Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/368911
Events 42 maltatoday, Sunday, 24 auguSt 2014 Peugeot unveils the 208 GTi 30th anniversary edition 30 years after the 205 GTi, Peugeot reinterprets the legend in a more radical version of the 208 GTi. The 208 GTi 30th delivers more intense driving sensations with its new Euro 6 1.6-litre THP petrol en- gine developing 208 hp and torque increased to 300 Nm. It is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, with exceptional traction and efficiency assured through the specification of a Torsen differential and specific suspension and steering settings. Its sporty and assertive tempera- ment can also been seen in its stance and look, in particularly by its two- material livery, separated by a sharp dividing line. It will be presented to the public at the forthcoming 2014 Paris Mo- tor Show, with sales starting in No- vember 2014. "Following on from the RCZ R, the brand called on the skills at Peuge- ot Sport to develop a more radical version of the 208 GTi. In this way the 208 GTi 30th celebrates the 30 years of the GTi Peugeot," said Peu- geot brand CEO Maxime Picat. On 13 March, less than a year after its sales launch, the 10,000th Peu- geot 208 GTi came off the produc- tion line, confirming the success of the reinterpretation of the GTi leg- end and Peugeot's top of the range sports strategy in the B Segment. Peugeot has left its mark on the history of motorsport; this DNA can be found in the genes of the 208 GTi, as with the RCZ, and its R ver- sion, pumped-up by Peugeot Sport. As Peugeot celebrates 30 years since the original 205 GTi, it is now the turn for the 208 GTi to pass through the expert hands of Peugeot Sport, to give it a more radical character with what some call 'extra soul', in response to expectations from enthusiasts wanting a sportier and more passionate experience. A coherent exclusive signature with a more radical temperament. "Even if the 208 GTi 30th retains the identity, the care over details and the lines of the 208 GTi, it re- interprets them in a new more radi- cal and brutish fashion, making the link with the incisive character of its dynamic performance," said 208 Product Manager Julien Kerlidou. From the outset, the exclusive and more radical temperament shines through with the 208 GTi 30th. The suspension is lowered by 10mm, the track widened by 22mm at the front and 16mm at the rear, its larger wheels stand out, giving it a well planted stance on the road, clearly indicating its sporty intent. The chic bright chrome finishers on the 208 GTi are replaced by matt black on the 208 GTi 30th, giving it a more brutish look. At the front the same treatment is applied to the grille surround, the foglamp bezels and door mirror shells. From the side, the lowered stance is accentuated by matt black side skirts and wheel arch extensions that cover new 18'' wheels finished with matt black rims. The front wheels house large red Peugeot Sport labelled brake calipers. The window weather strip, which fin- ishes with a signature paying hom- age to the illustrious 205 GTi, is also finished in matt black, while the quarter panel bears a '208 GTi 30th' logo. At the rear, the rounded twin chrome tail pipes ensure the sound of the new engine is fully expressed to enhance the aural driving experi- ence. Finally, the 208 GTi 30th could only be finished in colours that identify this sporting world. The interpretation uniting the red and black in a two-tone and two-ma- terial treatment is innovative and unique. The front is finished in a textured black, contrasting with the new lacquered red at the rear. The two colours are divided by a sharp oblique straight-cut line, as first seen on the Onyx Supercar Concept and reinterpreted on the 308 R and Exalt Concept cars. The 208 GTi 30th will also be available in top of the range Pearl White and Ruby Red, historical colours of GTi cars. Perfectly consistent with its exte- rior signature and dynamic charac- ter, the interior ambience declares the more radical sporty character developed for the 208 GTi 30th. The red fading to black finishers on the 208 GTi change to lacquered black. The black door handles with a red line echo the seat belts. High-qual- ity f loor mats are trimmed in red, while the front bucket seats are of a form specially developed by Peu- geot Sport. These seats are trimmed in a exclusive blend of materials, mainly Alcantara, accompanied by black TEP with red stitching and a black dotted mesh pattern with red highlights. A numbered plate marked '208 GTi 30th' positioned above the courtesy lamp finishes off this lim- ited edition anniversary model. Smart City hosts Food and Drink Festival Earlier this summer, SmartCity Malta inaugurated Laguna Walk, a new events hub in the south of Malta. Following a number of recent successful events, on Saturday, 23 and Sunday, 24 August, Laguna Walk hosted a Food and Drink Festival from 20:00. Attendees got to en- joy cuisines and wines from around the world, live entertainment by DBanned and Mark Spiteri Lucas Band, segway rides, a children's area, and so much more in a truly spectacular location. Laguna Walk at SmartCity Malta is the first of its kind on the island. It offers a dynamic venue for various events with its spectacularly choreographed foun- tains, beautiful promenade, grand steps and scenic terraced rooftops overlook- ing the lagoon. In addition, the open-air amphitheatre and the terraced seating, all enjoy breathtaking views of the infin- ity lagoon and the azure Mediterranean Sea. Laguna Walk also offers a selection of indoor and outdoor dining experi- ences with food and beverages outlets such as Wejla by Tartarun, Chocafé, Bistro Ten-O-One, Laguna Restaurant, and soon to open: The Londoner Pub, Da Vinci and Incredible Asia who offer a variety of cuisines to tempt every palate. If you wish to stay updated about all future Laguna Walk events, please visit www.lagunawalk.com.mt and like 'SmartCity News' on Facebook