The Peugeot 205 GTi, The Best Hot Hatch of All Time?
By Lancaster Insurance Services |
3rd March, 2017
There are some hot topics amongst the classic car enthusiast crowd that are likely to start a lively debate, 80s and 90s best hot hatches is certainly one of them.
Whilst most would think that VW have stolen the show with the Golf GTi, Peugeot had other ideas and in April 1984 released the 205 GTi which came along and rewrote the rules. The original 105bhp 1.6 litre engine may have not sounded particularly exciting compared to modern standards but, weighing in at less than 900kg it rocketed the 205 from 0-60mph in 8.7 seconds. Keeping the right foot firmly planted in the carpet brought about a top speed of 116mph and with the car’s nimble and agile handling as well as braking power that other hot hatch manufacturers only dreamed about, it was certainly a pocket rocket to be reckoned with.
Sales of the 205 GTi really picked up for Peugeot when they upgraded the original 105bhp engine for an improved 115bhp one (1986) and, later the same year released the 1.9 litre 130bhp version.
Many a debate has started with a simple 1.6 or 1.9 question and 205 GTi enthusiasts will argue until the end of time as to which of these cars were the best. You’ve got the free revving and responsive 1.6 or the ‘torquey’ 1.9 with its longer gear ratios. Whichever you choose, if you find a good one then you’ve got a depreciation free classic, that is sure to provide many smiles per mile.
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