SYDNEY: Peugeot importer Sime Darby has announced it will sell the final 30 examples of the 2015 208 GTi hot hatch left in its inventory at the same price its great granddaddy, the 205 GTi, retailed for back in 1989 – $29,500.
Adjusted for inflation the 1989 Peugeot 205 GTi cost in excess of $58,000 in today’s money, meaning the current model represents far better value than its predecessor – especially considering the added equipment, safety and performance on offer.
But while the price is some $490 less than before, that’s the sum of the changes here. Performance and spec levels remain the same as before.
The marked-down pricing will last until October 21, provided the 30 remaining cars don’t all find new homes before then.
That date is another throwback too, by the way. October 21, 2015 is the date Marty McFly and Doc Brown travelled to in Back To The Future Part 2, which was released in 1985 (the year the 205 GTI went on sale in Europe).
Nostalgia must run strong at Sime Darby’s Sydney offices.
“While we can’t travel back in time it’s amazing to think just how far vehicles have come in 30 years – particularly the humble hatchback,” said Peugeot Australia General Manager John Startari.
“In 1985 the idea of a vehicle having Bluetooth, satellite navigation and the like was as believable as a flying car that ran on plutonium. Yet today it’s the reality and for such a little difference in price.
“We are certain that all 30 vehicles will be spoken for fairly quickly, so our only advice is to get in to a dealer before you’re OUTATIME.”
The 2016 Peugeot 208 GTi will arrive towards the end of this year, with pricing and specification yet to be confirmed.
