Think GTi and Peugeot, and you’ll probably come up with the iconic 205 in 1.6 and 1.9 versions, launched in 1984 and retired in 1994. Peugeot also used the ‘GTi’ badge on the 309, 106, 306, 206, 207, 208 and 308, with varying degrees of success. Now, after a five-year hiatus, the GTi badge is back on a 208 – but this time as a performance EV.

Design and technology

Outside, from the front, the seven-year-old 208 five-door supermini design is toughened up with a new front air dam, grille and headlamps. The air dam features the distinctive three-claw signature, which extends into the full LED headlamps, with their red detailing – a theme that features throughout this Peugeot.

The changes for this GTi makeover are more obvious from the side, with its lower and wider stance and new 18in perforated alloy wheels, which are designed to look like modern versions of the 205 1.9 GTi’s ‘holed’ alloy wheels. At the back, the horizontal LEDs continue the ‘claw’ theme.

Inside, again, the red highlights give the interior of the e-208 a sporting feel. The red carpets, seatbelts, stitching and piping make the e-208’s plasticky interior feel more special – although we wonder about the durability of the red floor mats in the long term.

The one-piece sports seats are most comfortable for slimmer drivers, but they support in all the right places. However, it’s the e-208’s driving position that will divide drivers, with the i-Cockpit set-up. Best for shorter drivers, as with other Peugeot models, we found looking over the small steering wheel to view the instruments doesn’t quite work. Elsewhere, the pedals are on the high side, and ultimately the footwell feels quite cluttered – much the same as the standard car.

Space in the back of the e-208 GTi is best described as tight, and the 310-litre boot is no better than average.

There is a 10in driver’s screen and another 10in infotainment screen perched high on the dashboard, which seems small compared with modern rivals – but works well enough. Also, because the 208 is an older design, this Peugeot gets welcome physical buttons for some of the car’s functions.

Drive and performance

On top of the new look outside and inside, as expected, the e-208 GTi gets a significant chassis makeover thanks to Peugeot Sport, in the form of special coil springs, new passively regulated dampers with hydraulic bump stops, an anti-roll bar for the torsion-beam rear axle, and a Torsen-style mechanical limited-slip differential for the front axle.

With its 54kWh battery, 281hp, 345Nm of torque and 0-62mph time of 5.5 seconds, as you’d expect of a hatch with the GTi badge on the back, the e-208 GTi feels very quick off the mark. We were surprised at the amount of traction available from the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres – even in the wet.

The steering wheel might be small, but the fact it’s full of feel and pleasingly direct adds to the fun. It is no lightweight, but works well with the virtually roll-free handling. Plus, the fact that this e-208 is fitted with a mechanical limited-slip differential means the power isn’t spun away.

Considering the e-208 GTi’s sporting intentions, we feel its ride is generally well judged. Firm, but not unyielding, best describes it, and it remains composed and capable as the speed increases.

There are ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Eco’ modes, but ‘Sport’ is the only mode if you want to fully uncork all 281hp and 345Nm of torque. It noticeably changes the throttle mapping, while this mode also disengages the regenerative braking system, giving in our opinion, a more natural braking feel.

The biggest fly in the ointment, and it affects all small performance EVs, is the range. Peugeot is claiming a 219-mile range if you stick with the Michelins, or 233 miles if you substitute them for a set of Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3s. We’ve only got driving experience of the Michelins, and if you enjoy the performance, we saw the range drop to around 160 miles.

When it comes to charging, the e-208 GTi supports 100kW DC charging, and can go from 20 to 80% in around 30 minutes, which is comparable to rivals.

Peugeot was the first to admit that this e-208 GTi is more of a retail than fleet proposition, but expects some success with this car in salary-sacrifice channels. For those taking the plunge, we feel the e-208 justifies its iconic GTi badge thanks to its involving drive. However, its shortcomings, such as its small range and a driving position that won’t suit all, should be key considerations in the buying decision.

Positive: Looks great inside and out, high grip levels, keen drive.

Negative: i-Cockpit driving position won’t suit all, short-range means limited usability.

Standard equipment: 18in alloy wheels, LED head and taillights, red accents inside and out, sports front seats, 10in infotainment screen.

Peugeot e-208 GTi 54kW