Goodwood, England - Volkswagen can claim to have invented the hot hatch but it was arguably Peugeot that gave it horns, with the 1984 205 GTi - still a cult car today among urban warriors.
And to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original 'bad boy', Peugeot has reinterpreted the legend in a more radical version of the 208 GTi - breaking cover today (26 June) at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, ahead of its official debut at the Paris motor show in September.
Its 1.6-litre THP turbopetrol four has been boosted from 147 to 153kW and from 275 to 300Nm, delivered through a close-ratio six-speed manual 'box and Torsen limited-slip differential - both borrowed from the RCZ R - and the driver aids have been recalibrated to be less intrusive.
That's good enough for 0-100 in 6.5 seconds, a standing kilometre in 26.5 - and 80-120km/h in six seconds flat without changing out of fifth.
MEANER STANCE
The birthday boy also gets a meaner stance, with 10mm lower suspension, revised spring and damper rates, 22mm more track in front and 16mm more at the rear, rolling on 18" matte black rims shod with 205/40 Michelin Pilot Super Sports. Steering calibration has also been revised, as has the front anti-roll bar, to allow the diff to do its job properly.
Most of the chrome trim on the standard 208 GTi has been replaced with matte black, including the side skirts and wheel-arch extensions, and there's a neat '208 GTi 30th' logo on the quarter panel.
RADICAL PAINT
The point job is just as radical, with a textured black front and gloss red rear divided by a sharp oblique straight-cut line; for enthusiasts whose taste is not all in their mouths, it will also be available in metallic red and pearl white.
Black-lacquered interior trim elements are set off by red lines on the seatbelts and door handles, while the special Peugeot Sport bucket seats are finished in a mix of alcantara synthetic suede and black dotted-mesh pattern fabric with red highlights and contrast stitching.
A numbered '208 GTi 30th' plaque above the courtesy light adds the finishing touch.