The Peugeot 205 GTI is often used as the benchmark comparison for hot hatches of today. The 205 GTi is a favourite of racing clubs across Europe which is a testament to its legendary front-wheel drive handling. Whilst the 205 GTi is renowned for catching a lot of drivers out with sudden lift-off oversteer, when mastered the little pug hatch is a joy to drive on the limit.
![Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 8v - [1986] image](/editionimages/444.jpg "Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 8v - [1986] image")
Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 8v - [1986]
The 205 GTi came with a choice of 1.6 and 1.9 litre variants, the same as its stable mate the 309 GTI. Early 1.6 units kicked out 105 bhp which was improved upon in later engines to 115bhp. 1.9 litre units were a lazier, torquier engine which produced 126bhp with later engines losing around 6 horsepower courtesy of the dreaded catalytic converter.
The 1.9 GTi came with half-leather interior, front and rear disc brakes and 15” alloy wheels. The 1.6 whilst having the revvier and more eager engine only came with front disc brakes, 14” alloys and cloth seats. The superb handling dynamics of the 205 GTi were aided through a number of tweaks that the lesser 205s lacked. A union of lowered and stiffened suspension, housed under wider valances made the 205 GTi a feisty and much more sportier pug.
The harmony of suspension, braking and French styling have made the 205 GTi one of the best hot hatches of all time. The 205 came at the fringe of the introduction of driver aids and the emissions and safety brigade. Consequently the rawness and simplicity of this iconic hatch will never be matched. As even the stripped down, track day versions of more modern cars whilst raw, lack the comfort and charm of this affordable road-going hot hatch. Although the 205 rallye version of the GTi did go one further by doing away with the luxuries.
Raw hot hatch, fantastic front wheel drive handling, revvy, eager engine, excellent track day weapon, looks fantastic with the addition of big alloys.
Handling can catch you out when the 205 GTi is pushed hard, Difficult to find a good unabused one nowadays.
BMW 4 Series M4 Competition Coupe 3.0 Bi Turbo G82
Engine: Twin Turbo Petrol | 2993cc 24v St6
Top Speed: 155 mph
0-60mph: 3.80 seconds
Renault 11 1.4 Turbo
Engine: Turbo Petrol | 1397cc 8v St4
Top Speed: 186.6 kph
0-100kph: 9.0 seconds
