Peugeot to unveil two 208 concepts in Geneva

Peugeot is unveiling two show cars at next month's Geneva motor show based its new 208, alongside the reveal of the production range.

The Peugeot 208 XY Concept suggests how a more premium 208 might look, while the GTi Concept needs no introduction. Both show cars suggest Peugeot is keen to continue its efforts to move upmarket.

The XY Concept's exterior is finished in crimson, which also features in its interior. 16 coats of special 'Pulsion' paint and lacquer have been used on the exterior, which changes according to the distance and position it's viewed from. Its chrome grille insert also adds to the premium feel.

Crimson stitched leather has been applied to the dashboard, armrests, steering wheel rings, gear lever gaiter and sides, with stripes on seat inserts and floor mats while the glass roof is edge-trimmed in black leather.

The pearly grey leather used for the seats continues onto the leather steering wheel, with crimson micro-stripes joining a chrome insert. A gunmetal treatment has been applied to the door crossbars, steering wheel decorations and vent trims. The XY continues the current trend for very luxuriously appointed small cars as well as a high degree of personalization in the segment.

The GTi Concept a regeneration of the iconic 205 GTI of the 1980s. The exterior features the usual 'go-faster' additions such as double, chromed exhaust tailpipes, deep lower bodywork spoilers and lower sill skirt extensions. A brushed aluminum GTi Concept logo is found on the grille, and also features on the rear quarter panels in another nod to the 205.

Peugeot has used red perforated steering wheel and LED backlighting to the surrounds of the high-tech instruments to convey the 'sporty' side of the 208 portfolio. The double-stitched sports seats are trimmed with Nappa leather and the central cloth features an embossed tartan motif to add to the GTi-ness.

The roof lining is black and the pedals are made from aluminum, while the black and red theme continues on the central console and vents with a graduated effect.

The GTi Concept also features a 36mm wider track, at the front and at the rear, and a rear roof spoiler to generate down force at speed.

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By Rufus Thompson