Back in 1983, French car manufacture Peugeot had a dream. That dream was to fill a gap in their car catalog. They had been producing the 104 supermini and the larger 305 models, but they wanted to introduce something that fit perfectly between the two. The result was nothing short of an engineering marvel. And thus, the Peugeot 205 was born.
Following its arrival in '83 the 205 went on to finish as the European Car of the Year runner-up, and achieved the title Car of the Year by What Car?. This saw the introduction of many iterations of the 205 to meet the staggering demand.
Versions of the 205 were introduced in various sizes and styles, such as the 205 XS or the convertible 205 CTI. Moreover, this period saw a vast increase in what is now termed the hot hatch breed of car.
The success of the 205 and the appeal of fast, small, and exciting cars proved the catalyst for what would become the Peugeot 205 GTI, perhaps the most esteemed version of the 205.
From Prodigy To Esteemed Classic
As April 1984 came around, the French had been working hard to realize the supporting potential of the 205. Adding a 1.6-liter engine in a skinny 1,984 lbs car, the 205 GTI had 105 BHP, could reach 60 MPH in 8.7 seconds and topped out at a whopping 116 MPH. The 205 GTI became the thing of dreams for thrill-seeking youths and more practically minded drivers who still had a penchant for speed.
But Peugeot was unsatisfied by such figures, and by 1986, they had introduced a bigger, more aggressive model of the 205 GTI. This time opting for a meaner 1.9-liter engine. This increased engine size added 25 BHP to the 205 GTI and allowed for a 0-60 time of 7.8 seconds. Both models of the 205 GTI packed a punch, but the bigger 1.9-liter offered a more exhilarating yet challenging drive while the smaller was tamer, and easier to handle.
What is more staggering than the performance of the 205 GTI by the standards of the 1980s, which couldn't compete with a 1.0-liter Ford Fiesta of the modern era, is the price. Though they were affordable hot hatches in their day, immaculate examples of the 205 GTI have sold at auction more recently for upwards of $35,000.
One example of the 205 GTI sold in the United Kingdom for £38,000 (about $52,000), with models closest to their original condition attracting the most interest. Having still maintained its popularity today the 205 GTI has become a much-adored classic.
It is no surprise that Peugeot sought to honor their iconic hot hatch by introducing a 208 GTI in 2014. produced in limited numbers, the 208 GTI featured a 1.6-liter THP petrol engine and a Torzen differential. Unfortunately, while the 208 GTI offered phenomenal performance, it perhaps lost the usability that made the 205 GTI such a beloved car.
Hyper Hatch T16
While the Peugeot 205 was a favorite amongst road goers, it also had a successful run in the world of rally driving. Building on the 205 blueprints, a T16 version of the 205 was introduced alongside the GTI in 1984. Much to the dismay of many drivers at the time who would have been eager to get their hands on these behemoth 205s, only 200 road-going examples were produced as they were built purely for homologation purposes.
The T16 added four-wheel drive and adopted a mid-engine layout making it more in keeping with other WRC car set ups. But the road-going version was among the most radical hot hatchback cars of its era. A 1.8-liter engine was modified by linking it to a 16-valve head and a Garret turbocharger.
This focus on power meant the 205 T16 had 200 BHP, could achieve speeds north of 130 MPH, and could reach 60 MPH in 6.6 seconds. While this wasn't a drastic improvement on the performance offered by the larger engine 205 GTIs, the 205 T16 had tremendous handling. This rally focus and fluid chassis meant the 205 T16 was extremely nimble.
The 205 T16 had a more distinct look than the 205. By cutting the rear end off the body of a GTI and adding more space for the new firewall, improved suspension, and a tubular frame for mouth the engine. All these modifications gave the 205 T16 a much sportier look than other 205 models.
The 205 is perhaps the most esteemed car Peugeot has ever produced. The diverse range of 205 models meant there was something for every driver. Not only was the base model best in class at its inauguration, the GTI and T16 models caught the attention of petrol heads and enthusiasts alike.
Offering great performance and, more importantly, an exciting drive to anyone behind the wheel. The Peugeot 205 GTI is deserving of its current esteem and is a true automotive icon and a genuine modern classic.