Peugeot 208 GTi badge will live on, ‘PSE’ for others – report

The global boss of Peugeot has confirmed this week the GTi badge will stay where it belongs on the flagship 208 hatch, despite rumours to the contrary.

Responding to reports circulating late last year that suggested the company could swap out the GTi badge for its new electrified Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE) branding, CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato told the UK's Autocar the 208 GTi would be protected.

That's not to say the next 208 GTi won't debut with some form of electric motivation, but, clearly, Imparato understands the enthusiast attachment and marketing benefit in the long-running badge.

"The only car that could claim GTi – even if electric – is 208, if we decide to have such a line with a car like that," Imparato told Autocar.

Above: the 508 Sport Engineered in concept form. 

While the company is not yet ready to reveal details for the next 208 GTi's powertrain, Imparato added that other models – like the already confirmed 508 Sport Engineered based on last year's concept – will be electrified and will live under that Peugeot Sport Engineered brand.

He said that while an exception would be made for the GTi brand regardless of what lies under its bonnet, the PSE badge would be significant in that its focus on electrification means “it’s not the same feel as a user: it’s a new performance. It’s not ICE and it’s not the same sensations".

Imparato didn't specify, but it may be that we'll see a smaller PSE or 'Peugeot Sport Engineered' badge positioned beneath the GTi logo on the hot hatch's tailgate.

In its regular forms, the new 208 – recently crowned European Car of the Year – is offered in petrol, diesel, and full-electric options. You can learn more in our unveiling article.

NOTE: 208 GTi rendering produced by X-Tomi.

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