1988 Peugeot 205

Peugeot 205 GTi/CTi/Rallye (Hatch/Convertible) 1984-1994

The Peugeot 205GTi was in production from 1984 until 1994. Styled by Gerard Welter, it is a front-engine, front wheel drive hatchback range seating five adults. It subsequently begat the convertible Peugeot 205CTi, styled by Pininfarina, and the pared-down Peugeot 205 Rallye.

The Peugeot 205GTi was a hit from day 1 - and you don't need us to give you the life story of a car which was an instant classic from its launch in 1984. Suffice it to say that by the launch of the 1.9 two years later Peugeot had cemented itself at the top of the hot hatch pile. The 1988 Rallye was more of a warm hatch, while the CTi models of 1985 added open air pleasures to an already winning package. Peugeot ceased production of the 1.6GTi and 1.6CTi in 1990, while the 1.9 models continued to 1994. Spiritually, they were succeeded both by the 106GTi and the 306 S16.

It should be illegal to have this much fun in a car. The little Peugeot is one of the most engaging driving experiences of its era. With more the ample power in a tiny package, unsurprisingly it feels rapid. When you combine that with positive steering and a short enough wheelbase for the car to go exactly where you point it, you've a recipe for fun. Push too ard and you can cock a wheel, lift off mid bend and there's snap oversteer, but if you drive with care the chassis is among the most predictable out there. And forget other hot hatches. The 205GTi is the daddy. The CTi's lack of a roof does mean it's ultimately got lower limits, but for 90% of enthusiasts those limits will still be well above where you push the car. The Rallye's appeal is different - it's more about maintaining momentum with what you have, but that in itself is far from a bad thing.

Rust is the biggest enemy of the Peugeot 205, and you should thoroughly inspect the shell of every car you view. Floors and sills are common rot spots, especially on the CTi where the odd impromptu downpour could have left the carpets and sound deadening waterlogged in the past. Check too the mountings for the rear beam, and the condition of the beam as this is integral to the performance of the rear suspension. Mechanically the XU engine found in all GTis and CTis is a hardy unit, and barring the obvious checks for smoke and sludge there's little to worry about. Do ensure it's had a recent timing belt though. The TU in the Rallye is similarly hardy, and service items are easy to find.

The 1.9GTi is the most desirable of the cars we're discussing here, followed by the 1.6GTi and the Rallye. The market doesn't value the CTi convertible models as highly as the fixed head hatches, despite the fact that they offer a similar driving experience with open air thrills. This makes the CTi 1.9 the best value model in the range, as it offers 1.9GTi thrills for less than the value of a 1.6GTi. It's important to note that the Rallye as found in Britain is different to the Rallye found in mainland Europe - if you find an imported car with the 1.3 litre engine and twin Webers, that is a more desirable car to collectors than a UK Rallye.

Performance alternatives could include Renault's 5 GT Turbo, Peugeot's own 309GTi or the Ford Escort XR3i. The Volkswagen Golf GTi also meets the brief, as well as offering one of the few convertibles which can compete with the 205CTi. For alternatives to that car you're better off looking at small sports cars such as the Mazda MX-5.