French car brand Peugeot has channeled one of its most famous hot hatches for its wild Polygon concept, an electric hatch which previews the radical styling and fresh tech set of the next-generation 208. 

The slickly styled three-door Polygon – named for its “multiple personalities” – was unveiled as “the shape of future driving pleasure” and inspired by the 205 GTi sold here between 1987 and 1994.

The 205 GTi, the performance version of Peugeot’s light hatch, is regarded by many enthusiasts as the pinnacle of ten-tenths driver engagement, with a rally pedigree which sees it remains a collector’s item today.

In a statement, Peugeot said the electric concept is “not a dream” but a preview of “the Peugeots of tomorrow” – with the next-generation 208, a rival to the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia, due around 2027.

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Australia is yet to confirm its timings for the re-introduction of the 208 and its electric e-208 version, as it revises its local product strategy.

The current-generation, petrol-powered 208 was never launched here, but a small handful of electric e-208s have been delivered locally.

The e-208 GTI unveiled earlier this year – also not confirmed for Australia – also had nods to the legendary 205. 

Cues from the 205 GTi start with each wheel being pushed as far as possible – with extremely short overhangs – and a thick C-pillar, hosting a charging port and charge indicator in place of the 205 GTi’s engine size and GTi badges.

The tail-lights also mimic the cubic originals on the 205, with a lower bumper diffuser and hatch-mounted rear wing in the style of the legendary Group B 205 GTi T16 Evo rally cars of the 1980s.