30 years of the Peugeot 205
Peugeot celebrates the launch of the car that made its name
Some of us, though, buck the trend. Just like the Peugeot 205, which is celebrating the big three-zero today, and showing no sign of growing up. Indeed, the GTI versions so beloved of PHers across the country are still introducing drivers to the raw thrill of pure, unfettered hot hatchery, complete with the obligatory trailing-throttle oversteer and delightfully torquey XU-series engines. The GTI became such a legend that it almost single-handedly transformed Peugeot from an also-ran manufacturer of comfortable-but-dull family cars into a company with a reputation for producing the best-looking, best-handling family cars out there. It's a good job they haven't squandered that reputation and returned to the former, isn't it? Oh hang on...
As you might expect, Peugeot has sought to recapture the magic of the 205 with each successive 20x GTI, its latest attempt coming soon in the shape of the 208. But unless they pull off something really special, the only way to experience the thrill of driving the 205 GTI is still... well... by driving a 205 GTI.
Good job they’re still one of the unexpected bargains of the performance used car market, then – as we highlighted in our awards last year. How’s about this slightly jaded but (mostly) unmolested 1.9, for a remarkably reasonable £1,300? It won’t win any concours awards, but it look like it’s been well cared-for and should offer all the flavour of the larger-engined 205 for a bargain basement price. Of course, if only a near-immaculate GTI will do, you’ll have to pay a bit more – although the price demanded for this 152,000 mile example seems a little on the steep side.
Alternatively, if you disagree with Mr Harris and reckon the 1.6 is actually the 205 of choice, you’ll be well-catered for too. This clean-looking 1.6 can be yours for £2,500 which, bearing in mind its condition and reasonable mileage, feels very reasonable indeed. There’s certainly something enormously appealing about clean, original examples these in red with amber indicators all round.
Whichever model floats your boat, if you’ve always had a hankering for an example of Peugeot’s finest hour, get in quick – prices aren’t likely to hang around at this level forever. For a car that’s still spoken of in such hallowed terms and loved by most, these are still fantastic buys.
Oh, and happy 30th, 205. Don’t ever grow up.
Kind of ironic that this celebration of an icon is annouced whilst Peugeot are in financial dire straights and announcing lay off's all over the place.
Perhaps they should look back at this car and see if they can re-kindle some of it's spirit!!
Pug's are really not nice to look at these days and are made more brittle than Oscar Pistorious's defence
I haven't driven my Boxster since the day I picked up the 205, it wants the wheels refurbed and a tiny bit of rust taken care of but apart from that it's in great order for a 23 year old car. Absolutely love it! Having previously had a 206 GTi 180 and having recently driven a mates remapped 207 GTi running at 200 bhp I can confirm that although these replacements will beat the 205 for outright speed there is not nearly the level of excitement or driver involvment as experienced in a 205.
Love it.
If anyone on here has G870 BDF, put a picture up! Saw her about 4/5 years ago near Pershore. worcester.
D111 SAW... If you're reading this, I love you daily driver.
ETA - I remember the first 1.9 they supplied was D91 SAW which was around our area for a fair while
Cars with character, comfortable, nothing broke and every drive put a smile upon my face. Better than a 16v Golf, RS Ford and R5 GT in my eyes...Sold the last one in 1994 for a Subaru !!!!
However, I do think that a car like the GT86 is more of this age.
A good hot hatch? Hmm, haven't driven a lot of them, but I'm thinking a Fiat 500 Abarth? A shame Fiat they doesn't make a fast (+-120bhp) Panda, that would be great, their current Twin/Multiair engines are a treat.
Peugeot however have lost the plot completely. Their styling is ever more overgrown. The 407, on release, actually looked good (it's only merit though, imho). And the 406 coupé true Ferrari styling for the common man. At least Citroën makes some very good looking cars.
(PS: In the ad for the 1.9 in the story it says 115bhp...)
When I was 18 and could only afford a Nova 1.2, 2 of my friends had 205 GTI's.
1 was a black 1.9 GTI with black leather and red carpets, stunning car.
The other was a black Dimma with MI16 conversion, that was a complete beast!
Ive still never owned 1, maybe 1 day.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A-Very-Rare-Low-Mileage-...
If you buy a proper French Rallye you get a 1.3 with twin Webber carbs! Mmm
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