Whether in Germany, Italy or Japan - in the 1980s, most manufacturers were eager to plant their small cars with powerful engines. To do so, they decorated the bodies with spoilers and pasted complicated type designations on the tailgates such as GTI, XR2, or CRX. Peugeot saved the creativity in naming and chose for the 205 simply the name GTI, which was used in connection with powerful compacts for the first time in 1976 by Volkswagen. Back when the Golf was still lean and light. With the second generation, it put on the bacon in 1983. And at the same time came the Peugeot 205 a compact car with good space, economical engines from 45 hp, adult ride comfort and great design, for the way, was not responsible Pininfarina, but the in-house styling department.
Thus, the 205 was a complete success from the start and saved Peugeot from impending bankruptcy. Even during the five-year development period of the "Projet M24", the Peugeot bosses had demanded from their engineers the development of a sporting offshoot. Early enough to let the GTI run off the bands in Mulhouse (Alsace) just a year after the series debut. With the aluminum engine, which came in principle from the staid 305, stormed the brisk Frenchman on the market of "hot hatches", the hot-made compact car. Even the 105 hp of the 1.6-liter variant was enough to be about as fast as the heavier competitors. And when 1985 gave the Golf GTI 16V with a big performance plus advantage, put Peugeot the 1.9 with 128 hp.
Both displacement variants of the 205 GTI ran parallel from then on - and sold like freshly baked baguettes. As little experience Peugeot with sports models also had: From the press, the GTI got the best reviews. Not only in France, where patriotism sometimes seems more important than petty readings,worldwide and specially in the two most important export markets Germany and Great Britain.
Even in comparison with modern cars, which compete with jagged throttle response, electronically controlled steering and turbo technology, a 25-year-old 205 GTI feels very vital. From the first twitch of his speed needle, he seems to be tense as a cyclist at the time trial. The transmission is optimized for sporty trips over land: Up to 100 km must be switched only once, the spread of the next courses is very narrow. The 1.6er shines with revving, the long-stroke 1.9er with pulling power. At least 90 percent of the maximum torque is available at 75 percent of the usable speed range. Even state-of-the-art flagship turbos run out of steam sooner. Accordingly, the little one can move confidently. From 60 to 100 km / h, he only needs ten seconds in fifth gear - less than a BMW M3. The 1.9 with 128 hp (from 1988 with 120 hp) amazes even at traffic lights - he weighs just 900 kilos. Compare the acceleration value of the Peugeot with the Sport Mercedes 190 E 2.3-16 ...
July 1978: Start of the development phase of the Projet M24 and later 205 February 1983: Presentation of the 205, initially only as a five-door. March 1984: Presentation of the 1.6 GTI, the first three-door car of the 205 series. March 1986: The first cat-cleaned GTI with 102 hp and 1.9-liter engine (only for Germany and Switzerland) remains a Ladenhüter. In other countries gets the 1.6 GTI a modified cylinder head and thus an increase in performance by 10 to 115 hp. September 1986: The most powerful GTI comes with unpurified 1.9-liter engine and 128 hp on the market. July 1987: large facelift with new dashboard. 1988: 128-PS GTI in Germany out of the program and replaced by Kat variant with 120 hp. The 205 Rallye with 102-hp engine and Spartan equipment is offered with a view of grassroots sport. July 1990: second facelift with clear turn signals, modified rear lights and dark plastics inside and outside. Special models such as handles (1991) and Gentry (1992) with extensive equipment (ABS, leather, power steering). 1995: After 330 000 copies ends the GTI production. The 205 remains until 1996 in Peugeot's Germany program.
The body is thoroughly protected against rust and usually well preserved. Inspecting looks at the transitions from the sill to the side panel, under the rear seat, on the door panels and tailgate are still advisable. The mechanics can cause much more trouble. Oil loss, worn steering and axle components and brake system malfunctions are the rule with unkempt GTI. Repairs to the rear axle (squeaking due to defective needle roller bearings), replacement of a burnt cylinder head gasket (oil sludge on the oil cover?) And hardened valve stem seals put a heavier burden on the account. Accurately maintained GTI engines run quite a quarter of a million kilometers and more. At such a high mileage, the interior is usually worn, seals on sunroof, doors and tailgate no longer serve their purpose, wet in the interior is the result. A check of the headliner, foot and trunk is advisable.
Wear parts, lights and glazing are available in the spare parts trade, usually also at the Peugeot parts counter. It is problematic with trim and interior components. Nameplates, aluminum wheels, circumferential bumpers and seat covers are no longer offered by Peugeot. Even rust-prone sheet metal parts (tailgate, doors) and various seals are not available. Parts dealers specialized in Peugeot classics can help with remnants.
The 205 GTI is fun with every engine, but the overall condition must be decided - restorations or extensive optimizations of the small Peugeot exceed the market value for the time being. If you can do without the last bit of driving dynamics, the convertible version CTI (102 hp) has a better available and - surprise! - cheaper alternative to the closed GTI.