Research by PEUGEOT UK* has revealed the top three factors that make a hot hatch fun to drive.

According to car enthusiasts, acceleration (61%), agile handling (52%) and steering feel (39%) are the key ingredients in making an engaging hot hatch, ahead of engine sound (35%), power-to-weight ratio (30%) and braking performance/feel (26%).

The research also highlighted the enduring popularity of hot hatchbacks such as PEUGEOT’s GTi models, with PEUGEOT GTi ranking among the top three most recognisable performance badges from mainstream automotive brands. Even among those who do not consider themselves car enthusiasts, over two fifths (42%) are familiar with PEUGEOT GTi – a badge dating back more than 40 years, which is making its return this year on the new E-208 GTi.

When asked what GTi means to them, 70% define it as a performance version of a standard car, while 50% associate it with sporty styling and the same percentage attribute it to cars which have a more powerful engine.

When it comes to key factors they look for when buying a car, performance (speed/acceleration) was considered important by 79% of all respondents (including non-car enthusiasts). The E-208 GTi, PEUGEOT’s latest GTi model, is the fastest accelerating vehicle in its class, capable of reaching 0-62 mph in just 5.5 seconds.

Other factors considered important when buying vehicles include the brand’s reputation (91%); the styling and design of the vehicle (87%), and how fun it is to drive (76%).

Interestingly, 71% of car enthusiasts consider the heritage and legacy of the model to be important when choosing a car, with 74% also citing sustainability considerations. The PEUGEOT E-208 GTi is the first all-electric GTi model, representing a modern and innovative reinterpretation of a classic. The E-208 GTi is also a reflection of PEUGEOT’s wider commitment to electrification, with the widest electric line-up of any mainstream European brand.

The survey also looked more closely into car enthusiasts’ opinions, with 14% citing their favourite era of cars to be the 1980s – a decade which saw the launch of both the 205 GTi and 309 GTi – followed by 12% who prefer cars from the 2020s.

Car enthusiasts’ favourite PEUGEOT GTi models were revealed to be the 205 GTi (20%), followed by the 208 GTi by PEUGEOT Sport (12%). The 205 made PEUGEOT’s GTi status legendary, and became the blueprint for what a hot hatchback should be. In its later form, the 205 GTi boasted a 130hp 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual gearbox, resulting in rapid acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in just 7.8 seconds.

The 208 GTi by PEUGEOT Sport produced 205hp from its 1.6-litre engine ‑ up from the 197hp of the regular GTi – which enabled it to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds. It won plaudits for being an engaging hot hatch that heralded a return to the rawness that won early GTis such accolades.

Over half (54%) of car enthusiasts have either previously owned or would like to own a PEUGEOT GTi in the future. Highlighting the timeless appeal of the GTi badge, while Generation X (born 1965-1980) are most likely to currently own a GTi model, a majority (54%) of Generation Z (born after 1996) said they would like to own one in future. Driving pleasure (53%), speed/performance (45%) and styling (37%) are the top three factors which attract car enthusiasts to hot hatchbacks like PEUGEOT’s GTi models.

PEUGEOT’s research also revealed that almost three-quarters (73%) of car enthusiasts are interested in motorsport and 57% are more attracted to performance cars that are influenced by racing. PEUGEOT has a rich motorsport heritage and currently competes in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with the PEUGEOT 9X8 Hypercar.

The E-208 GTi was revealed in production form at the 2026 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with the same PEUGEOT Sport engineers who work on the 9X8 having helped to develop the E-208 GTi. Learnings from the World Endurance Championship influenced design elements of the E-208 GTi, such as the battery thermal management and energy recovery.

Steve Wass, Managing Director of PEUGEOT UK, said, “At PEUGEOT, we’re immensely proud of our GTi heritage, and the impact our models have had on the automotive world. The enduring popularity of GTi shows that driving pleasure, one of the cornerstones of our brand, is still key to drivers and car enthusiasts today. With the E-208 GTi now open for orders, we’re eagerly looking ahead to customers experiencing the first fully electric GTi model.”

The PEUGEOT E-208 GTi is available for £33,495 On-the-Road after the Electric Car Grant.

 

ENDS

*Survey of 2,000 UK motorists including 1,000 car enthusiasts conducted in April 2026 by OnePoll

 

PRESS CONTACTS

Steve Fahey – Head of Public Relations

+44(0)7748 704219

steven.fahey@stellantis.com

Tim Marshall – PR Manager

+44(0)7774 017600

timothy.marshall1@stellantis.com

 

ABOUT PEUGEOT

PEUGEOT offers the widest EV lineup of any European mainstream brand, covering all needs from urban cars to commercial vehicles. The French charisma, the driving sensations and the Designed to last constitute the brand values of PEUGEOT. Established in over 140 countries, PEUGEOT sold almost 1.1 million vehicles worldwide in 2024. Already the leader in electric B-segment and LCV vehicles in Europe, PEUGEOT is now offering a complete lineup of 12 models, of which nine are Passenger cars and three LCVs. PEUGEOT offers 8-year/100,000-mile PEUGEOT CARE coverage on the battery and the vehicle of all its core electric passenger cars for complete peace of mind. PEUGEOT products incorporate the latest technology, showcased by the Panoramic i-Cockpit and ChatGPT® on board across the entire range. PEUGEOT is also committed to educating younger generations by supporting initiatives, such as Born Free and Under The Pole, to bring them closer to nature. Furthermore, PEUGEOT’s passion for performance and innovation is showcased through the PEUGEOT 9X8 Hypercar, which competes in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.