· 9 spy photos
· 180 bhp
· From GTI to RC
· ...except for the UK

HERE IT IS, the coming Peugeot 206 GTI with more power, bigger wheels, the spirit of the 205 GTI – and the new name RC.

Friday we told the first facts of the coming Civic Type-R and Focus ST 170 competitor and published images of a forerunner. But these are the first undisguised photographs of Peugeot’s new pocket rocket.

The 180 bhp powerful 206 is designed to leapfrog today’s lukewarm model and recapture the true spirit of the original 205 GTi.

The new model, which goes on sale January 2003, promises to deliver sufficient firepower to counteract the flood of new hot hatchbacks, which include the Mini Cooper S and Ford Focus ST 170 and first of all Honda Civic Type-R.

Powering the new 206 GTi is a 16-valve 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 180bhp. It is likely to average an impressive 36 mpg on the combined fuel cycle. To mark out the new GTi, Peugeot has added a wire mesh grille, body-coloured bumpers, fat five-spoke alloy wheels and chrome fuel filler cap and twin exhausts.

The RC name – close to WRC! - will not be used in the UK — because it sounds like a rude word. Marketing director Rod Philpot says, “The UK badge will be GTi. RC does not work in English.”

FACTS
· Peugeot 206 GTI RC
· Output: 180 bhp
· Performance:
· 0-60 mph: 7.0 sec.
· Topspeed: 140 mph – 225 km/h
· £15,000

Our exclusive photographs were taken by spies at a Paris dealer convention, where the car was being unveiled to salesmen.

Photo: Autocar.