GTi Say Bye Bye

So this week, Peugeot have announced the demise of the GTi branding on their cars (Autocar Story).  Coming from a company who near-enough invented the hot hatch with the 205 GTi, this is a very sad story.

However, I do not think it is as big news as people are flouting.  When was the last time Peugeot made a car worthy of the GTi badge?  For the last 10 years, their cars have been nothing but spongy, flabby, fish-mouthed monstrosities.  Stick on bigger wheels, a spoiler and some (loosely) hugging seats and there you have a GTi.  Well sorry Peugeot, but no…that does not make a true GTi.

The thing is, Volkswagen went through the same problem with the Golf.  The mk1 and 2 Golf GTi’s are renowned for being excellent hot hatches, but by the time the mid-nineties came along, the GTi’s became watered down, heavy and not really newsworthy at all.  Fortunately, VW have turned it all around with the latest two offerings and wear the GTi badge proudly.

The GTi badge has become a lot more than just a name, it is a brand.  People aspire to own a GTi version of the Golf, it is a halo model in its own right.  So I feel that Peugeot’s withdrawal from using the name will benefit the GTi brand in the long run.  Until Peugeot can attach that name to a worthy vehicle, it will continue to dilute the GTi’s name.

Therefore, although sad news, I agree with Peugeot’s decision to remove themselves from the GTi battle and patiently await their triumphant return in a few years.