Peugeot E-208 GTi First Drive Review: an electric hot hatch that driving enthusiasts will love
Intro
The E-208 GTi pays homage to the original 205 GTi. (Peugeot)
Electric hot hatchbacks are big business in the new car market, with lots of competition arriving from Europe, Korea and China.
Back in the days of yesteryear, Peugeot was the leader in the hot hatchback stakes, with the 205 GTi going up against the iconic Volkswagen Golf GTi, thanks to its lightweight chassis and sports car-like driving experience.
Fast forward nearly four decades, and Peugeot is entering the electric hot hatch market, with the E-208 GTi - a 277bhp pocket-rocket that pays tribute to the original 205 GTi with its bold styling and driver-focused interior.
So, is the Peugeot E-208 GTi a better alternative to the Alpine A290 and Mini John Cooper Works Electric?
Updates
It sits on the same ‘e-CMP’ platform as the Vauxhall Corsa GSE. (Peugeot)
This might look like a completely new car, but the E-208 GTi shares its chassis, powertrain and interior switchgear with the Vauxhall Corsa GSE.
Both cars sit on Stellantis’ ‘e-CMP’ platform, though the GTi features lots of styling tweaks and design cues that hark back to the original 205 GTi.
The interior has also been given lots of sporting enhancements, with Alcantara sports bucket seats and a sports steering wheel, red carpets, and all models come with a stiffened chassis, lowered suspension and a mechanical limited-slip differential to make this a serious driver’s car.
Engines and transmissions
There is 277bhp and 345Nm of torque on tap. (Peugeot)
Underneath, the E-208 GTi is hooked up to a 54kWh battery pack mated to a front-mounted electric motor.
All variants are front-wheel drive, while cornering is aided by a standard mechanical limited-slip differential.
In terms of power, there is 277bhp and 345Nm of torque to play with, while 60mph comes round in 5.3 seconds and the car will reach a top speed of 112mph.
Peugeot claims the E-208 GTi can travel up to 239 miles between charges, and that 100kW DC rapid charging enables a 20 to 80 per cent replenishment to be completed in 27 minutes.
Behind the wheel
The limited-slip diff transforms the handling. (Peugeot)
No matter where you drive the E-208 GTi, it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Push on into a corner and the mechanical limited-slip differential keeps the car flat and level, while the quick steering and sharp handling give you the confidence to really have some fun on a twisty B-road.
There are three drive modes: Normal, Sport and Eco, with Sport sharpening the throttle response; it tightens everything up and turns off the regenerative braking system, with the driver having full control over the car’s hydraulic brakes.
Despite the sportier setup, the car’s ride quality manages to be composed, though it’s a little firm in places.
An artificial soundtrack is pumped through the sound system to make the driving experience more involving, though the sci-fi noise is a bit of a gimmick, while the lack of steering wheel-mounted regenerative braking paddles and a simulated gearbox is a missed opportunity and would definitely make the driving experience even more hardcore.
The E-208 GTi’s weakness is the efficiency; driven hard, and our test car averaged just 2.6 miles per kWh, which works out to be a real-world range of just 140 miles – that’s 99 miles off Peugeot’s officially claimed WLTP figure.
Styling
The 18-inch ‘Belchamp’ alloy wheels are a nod to the 205 GTi’s ‘pepper pot’ rims. (Peugeot)
There’s no denying that the E-208 GTi looks great everywhere it goes, thanks to lots of design elements that hark back to the original 205 GTi.
These include the 18-inch ‘Belchamp’ alloy wheels – which pay homage to the original ‘pepper pot’ wheels from the 205 – red accents found on the headlights, front grille and wheel arch extensions, and red 208 GTi badges located on the C-pillars.
Thanks to the car’s 25mm lower ride height, the GTi has a sleeker appearance, while the flared wheel arches and ‘Lion Claw’ LED daytime running lights give it a distinctive look.
Interior and practicality
The interior oozes style and sporting details. (Peugeot)
The cabin of the E-208 GTi is a very nice place to be with its body-hugging Alcantara-trimmed sports bucket seats and stubby sports steering wheel.
To make the interior feel more like the 205 GTi, Peugeot has added red carpets, aluminium pedals and red seatbelts.
Up in the front, storage is on par with the standard E-208, with a mediocre glovebox, large door bins, two cupholders, a wireless phone charger and centre armrest cubby hole.
Space in the back is tight due to the small rear doors and limited leg room, though average-sized adults will be fine for short journeys.
At 309 litres, the E-208 GTi’s boot capacity is the same as the Vauxhall Corsa GSE, but it’s 16 litres smaller than what an Alpine A290 has to offer and 132 litres less than a Cupra Raval VZ. Thankfully, there is a standard 60:40 split-folding rear seat which expands the room to 1,118 litres; sadly, there is no additional frunk located under the car’s bonnet.
Prices and trim levels
Every car comes with an extensive amount of standard equipment. (Peugeot)
Peugeot offers the E-208 GTi in one specification, and it's positively loaded with standard kit.
Every car comes with a stiffened chassis, a mechanical limited-slip differential, 18-inch alloy wheels, a gloss black roof spoiler, adaptive cruise control, sports seat with exclusive GTi upholstery, a sports steering wheel, aluminium pedals, red carpets, a 10-inch infotainment system and larger front brake discs.
All models are fitted with a handy Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, which allows electrical appliances such as camping equipment or a hairdryer to be plugged in using the car’s battery.
Furthermore, the E-208 GTi is eligible for the government’s Electric Car Grant, which will slash £1,500 off list prices, taking the starting price down to £33,495 - that’s just £500 more than a Vauxhall Corsa GSE.
Verdict
The E-208 GTi is a great effort from Peugeot; bringing back an iconic nameplate and placing it in the electric era.
It’s one of the best cars in its class when it comes to driver engagement, while the sleek looks and bold yet sporty interior is a great place to sit.
The small real-world range and cramped rear seats are a compromise, but as an overall package and what this little French hot hatchback represents, it’s a promising start for Peugeot’s hot EVs.
Pros
Looks great and has lots of 205 GTi DNA
Fantastic-looking interior
Great to drive
Razor-sharp handling
Well-balanced chassis
Cons
Cramped rear seats
Not the biggest boot
More expensive than Vauxhall Corsa GSE
RATING: 4/5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
FACTS & FIGURES
Model we’ve tested: Peugeot E-208 GTi 54kWh
Price: £33,495 (after ECG)
Engine: 54kWh battery pack with single electric motor
Power: 277bhp
Torque: 345Nm
0-60mph: 5.3 seconds
Top speed: 112mph
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Claimed electric range: 239 miles
Maximum charging speed: 100kW
