The '80s were perhaps the most contested years when it came to fast, agile snappy sports cars. It was also the birth year of one of the most iconic hot hatches from Europe, the Peugeot, 205 GTi.

Let’s not forget, at this point, Peugeot wasn’t your go-to manufacturer for hot snappy fast cars. They were more into dependable models like the 504.

Following a massive success from the VW Golf GTi in the 70s, Peugeot decided to put in a beefier 1.9-liter stroker, into their modest, compliant, dependable hatch, the Peugeot 205.

The result was a hit! The Peugeot 205 GTi was born, and in the years to follow, proved to be the best hot-hatch ever.

Brief Success History Of The 205 GTi

1990 Peugeot 205 GTi
Photo: YouTube Screenshot

It all starts in 1983, when the 205 launched, out of imitation of competitors in the European market like the VW Golf GTi. It was an instant hit. In 1984, the French manufacturer released the GTi hot hatch, which first came with a rev-happy 1.6-liter engine that made a modest 115 hp. It was a sensation between 1985 and 1986 and threw the tiny car from 0-60 in 8.7 seconds.

In 1987, Peugeot released the new and torquier 1.9-liter GTi. Like the 1.6 GTi, the 1.9-liter 205 GTi stole the hearts of many, eventually ending up as the poster child of the 205 GTi to date. The 1.9 Gti had longer gearing, and while it did not feel as strung as the 1.6, it came with 130 hp, 15 hp more than its sibling. This could propel it from 0-60 in 7.8 seconds.

Believe it or not, some car enthusiasts still believe that the 1.6 GTi is better than the 1.9 revision. They believe it revs sweet and is better balanced. It’s a hotly contested argument because, on one side, the disagreeing group believes the extra power from the 1.9-liter engine, has a longer stroke, that makes up for the 1.6’s low power, and an increased sense of urgency. Regardless of what side you choose, the 205 GTi drives like a dream offering that old-school hot-hatch vibe without all the sensors and driver-assist that you get today.

RELATED10 Things Everyone Forgot About Peugeot And Its Cars

Timeless Exterior Design

Peugeot 205 GTi 1
Photo: YouTube Screenshot

There’s no doubt that the 205 GTi is as much of a looker as it first was during its launch in 1984. Today, it may seem like an old piece of junk, but the 205 GTi is the holy grail of hot hatches for collectors. The famed European hot hatch has come out of the past, and become a benchmark in the modern-classic market. The best kept GTi sold for a world record price of £38k that’s about $44k.

The Peugeot 205 GTi is special when it comes to hot hatch history. When it first debuted, it made all the small hatches in its category seem antiquated and lost in time. The French manufacturer clearly had their work out, because, it’s easy to see the calculated design seep out of every nook of its fabulous frame. Its overall shape is stunning.

Its iconic pepper pot style alloys were perhaps the best wheel design fitted on a car in that period. Let’s face it, it’s not the most incredible car out there, but as far as hot hatches go, none can compare to the 205 GTi’s timeless appearance.

So, where does all the timeless appeal come from? Well, it’s a combination of several things. It’s an underdog for sure, with remarkable vintage fast-car looks. Quite frankly, the 205 GTi is a manageable pug, that to date, can comfortably be daily driven, and still offer as much thrill and excitement.

RELATED:These Are The Coolest Peugeot Cars Of All Time

Light, Predictable Handling, And Agile Suspension

Peugeot-205-GTi--1
Photo: YouTube Screenshot

Part of the Peugeot 205’s charm is in its driving experience. According to GTi purists and enthusiasts, anyone could learn the hot hatchs' predictable handling. Due to its all-around independent suspension, well-put chassis, the 205 GTi offered its drivers endless grip. The only drawback was not to push it beyond its limits. The GTi’s lightness and stance also made it such an additive pug.

Like most hot hatches of the time, the 205 GTi uses a modest front-wheel drive front-engine setup, that allows for a cheaper layout. During development, the French automaker ensured the GTi didn’t harbor any of the durability concerns common to French models in the 80s.

Let’s not forget its bargaining chip, it’s an affordable, easy-to-maintain hatch with a powerful 1.9-liter engine, delivering a top speed of 127 mph. This coupled with a well-put suspension turned the 205 GTi into a track toy.

The 205 GTi is such a bundle of joy, the reason everyone needs one. Unlike most classics that you’d feel the need to store in between a bundle of cotton, it’s not fragile, it’s hardy and ironically easy to maintain.

The French hot hatch is far much fun to drive compared to anything that left its stable after 1996, or any modern hatch. If Peugeot is thinking of reviving the 205, let it not be a fall from grace.