As Peugeot celebrates 30 years since the original 205 GTi was launched, it is now the turn for the 208 GTi to pass through the expert hands of Peugeot Sport, to give it a more radical character with what some call ‘extra soul’, in response to expectations from enthusiasts wanting a sportier and more passionate experience.

From the outset, the exclusive and more radical temperament shines through with the 208 GTi 30th. The suspension is lowered by 10mm, the track widened by 22 mm at the front and 16mm at the rear, its larger wheels stand out, giving it a well planted stance on the road, clearly indicating its sporty intent.

The chic bright chrome finishers on the 208 GTi are replaced by matt black on the 208 GTi 30th, giving it a more brutish look. At the front, the same treatment is applied to the grille surround, the foglamp bezels and door mirror shells.

The new 1.6 THP engine, meeting the Euro six emissions standard, is fitted with Stop and Start. Its maximum torque is increased to 300Nm and maximum power to 208bhp, an immediate reference to the model name.

The power and torque are transmitted to the wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox with specific gear ratios and a Torsen limited slip differential – both taken from the RCZ R, allowing the full potential of the vehicle to be exploited.

“Based on the 208 GTi, itself already a very effective and well powered car, our ambition was to focus on behaviour on the road by further increasing its effectiveness. For this we have developed the traction and a potential for more grip, mainly on the front axle. The benefits are essentially in passing speeds, driving sensations and feedback,” Pierre Budar, 208 GTi 30th project manager, said.