Peugeot has confirmed that it will launch a GTi version of the all-electric e-208 hatch. While limited details about it are known at this stage, it could very well make for an appealing proposition to buyers who’d like to purchase an EV, but also want something engaging to drive.

The new e-208 GTi will be the brand’s first performance-focused electric vehicle and is set to be launched “as soon as possible.” While recently speaking to the media, Peugeot boss Alain Favey said relaunching the GTi brand will help it “reconnect” with its past and history while also establishing a link between Peugeot’s road cars and its involvement in the World Endurance Championship.

Read: 2024 Peugeot 208 Looks Even More Stylish And Has More Impressive Tech

“I’m in a position to confirm that we will reintroduce the GTi on the e-208 as soon as possible,” Favey told Autocar. “We’ve made the decision that Peugeot GTi will be reintroduced. We want to continue to nurture the reputation of the brand for driving sensations and the fact that our cars produce particular driving sensations, either as a driver or as someone that is being driven in the car.”

The GTi version of the e-208 will use the same platform as the standard model, but could borrow powertrain components from the Abarth 600e. That car is powered by a front-mounted electric motor with 237 hp and comes equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential. Given that the e-208 is a bit smaller than the 600e, Peugeot’s hot hatch should be pretty nippy, perhaps capable of hitting 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than 6 seconds.

Favey added that, apart from the e-208, Peugeot will consider launching a new combustion-engined GTi if that’s what customers want.

“We will start with the 208 and [are] definitely listening to your inputs, or what our customers will say as well,” he said. “We don’t exclude that there might be other executions of the 208 GTi under the GTi badge, but for today there’s absolutely nothing planned in that sense.”

A flurry of orders, rave reviews and a Car of the Year gong proved Renault made the right decision bringing the 5 back as an EV, and now it’s taken the retro-electric idea a step further. The 5 Turbo 3E is a 535 hp (540 PS) tribute to the nutty 1980s Renault 5 Turbo rally car that reaches showrooms in 2027.

Related: Renault 5 Turbo 3E Is An Electric Hyper Hatch With Over 500 HP

Though it looks like a regular front-wheel drive 5 EV with a wide-arch kit (and you can bet plenty will be converted), the Turbo 3E is built around a bespoke aluminium platform and carries over only a few details like the rear lights and door mirrors. At 1,450 kg (3,200 lbs) VW Golf GTi.

Dual Motors, Drift Mode, and Serious Speed

It features two in-wheel motors at the back making 200 kW (268 hp / 272 PS) each and Renault promises it’ll be capable of pulling off some epic slides with the help of a drift-assist function and rally-style vertical handbrake. A sub-3.5-second zero to 62 mph (100 kmh) time is quoted, which means performance should be on a par with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

A 70 kWh battery housed under the floor provides up to 248 miles (400 km) of range when driven sensibly, and unlike the everyday 5 EV, this one has 800-volt electrics, meaning it can handle 350 kW charging and fill from 15-80 percent in 15 minutes.

Compared with the stock 5 the two-seat Turbo’s 2,570 mm (101.2 inches) wheelbase is 30 mm (1.2 inches) longer and the windscreen moved back to alter the proportions. Renault says the platform was developed by Alpine so we’d be amazed if this isn’t the same architecture we’ll find under the skin of the new A110 electric sports car due very soon.

Twenty-inch wheels tucked under each distended arch appear much bigger than that and upper vents cut into each rear quarter panel send air exiting through the rear bodywork. Their lower counterparts, meanwhile are used to cool the brakes. We don’t get to see much of the interior in Renault’s picture gallery but it tells us to expect six-point harnesses, carbon trim, Alcantara coverings and 10.1-inch and 10.25-inch OpenR screens.

Retro Colors, Price TBD

Renault launched the 3E in colors that tip a hat to the 1982 Tour de Corse livery of the original Turbo, but other colors and graphics will be available, some retro and others contemporary. There’ll also be plenty of personalization options to help part wealthy buyers from even more money.

Exactly how much money they’ll need to spend to get their hands on one of the 1,980 Turbos (that number a reference to the rally car’s launch date), Renault isn’t saying. But we’re expecting it to be in the junior supercar category. American sales aren’t planned, but fans in Europe, the Middle East, Japan and Australia will get the chance to place an order in the next few weeks with first deliveries scheduled for 2027.

Volkswagen has confirmed that a fully electric ID.2 GTI is coming next year, but it seems that an even smaller hot hatchback might be in the works. A VW board member has revealed that an ID.1 GTI could happen, given there is enough customer demand.

While the ID.2 GTI will carry the torch from the soon-to-be discontinued Polo GTI, a possible ID.1 GTI could serve as a successor to the Up! GTI. The smallest member of the future GTI lineup would also be the most affordable, making hot hatch thrills accessible to a wider audience.

More: VW Polo To Live On With A 2025 Facelift Because Not Everything Has To Be An EV

When asked by Autocar about the possibility of an ID.1 GTI, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Technical Development Kai Grunitz said: “It could happen because we’re using modules from the MEB platform. So it could. But it depends on various factors, including the reaction of customers to this car.”

However, Grunitz mentioned the potential overlap with the slightly larger ID.2 GTI that will launch in 2026: “Also we have the ID.Every1 and we have the ID.2all, which will get a GTI version. Having everything in the ID.1 would mean it’s not necessary to have everything in the ID.2. The ID.2 is larger and has a lot more functions and more value. It’s the same as with the Up! and the Polo. So we will see.”

Illustrations: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops

It seems that the sales performance of the upcoming ID.2 GTI might determine whether the ID.1 GTI gets made or not as VW is dipping its toes on the performance EV market. Given that the strict emission regulations have drastically increased the R&D cost for ICE-powered hot hatches, the fully electric equivalents seem to be the only way forward in this segment.

VW Has All The Right Ingredients For A Small GTI

The ID.1 and the ID.2 will ride on the same MEB Entry architecture, with a single-motor, FWD layout. In the ID.Every1 Concept the powertrain is good for 94 hp (95 PS / 70 kW), but the ID.2all Concept had a more potent motor generating 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS). The latter sounds like a great fit for a small and lightweight ID.1 GTI, transforming it into a pocket rocket.

More: VW Brings Back Physical Buttons After Admitting Touchscreens Are A Disaster

Besides the extra power, VW engineers could add a limited-slip differential, a stiffer suspension, and stronger brakes, enhancing the handling credentials of the small EV.

Of course, the performance-focused version of the ID.1 would also benefit from a sporty redesign. Our exclusive rendering borrows styling cues from the ID.GTI concept, transforming the city car into a hot hatch. Modifications could include a new set of alloy wheels, sportier front and rear bumpers, deeper side skirts, a rear spoiler, and GTI emblems.

Given that the launch of the VW ID.1 is scheduled for 2027, a GTI version is at least two or three years away. Hopefully, customers will embrace this new era of performance, motivating automakers to invest in hot versions of their city car and supermini offerings.