How Does It Drive?

Even the 130PS (97kW) of the 1.9-litre GTI sounds pretty modest by modern standards but, with less than 900kg to haul and combined with perfectly tuned suspension and relatively skinny tyres, the 205 GTI proves less can indeed be more. While power steering was an option on later cars and had a quicker rack the feel and weighting of the non-assisted set-up means you can read the grip levels through your hands, clever suspension tuning pairing super sharp turn-in with that famously adjustable rear axle to permit a driving style as mild or wild as you want.

Over the years the tail-happy response to mid-corner throttle lifts has become legendary, the reality being the 205 communicates its intentions so clearly it should be more exploitable than terrifying. Don’t disregard the smaller 1.6-engined versions either. Indeed, many fans reckon the high-revving nature is actually more fun, though others prefer the more muscular power delivery of the 1.9. Both share the same gutsy power delivery and should be equally fun to drive, just with subtly different characters.

What’s Good?

Pretty much everything! Styling that wowed in the mid-‘80s still looks sharp and fresh to this day, the growing reputation of the 205 among both enthusiasts and the wider motoring world making it one of those cars that will both turn heads and attract nods of approval across the board.

While prices vary wildly and covetable cars are getting very expensive it’s still a relatively attainable modern classic, with a broad fanbase and growing community of knowledgeable specialists committed to keeping them in fine fettle. Peugeot has even got in on the act, and now offers an increasing range of factory spares. For a nearly 40-year-old car the 205 still feels modern enough to enjoy today, its size and the way it delivers its performance perhaps more relevant to the twisty roads it excels on than most modern hot hatches.

Simple mechanics and electronics mean it’s a relatively easy car for the DIY mechanic as well, while usable rear seats and a decent boot make it a practical classic to run as well.

What’s Bad?

Hot hatches have always appealed for their accessible performance and, back in the day, a 205 GTI was a relatively affordable way to go very fast indeed. And the kind of people who bought them new were very keen to do exactly that, meaning many (if not all) GTIs led hard lives. The intervening years where they were even cheaper will have seen most examples rack up even more hard miles, the inevitability being that many will have very much been used and abused, not every lesson in lift-off oversteer ending well.

As mechanically tough as the 205 is, it’s safe to say accident damage and dodgy repairs are going to be high on your list of things to check and, as values rise, the temptation for unscrupulous sellers to disguise damage or corrosion in the hope of landing a windfall is only going to increase. The flipside of increasing value is that sorting out poor repairs and rusty bodies now makes more financial sense, though, so the hope is the growing 205 restoration business will save the good ones for future generations to enjoy.

Which Model To Chose?

Your biggest decision is going to be between 1.6 and 1.9-litre engines, the choice being a personal one with both having their advocates. Purists may err towards the very earliest cars, despite these being the least powerful on paper. An apparently lighter kerb weight offsets that, so all things being equal there should be little meaningful difference in performance between a 105PS (77kW) 1.6 and the later 115PS (85kW) one.

Fans will point to the revvier nature of the short-stroke engine and the perfect balance of grip to performance, though the 1.9 is hardly lethargic and has considerably more punch to enjoy. Thanks to longer gearing it’s also a little more chilled on a cruise. If you’re not sure the best bet would be to try both, safe in the knowledge the fundamentals of the GTI’s character are there in either case.

The only other real choice is whether you want the Phase 1 orange indicator look or the post-1990 Phase 2 with its smoked lights. The Miami Blue and Sorrento Green limited editions that launched this era are sought-after among fans but, frankly, finding the best you can afford of any age and enjoying as intended is the best advice.

Specifications – Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9

1.9-litre four-cylinder, petrol

130PS (97kW) @ 6,250rpm

164Nm @ 4,750rpm

Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive

880kg

7.8 seconds

128mph

1986-1994 (overall production 1984-1994)