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Reviving an iconic performance car badge is always a big deal, and Peugeot has taken the bold step of bringing back the GTI marque – and attaching it to an electric car, no less.

Yes, the Peugeot E-208 GTI is here, but don’t think this is just a regular E-208 with a bit more power. No, Peugeot has given its smallest car a thorough going over so that it’s shaping up to be one of the first proper electric hot hatches.

We had the chance to get hands-on with the new E-208 GTI at its reveal during the Le Mans 24-hour race. Here are five cool things you need to know about this car. For a full rundown of the specs, make sure to check out our news story as well.

More power for longer

Naturally, the main headline is the extra performance on offer – the Peugeot E-208 GTI makes 280hp and goes from 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds – 2.5 seconds faster than the standard car.

However, there’s more to it than that. Asking for extra power from the battery can make it hot, and if it starts to overheat, you will lose performance, which is a common issue for fast EVs. That’s why Peugeot has upgraded the cooling, so your fun won’t be curtailed too soon.

Limited-slip differential

This is a bit nerdy, but the addition of a limited-slip differential is a pretty big deal.

Unlike petrol cars, which build power as you accelerate, electric cars make all their power straight away. This is great for fast acceleration times, but means that if you’re trying to put all that oomph through the front wheels – which are also used for steering – the car can scrabble for grip.

Fitting a limited-slip differential allows front-wheel drive cars to put their power down better, improving acceleration out of corners. It’s likely to be the same system used in the Abarth 600e and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, both of which have hugely impressed us.

Mechanical upgrades

As well as the differential, other improvements show Peugeot isn’t messing about. You get bigger brakes at the front, which is always an important upgrade when you’re adding more power.

Peugeot’s traditionally small steering wheel has been recalibrated to be more responsive, so the car reacts more eagerly to your inputs and therefore feels more sporty. It’s also lower and wider, which should help with handling.

Serious track day tyres

Perhaps the most surprising feature of all is the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, which are the sort of tyres you normally see on high-performance Porsches, not small hot hatches. They’re actually more of a track day tyre, which aren’t well suited to daily driving on the road but will give you incredible grip on a circuit.

You don’t get these as standard, but the fact they’re officially an option shows Peugeot has faith in encouraging owners to take their car on track.

Sportier look

The styling isn’t as wild as it could be, but there are a few bespoke changes that make the GTI stand out from the rest of the 208 range. For a start, being lower and wider gives the car a more aggressive, sporty stance.

You also get 18-inch alloy wheels that have been inspired by the ‘Hole’ wheels of the classic 205 1.9 GTI, and are said to improve brake cooling. A new front bumper, rear diffuser and bright red paint are all also unique to the GTI. A white paint job is also available, which better shows off the GTI-specific flashes of red, for example in the headlights and under the rear spoiler.

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