over its predecessor by 10%.
Additionally, the all-new 208 GTi comes fitted with MacPherson-type struts and antiroll bar for the front suspension to offer precise road holding. At the rear, the suspension comprises a trailing arm with dynamic cross-member axle that is well tuned for an engaging driving experience. The braking system has been strengthened to provide control and incision and the 17″ alloy wheels with 205/45 tyres, houses 302mm ventilated discs at the front and 249mm at the rear.
In terms of safety, the all-new 208 GTi offers a comprehensive list of safety features including Stability Control, Traction Control, ABS, EBA and EBFD. It comes with the latest-generation Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which is able to detect the first signs of a sideways skid and helps reduce over steer. Passive safety features include 6 airbags, front pre-tensioning seatbelts, seatbelt fastening warning system and a collapsible steering column.
The all-new 208 GTi was launched at the new Peugeot Old Klang Road. Built at a cost of RM500,000, the 4,000 square feet facility will serve markets in the surrounding areas of Old Klang Road such as Taman Seputih, Sri Petaling, Desa Petaling,Taman Desa, Taman OUG, Pantai Dalam, Jalan Kuchai and Pantai Hillpark.
Facilities in this outlet include a customer lounge, WIFI and refreshments for customers with showroom space to display 4 to 5 cars. “Peugeot Old Klang Road is the 27th outlet to be officially launched today with an investment of half a million Ringgit and is in line with our network expansion exercise with the target of achieving 30 outlets nationwide by year end,” said Dato’ Samson.
The all-new 208 GTi is available in two exciting colours – Digital White and Rogue Red. The price of the 208 GTi is RM139,888 on-the-road with insurance. As with all existing Peugeot models in Nasim’s line-up, the all-new 208 GTi comes with Nasim’s five-year warranty with unlimited mileage together with Nasim’s existing lifetime 24-hours Peugeot Assistance service, complimentary access to the Peugeot Lounge and its exclusive Peugeot Privilege membership, all to provide the best ownership experience for its customers.
