Peugeot Australia have detailed a limited run of the 208 GTi hot hatch called the Édition Définitive. The variant comes as a final battle cry before the model is retired from our local market - that is, at least until the French marque rolls out an all-new successor to the 208 hatch, which has been in production since 2012.
Only 20 examples of this special edition 208 GTi will be arriving, priced at $33,900 driveaway. For that sum, buyers will get a car that’s quite distinct from the regular version. It’s been gone through the gauntlet of alterations from Peugeot Sport, the brand’s performance and motorsport division, resulting in some choice mechanical and cosmetic changes.
Just one exterior finish is available for the Édition Definitive, which is a striking Pearl White that nicely contrasts the unique new matte black trim that’s been applied around the wheel arches and side skirts as well as the new blacked out 18-inch wheels that wear Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres.
Additionally, there’s more black accenting around the window surrounds and a ‘Peugeot Sport’ badge just behind the C-pillar. That division has given the Édition Définitive a revised suspension that now has the car sit 10mm lower than standard and have also given it new spring and damper calibrations, tweaked steering, beefier Brembo brakes, and even a wider overall track.
To transmit drive to the surface more effectively, a Torsen (torque sensing) limited slip differential has also been installed, matching the 308 GTi. It receives said thrust via a 6-speed manual transmission that’s mated to a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol that generates 153kW and 300Nm - no changes on that front, unfortunately. However, there is a new exhaust system and some light adjustments made to the ECU to improve response.
The results of all these improvements is surely a 208 GTi that’s a sharper instrument in the corners, but also one that’s capable of reaching 100km/h from rest in 6.5 seconds, marking a 0.3s improvement over the base hot hatch.
Inside, the Édition Definitive boasts a cabin that’s been lavished with Alcantara trim and a pair of new sport bucket front seats from Peugeot Sport, replete with the requisite red stitching. It’s also the first 208 GTi to arrive with Autonomous Emergency Braking, a feather in its pre-collision cap. However, it’s only rated to be effective at speeds of up to 30km/h.
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