Peugeot 205 GTI - Top Euro Buys #3
This potent little hatch’s Gallic appeal is based on how well the sporty body kit complements the car’s basic styling, creating a car with an assertive stance that oozes attitude
It sits low, with fat-tyred ‘pepper-pot’ alloys peeping out from wheel-arch extensions at each corner, robust bodyprotection mouldings linking front and rear bumpers, and under-bumper fog lights completing the performance picture.
Stuffing the lively Bosch Jetronic injected 1.9-litre SOHC four and sweet-shifting five-speed gearbox into an engine compartment that first housed engines under 1400cc makes access for anything other than basic maintenance challenging, but it fills the space and looks tough.
| Classic: Peugeot 205 1.9 GTI (1987-1994)
This is a good place to be on a tight and winding road
On the road the 205 GTI is a joy to drive – fast, agile and responsive to all driver inputs, handling more like a go kart than a hatch with room for four. The steering is heavy on pre-1991 models thanks to a lack of power steering, particularly when parking, but dead accurate in the twisties. At its best when driven assertively, it corners as if on rails, with the caveat that as a pure front-wheeldrive car you need to keep the power on through the tight stuff. Mid-corner back-offs
risk big-time spins.
As with all hotties try to avoid thrashed examples. Add points for one with good service records. While 205s are tough and durable overall, driver’s seats are prone to wear on side bolsters and matching cloth is scarce.
| Cars to watch: Peugeot 205 GTI
Engines tend to burn oil, but the remedies are well understood. A fresh cam belt (and water pump while you’re at it) is the best way to consummate your relationship with your sexy new French companion. one of them.
We’ve consistently rated this model as having a future as a collector. Back in 2016 a super-original low-miler fetched a staggering $54,000 at auction in the UK.
Our top 4 Best Euro Buys:
#1 - BMW E36 M3
#2 - Porsche 911 996
#3 - Peugeot 205 GTi
#4 - Fiat 124
#5 - Mercedes-Benz W124 E280/300/320
From Unique Cars issue #442, July 2020
Unique Cars magazine Value Guides
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