Tokyo show: More Peugeot sports models coming

PEUGEOT is looking to increase the presence of its driver-focused Sport-branded vehicles and the boost to the performance Pug profile could result in a saucier variant for each model range.

The French car-maker has already confirmed that a GTi version of the 308 small hatchback will join the smaller 208 GTi and RCZ sportscar, but with a continued roll-out of the Sport banner, Peugeot marketing and communication director Guillame Couzy believes a hotter version of every model “could be” possible.

“Because we already have 208, now with 308 so we don’t put limits at this stage,” said Mr Couzy at the Tokyo motor show.

“At Frankfurt we presented the 308 R Hybrid, which is developed by Sport engineers but electric engines and 500 horsepower. There is no limit to our imagination.”When asked if the vicious 299kW concept could evolve into another Peugeot Sport model and a production version, Mr Couzy said it was a possibility.

“We don't know yet but we are studying it very seriously because we have seen the reaction to this car from customers and social networks so we think it is an interesting car and we are keeping on studying the possibility.”Technologically speaking, Mr Couzy explained that a production 308 R Hybrid was completely possible but it was demand that would decide the vehicle's fate.

“It’s technically possible because we have already done it but we need to see the business case, but obviously it would be very interesting in terms of image for the Peugeot brand,” he said.

While a hotter version for each model is a possibility, Mr Couzy explained that a new standalone sports model was out of the question and future high-performance vehicles would be approached in a similar manner to German premium brands.

“Standalone no, because globally we want to capitalise on Peugeot Sport know-how and history in order to bring image to our brand,” he said.

“I would say we are more in a strategy like Mercedes-Benz or BMW, which is we call our engineers from Peugeot Sport to work on our very sporty versions but we want them to be full Peugeot and bring spirit to the brand.”Peugeot boss Maxime Picat confirmed earlier this year that there would be no replacement for its sleek RCZ sportscar as part of its plan to cull its line-up to 13 models by 2022.

Both Peugeot's 182kW and 200kW versions of the 308 GTi will arrive in Australia early next year with pricing and specification expected soon.