Peugeot has pulled the covers off its new 208 GTI in production guise and not only does it look a whole lot more seductive than its 207 predecessor, but it also has the numbers to make quite an impact on the hot hatch game.
Its 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine is credited with 147kW and 275Nm and, mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox, Peugeot claims it'll screech from zero to 100km/h in under seven seconds.
Helping its case is that it's light in weight, the GTi boasting a kerb weight of just 1160kg. This also helps at the pumps and in the CO2 game, where it boasts a rating of just 145g/km.
In keeping with its performance orientation, engineers beefed up the suspension - enhancing the springs, calibration of the shock absorbers, anti-roll bar, front subframe and rear crossmember.
A bespoke styling kit and 17-inch 'diamond carbon' alloy wheels will set this new baby apart on the street while its interior has a 'stimulating' colour scheme that combines red, black and satin chrome.
The more ordinary 208 models are expected to reach South Africa this month, but no word yet on when the GTi will arrive.