1984 Peugeot 205

Model Guide: Peugeot 205 GTi

The Peugeot 205 GTi is a 3-door hatchback built between 1984 and 1992. Two engine versions were available: from UK launch in April 1984 a 1580cc 4-cylinder OHC engine producing 105bhp (rising to 115bhp in 1987) and a 1905cc 4-cylinder OHC engine producing 130bhp. Fuel injection was provided by a Bosch LE2-Jetronic system. These were sold as the GTi 1.6 and GTi 1.9 respectively. Both had 5-speed close-ratio gearboxes and front disc brakes; the 1.6 had rear drums and the 1.9 rear discs. A catalytic converter option was offered on the 1.9 model from 1990.

Externally, the Peugeot 205 GTi differentiated itself from its standard model cousins by the addition of a front air dam, alloy wheels and auxiliary driving lamps. Inside there were sports seats, six dials in the binnacle and a sports (later leather) steering wheel.

The Peugeot 205 GTi gained an immediate following in the UK and was one of a group of ground-breaking 'hot hatches'. It was the car your cool (and rich, considering its Insurance Group 6 status) friend drove, and its popularity has increased again in recent years. Both models are relatively similar in value- some prefer the higher top speed of the 1.9 while others feel the 1.6 is the lighter, better balanced car. Alternatives include the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the MG Metro Turbo.