Peugeot’s GTIs were the hot hatches to beat in the 1980s and 1990s. In recent years, after a period in which rival Renaultsport and its Clios and Meganes reigned supreme, Peugeot showed that it could still deliver, introducing praised models like the 208 GTi and 308 GTi.
However, both automakers are preparing to take the hot hatch genus into new, electric terrain. Renault will launch the Alpine A5, based on the retro 5 supermini EV announced in January 2021, by 2024, and Peugeot is preparing to launch the 208 PSE.
Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE) is the marque’s new performance subbrand. The term has already been used effectively on the 355 hp 508 PSE, but that is a hybrid with a front-mounted petrol engine supplemented by a small electric motor driving each axle. For the first time, the badge will be applied on a full-fledged EV with the 208 PSE.
Designed after the Peugeot e208
Peugeot already has an electric 208 in its lineup, and while it isn’t marketed as a sports vehicle, the e208 featured above is the fastest 208 on the market and will serve as the PSE’s base.
The e208’s powertrain comprises a 50 kWh battery and a front-wheel-drive 100 kW (134 hp/136 PS) electric motor. It can reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.1 seconds thanks to its power output and 192 lb-ft of immediate torque, albeit the top speed is artificially limited to 93 mph (150 km/h).
We’ve driven one on the road and on the track, and it’s a lot of fun. While it’s heavier than ICE 208s (and nearly twice as heavy as a 205 GTi), you’ll notice it less in corners (where the low centre of gravity hides it) and more under braking (where it’s not hidden at all).
At the charging station, the e208 is likewise quite quick. Its 50 kWh battery gives it a WLTP range of up to 211 miles (340 kilometres), and its 100 kW charging capabilities allows you to charge it up to 80% full in 30 minutes.
Low-Performance Battery
But isn’t the 208 PSE both faster and more hungry? Maybe. Peugeot’s issue is that it may be forced to use the e208’s smaller 50 kWh battery. Even getting that to fit required dismantling the battery pack and reassembling the pieces in the voids left by the ICE 208’s fuel tank, catalyst, and exhaust. The PSE, according to 2020 Car Magazine, would keep the e208’s front-mounted powertrain and front-wheel drive arrangement, but with a more powerful motor producing roughly 168 horsepower (170 PS). And if that happens, and Peugeot continues with the 50 kWh battery, we may expect improved performance, with a sub-7-second 0-62 mph time, but a reduction in the electric driving range from the e208’s 211 miles.
Identical to the Opel Corsa OPC/Vauxhall Corsa VXR.
Is it feasible, though, that Peugeot will not bother replacing the front motor? Auto Express reported on the impending electric Vauxhall Corsa VXR and its Opel Corsa OPC twin, which could be inspired by the limited edition Corsa-e Rally competition car, in a piece about the future electric Vauxhall Corsa VXR and its Opel Corsa OPC twin. The normal Corsa is based on the same e-CMP platform as the 208, and the Corsa-e is powered by the same 134 hp motor and 50 kWh battery as the Peugeot 208e (even the rally version, in contrast to what its looks suggest, used the same mechanicals). According to Auto Express, the Corsa VXR EV will keep the factory powertrain package while focusing on boosting handling. According to the report, Vauxhall CEO Stephen Norman stated, “we have more than enough [electricity].” However, we can improve performance in various ways.”
Would Peugeot really launch a PSE-badged flagship hot hatch with no more power than the ordinary e208, which looks fantastic in GT or GT Premium trim, as seen here? We’re not so sure, especially given its Alpine A5 counterpart is said to have 215 horsepower.
How Will The 208 PSE Distinguish Itself?
Peugeot’s best-known hot hatches from the 1980s all had three doors, while the 309 GTi and the more contemporary 308 GTi offered the option of five. However, modern hot hatch purchasers appear to value practicality more than their forefathers, therefore the PSE will have the same five-door configuration as the rest of the 208. The GT-spec 208 already gives the impression of a hatchback thanks to its contrasting wheel arch trims, but we expect the 208 PSE to accentuate the sporty feel even more with a lower suspension and an increase in wheel size from the GT’s current 17-inch maximum, though this would come at the expense of some electric range. The PSE, like other facelifted 208s, will have the new Peugeot badge, which was initially seen on the 2018 e-Legend concept car.
And, if the 508 PSE is any indication, the hottest 208 will include bright green detailing, gloss black trim, a rear diffuser, vertical grille fins, and PSE ‘Kryptonite’ claw graphics. We also anticipate aerodynamic gadgets on the lower bumper and door sills, as well as a spoiler positioned over the rear window.
When Will It Arrive? How Much Will It Cost?
According to Auto Express, the electric Corsa VXR (prior ICE version seen above) will go on sale in Europe in 2022, which could coincide with earlier reports that the 208 PSE will be released in conjunction with the 208’s mid-cycle facelift for the 2023 model year. However, if the automobile appeals to you but you live in North America, you’ll have to settle for admiring it from afar because Stellantis has scuttled plans to introduce Peugeot to North America.
In terms of price, an e208 in top-spec GT Premium trim starts at N19.5 Million before the UK government’s N1.44 Million electric car incentive is applied. Depending on how much extra power, if any, and equipment Peugeot includes in the 208 PSE, the price might range between N20.6 – N21.8 Million.
Meet Your Rivals, Peugeot 208 PSE
Small electric hot hatches aren’t exactly plentiful right now. In fact, Mini Electric is the only car that comes close to competing with the 208 PSE. It’s essentially a zero-emissions Cooper S, with a strong 182 hp and a 0-62 mph time of 7.3 seconds. It’s also shockingly cheap, with pricing starting at £26,000 following the UK government grant (it starts at $29,000 in the US). On the negative, the three-door Mini Electric is even more cramped than a conventional Mini due to the battery being housed under the back seat, and that battery has a capacity of only 32 kWh, resulting in a WLTP range of fewer than 150 miles (and a pathetic 114 EPA miles).
The new Fiat 500e is as compact but much slower. You can choose between 23.7 kWh and 42 kWh batteries, as well as a 116 horsepower front-mounted motor capable of reaching 62 mph in 9 seconds. That doesn’t seem like anyone’s notion of a hot hatch, but things should change in the coming years as Fiat works its Abarth magic on the quiet 500.
The 208’s main competition is likely Renault’s Alpine A5, which is part of the sporty brand’s development away from a simple one-model sports car-focused line-up. And if it does have the Megan E-215 tech’s hp powerplant, it will make the PSE appear very slow.
Furthermore, traditional ICE hatches should not be overlooked. They won’t be around forever, but for the time being, many purchasers will be content to remain with what they know. And when a car like the Hyundai i20 N costs less than N14.4 Million and has 201 hp, a 6.2-second zero to 62mph time, and a 300+ mile range, it’s difficult not to understand the appeal.
Do you believe the notion of an electric hot hatch imbued with Peugeot’s chassis tuning know-how excites you, or do you think the 205 GTI would be turning in its grave? Please let us know by leaving a comment.
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