Peugeot rally ace, Craig Breen, has been presented with his new company car, a new Peugeot 208 GTi 200bhp.

The Peugeot Sport Academy driver took delivery of his new hot-hatch from Gowan Distributors Limited, Peugeot Importers in Ireland, just as his 2014 sporting calendar has been announced.

The 23-year old from Waterford is considered one of the best young rally drivers in the world. Winner of the FIA WRC Academy 2011 and the SWRC 2012, Craig finished third in the 2013 ERC series in a Peugeot 207 S2000. When not competing last year, Craig was testing the new-generation Peugeot 208 T16. Peugeot Sport’s eagerly-awaited new spearhead is currently undergoing final fine-tuning adjustments ahead of its homologation on March 1. Craig has a very clear goal this year, aiming to win the European title this year in the new car.

As in 2013, Craig Breen will contest eight rounds of the FIA-ERC, beginning with the Rally Liepaja (Latvia) in a 207 S2000 before the 208 T16’s competition debut on the Acropolis Rally (Greece). His co-driver for the season is Scott Martin.

The sporty Peugeot 208 GTi is the perfect partner to the young Peugeot brand ambassador and he was most eager to take it home to Waterford from Dublin. On delivery, Craig said, “The Peugeot 208 GTi drives like an absolute dream and it looks fantastic. My thanks to Peugeot Sport and Gowan Distributors for my new company car.”  

Craig’s new Peugeot 208 GTi is a left-hand-drive model, which will allow more road-practice for the challenge ahead in his left-hand-drive 208 T16. Retailing from €28,175 plus dealer delivery related charges, the Peugeot 208 GTi is equipped with sports seats, leather steering wheel, aluminium effect sills and pedals, a GTi grille, double chrome exhaust tailpipe, 17” alloy wheels, front fog lamps, a 9.7” touchscreen, ESP, cruise control + speed limiter and auto lights and wipers.