Extra units of Peugeot 208 GTi 30th Anniversary sought for Australia

Scheduled to arrive here in the first quarter of 2015, the 30th Anniversary 208 GTi is limited to only 500 units worldwide, with Australia initially allocated only 28 units.

The 30th Anniversary edition, which pays homage to the original 205 GTi, is the product of Peugeot Sport and features a range of performance and visual upgrades. Increased power and torque from the 1.6-litre, turbo-charged, four cylinder engine results in 153kW and 300Nm, compared to the regular 208 GTi's 147kW/275Nm drivetrain.

The upgraded engine shaves 0.3 seconds from the hatch's 0 to 100km/h sprint time - now 6.5 seconds - which is the fastest of any of its competitors.

Other updates include a Torsen limited slip diff and uprated brakes, as well as a 10mm lower ride height and widened front (by 22mm) and rear (by 16mm) track.

Visually, the 30th Anniversary edition is distinguished by a two-tone, red and black paint scheme (available as an option); with single colour Alpine White or Le Mans Red metallic paint also available. 18-inch alloys replace the standard 208 GTi's 17-inch wheels.

Inside, uniquely-developed Peugeot Sport bucket seats, red floor mats, contrasting red stitching, unique steering wheel and numbered build plate offset the cabin.

Peugeot Australia's National Sales Manager, Trevor Palmer, said the rate at which the initial allocation sold out proves Australia's love of performance models.

"The GTi nameplate is synonymous with performance and the speed at which the 208 GTi 30th Anniversary editions were snapped up was surprising - but not unexpected," said Palmer.

"The door is open for us to receive further allocation from France - so our message to anyone that feels they have missed their opportunity is that's not the case. Our dealers are still taking orders and we are hopeful that continued strong interest will enable us to secure further supply."

The Peugeot 208 GTi 30th Anniversary model lists for $35,990 (excluding ORCs).