Peugeot announces the new 206 GTi 180

The latest Peugeot GTi - built exclusively at the Ryton manufacturing plant near Coventry - comes with a 180 bhp engine, making it the most powerful road-going version of the best-selling 206. The car will receive its international première at this year’s Paris Motor Show, and will also be exhibited at the Birmingham International Motor Show in October.

This new three door ‘hot hatch’ will take your breath away with its looks, style, acceleration, and power.

The 206 GTi 180 has been inspired by the success of Peugeot’s World Rally Championship sibling, the 206 WRC, which is dominating this year’s Championship series, and which has secured the manufacturers’ title for Peugeot for the last two seasons (2000 and 2001).

It has a 2.0 litre 16-valve four cylinder petrol engine which delivers 180 bhp at 7,000 rpm, a top speed of 143 mph*, and a 0-62 mph acceleration time of just 7.1 seconds*. Engine performance has been enhanced with VVT (variable valve timing), which ensures optimum engine torque is delivered through a wide engine speed range, for smooth driving around town and performance driving out on the open road.

* unofficial figures

Distinctive exterior features indicate its sporty intentions: 17" Atlantis alloy wheels, rear spoiler, full body-coloured exterior fittings (bumpers and side rubbing strips), and a new exhaust system finished with a twin chromed tailpipe which gives the GTi 180 a sporty exhaust note.

The GTi 180 has modified front suspension geometry and stiffer springs, compared with the 206 GTi (138 bhp). At the rear, the suspension includes two tie rods to maintain rear axle stability and improve road holding - this is similar to that first seen on the recently launched 206 SW. It also has ESP (electronic stability programme), with the combined functions of traction control and directional control, which can be deactivated if required.

The five-speed gearbox has been designed for the keen driver, with a close ratio transmission (except for first gear) optimising acceleration, particularly on winding roads. Changing gear is effected more quickly than in the 206 GTi (138 bhp), as the travel has been reduced, improving the driving experience by facilitating faster gear changes.

Inside, racing-style sports seats hug the driver and occupants both in the front and rear. The instrument binnacle, which houses black dials with chrome surrounds, is finished in leather with contrasting stitching, and contains the following: speedometer, rev counter, oil temperature gauge, water temperature gauge, fuel gauge. The interior is further enhanced by an aluminium gear knob and pedals, as well as a microcarbon look to the centre console which echoes the finish on the exterior door mirrors.

High levels of standard equipment

The 206 GTi 180 has a high level of standard equipment, including: digital air conditioning with climate control, heat reflective athermic windscreen, CD autochanger, automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensor, automatic ‘headlights on’, electrically retractable door mirrors, and luggage net in the boot.

Safety

Due to the very nature of the car, the following safety features come as standard:

• Two ‘smart’ front airbags, with a deactivate switch for the passenger airbag
• Two side airbags
• Two front seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
• Three-point seat belts and retractable head restraints for rear seat passengers
• ESP (electronic stability programme) with a deactivate switch
• ABS with EBFD (electronic brake force distribution)
• EBA (emergency brake assist) including activation of hazard lights in the event of sudden braking

Available in four body colours - Flamenco Red, Onyx Black, Aluminium and Aegean Blue - the new 206 GTi 180 goes on sale in the UK in early 2003. Full specification and pricing details for the UK will be announced at a later date.

The Peugeot 206 Sports range already includes the Quiksilver, XSi, Dturbo and GTi (138 bhp) - all of which have proved popular with customers looking for a stylish, fun, value for money performance car. The new GTi 180 will be the most powerful 206 on sale, and will expand the Sports range to five models.

Ends…

For further information contact Maureen Barnes in the Peugeot Press Office on
024 7688 4216, or visit our press website at www.peugeotpress.co.uk. Additional pictures of the 206 GTi 180 are available on the site, as well as pictures and product information on the rest of the Peugeot range.

Notes to the Editor:

• The PSA Peugeot Citroën manufacturing plant at Ryton near Coventry currently produces over 4,000 vehicles per week, working on a three-shift basis. It was recently announced that a fourth shift will be introduced at the end of this year, to increase the capacity of the plant from 200,000 (forecast production in 2002) to 230,000 in 2003.
• The Peugeot 206 has been produced at the plant since its launch at the end of 1998, and earlier this year production of the 206 SW began exclusively at Ryton.

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