The production version of the new Peugeot 208 GTi will be coming to Paris Motor Show to make its global debut, before hitting the assembly lines for its Spring 2013 launch. With 200bhp (147 kW) from a 1.6 liter four-pot turbo, the new GTi is fast, but not blisteringly fast. Zero to 100km/h (62mph) takes about 7 seconds in this car. 

The new GTi is mostly about style and extra garnish. Which is worrying, because it can mean Peugeot has compromised on substance here to cater to the trendsters and fashionistas who like cutesy design and funky interior, more than petrolheads who appreciate a fast, practical hatchback for its performance.

That’s as may be. There are a couple of facts in Peugeot’s press release for this car that are quite heartwarming, like how they stress on the ESP system being ‘ fully disengageable.’ That is cool.The car also has a sport-tuned chassis with fancy suspension components and 17-inch wheels with 205 section tires.

Design-wise the 208 GTi gets a couple of designer touches to be distinguishable from normal models; details such as mesh grille at front, or gloss black rear skirt. But it’s inside the cabin where you come to grips with Peugeot’s efforts in making this car as trendy as possible, as you encounter the full grain Club Nappa leather and Caro Weave cloth, made more dynamic by a red line detail. The dashboard with red overstitching has a decoration of red graduating to black, matching the door crossbars.

Other nice details that add to the sporty feel of the interior include the small black full grain perforated leather steering wheel with red stitching, aluminum gear knob, and leather handbrake lever.

The ingredients of the Peugeot 208 GTi suggest it is going to be a cracking little car. Don’t disappoint us Peugeot!