Peugeot e-208 GTi revealed: £35k electric hot hatch covers 0-62mph in 5.5sec

On sale Autumn 2026 Price from £35,000 

Duality can be criminally underappreciated sometimes: sofa beds, Swiss army knives and storage ottomans are but a few examples of simple yet brilliant solutions that need more recognition. And while regular hot hatches have long been a part of that list, electric hot hatches have struggled to impose their strengths in the same way – but that could be on the cusp of change. 

Welcome to the Peugeot e-208 GTi: a power-packed, low-sitting, grip-chasing electric hot hatch spin on the regular Peugeot e-208.

It was announced last year as a rival to the likes of the Alpine A290 and the Mini Cooper Electric JCW, but blows both of those cars out of the water for straight-line pace since its 277bhp electric motor – shared with the Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce and the Vauxhall Corsa GSe as part of the Stellantis group – will cover 0-62mph in just 5.5secs. That’s almost half-a-second on the Cooper JCW, and a full-second better than an A290 GTS. 

Other key figures include 254lb ft of torque – 33lb ft more than the Alpine A290, albeit a smidge less than the Mini JCW – and a top speed of 112mph, which is a common limit for many EVs. 

Elsewhere, Peugeot has done plenty of work to help the GTi strut its stuff in the corners. The front and rear rollbars have been adjusted to optimise body balance, while a limited-slip differential (a device which improves traction and reduces wheel spin in slippery conditions) and a bespoke suspension setup with race-developed damper technology swell the list further. 

Thicker 355mm front brake discs (53mm more than standard) are included to help neutralise the significant power reserves, though the rear ones remain untouched. Regenerative braking is available to help restore lost electrons, too, but when ‘Sport Mode’ is activated, the system disengages to allow for maximum driver feel and enjoyment. 

The GTi uses the same 51kWh (usable capacity) battery as the regular e-208, and will provide two range outputs depending on your choice of tyres. Opt for the more eco-friendly Hankook Ventus S1s, and Peugeot’s 233-mile claim would almost match the A290 (236 miles), yet fall short of the Smart #1 Brabus (248 miles) and the Cooper JCW (250 miles). Alternatively, you can opt for more performance-focused Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber, which improves grip but drops range to a WLTP-certified 218 miles.

It’ll take around 4hr 40m for the e-208 GTi to recharge from a 7.4kW home charger. When you’re out and about, it can charge at speeds of up to 100kW at a public charger, allowing for a 20-80% top-up in less than 30 minutes. The Cupra Raval (125kW) is one of several rivals that can regain its charge quicker, however.

At least the GTi benefits from vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, which allows you to charge up external devices using the car’s battery. You’ll need to opt for an additional adaptor to do that, though.

The GTi gets plenty of aggressive design changes over the regular model, including a 30mm lower body, wheels which are 56mm farther apart at the front, bright red brake callipers and large 18in alloy wheels – the latter mimicking the iconic ‘holed’ design of the much-loved 205 GTi from the ‘80s. There’s revised front and rear aerodynamic extentions attached to the bumpers too, which helps with aerodynamics and adds an extra layer of antisocial behaviour. As for colour finishes, you’ll get Elixir Red (again, a nod to the 205 GTi) as standard, and among the options are Okenite White, Miramar Blue and Agueda Yellow. 

That red theme continues inside onto the carpets, floor mats and seat belts. The front seats get red detailing alongside new higher-quality fabrics. We've had the chance to sit inside the new GTi and found the seats to be comfortable and tightly bolstered, so they should hug you firmly in place when cornering at speed.

It gets the same infotainment system as in the regular e-208, with a digital instrument cluster alongside a sharp 10in infotainment touchscreen complete with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, plus an integrated 3D sat-nav.

What’s different is the red theme across both screens and the fact that you can also view performance information specific to the GTi. Red ambient lighting comes as the default, but you can change it to one of seven other colours. Interior quality is generally very good too, with plush faux suede Alcantara furnishing the steering wheel and centre console. There are thicker floor mats in place too. 

The Peugeot e-208 GTi will arrive in showrooms later this year, with prices set to start from £34,995. That would make it cheaper than almost all its rivals, including the Alpine A290 GTS (£36,225) and the Smart #1 Brabus (£44,960), although the Mini Cooper Electric JCW (£34,905) costs a fraction less. To subsidise, Peugeot will offer the GTi with an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty; and also included in the price is a Free2Move Charge Pass, which grants access to nearly one million charging points across Europe. 

So, is the electric hot hatch genre finally finding its feet? We’ll bring you our first drive soon enough…

Read more: Best hot hatches

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