Peugeot Prepares 208 R to Top Hot Hatch Line-Up
Peugeot is developing a 208 R hot hatch, set to offer greater performance than the 208 GTI and target a 2015 launch.
Peugeot is working on a 208 R hot hatch, which will sit above the current 208 GTI in its range and is expected to arrive no sooner than 2015. The development was hinted by Peugeot CEO Maxime Picat, who confirmed the brand’s intention to expand its performance line-up and move further upmarket.
The 208 R is intended to follow the template set by the RCZ R, Peugeot’s most powerful production model at the time. This means a focus on reduced weight, a more aggressive body kit, and chassis upgrades. The 208 R will also receive unique wheels and interior tweaks to set it apart from the GTI, along with distinctive badging.
Powertrain and Performance
While Peugeot has not released full technical details, the 208 R is expected to use a further developed version of the brand’s 1.6-litre THP four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. The current 208 GTI produces 200 PS, but the R is likely to exceed this figure, following the RCZ R’s example, which achieved 270 PS from the same basic engine architecture. Exact power output and performance figures remain under wraps.
Weight reduction will be a priority, with the 208 R likely to adopt lighter materials and possibly shed some interior equipment to sharpen its focus on driving dynamics. Suspension and braking systems are also expected to be upgraded to handle the increased performance.
Positioning and Market Strategy
The 208 R will be part of Peugeot’s broader strategy to move upmarket and compete with established hot hatch rivals. Positioned above the 208 GTI, it will target buyers seeking more extreme performance without stepping up to larger models. This follows a trend among European manufacturers, with rivals such as Ford and Opel also developing more potent versions of their superminis.
Pricing and equipment details have not been confirmed, but the 208 R is expected to command a premium over the GTI, which launched in Europe from €25,690. For reference, the RCZ R’s enhancements included not just more power but also bespoke suspension, brakes and styling, suggesting the 208 R will receive a similarly comprehensive overhaul.
What to Expect Next
Peugeot has not set a precise launch date, but the 208 R is not expected to reach showrooms before 2015. More technical and pricing details are likely to emerge closer to launch. Until then, the 208 GTI remains the brand’s flagship hot hatch. For more on the current GTI, see Peugeot 208 GTI to Launch in Europe from €25,690.
