My very first car was a brand-new 205 XRD which I drove for 11 years and 220.000 km before I sold it for quite some money. Now, 35 years later, I bought a 205 CTI because that's the version I dreamed of when I was young. I used to say: When I am a grown up I'll buy a 205 CTI. And as I probably won't grow any more - I'm 56 years now - it was highest time to go and get the little thing I always wanted when I was a Teen. And honestly I sometimes feel like 18 again. Good times!
Can we just also take a moment to appreciate how much our wonderful presenter has come on since starting this channel. He always had a flair for presentation and story telling but the natural ease and level of engagement he can so easily command is truly something special. I look forward to watching where this man goes, I see great things in his future and am privileged to be along for the ride.
Another owner of multiple hot hatches. Had a Mk 1 Astra GTE, Mark 2 Astra GTE 16V, Mark 2 Golf GT and a 205 GTI 1.9 in the late 90s. The Astra 16V had the best engine and the Golf was the best all round car but the 205GTI was the best to drive by some margin and the best looking to. Brilliant cars.
Like your response, and especially as you've actually lived them. Had a Astra GTE 16v, and yes that engine, but in the real world I actually preferred the 8v GTE I also had, it just felt more right than the 16 valver, go figure. I think the 16v I had, had been thrashed as the guy, a family friend I sold it to wasnt happy with me as he thought I'd deliberately sold him a lemon, as it needed some expensive engine work, valves etc from Vauxhall main dealer at the time. That said I had two 16 valvers, one aubergine, and a graphite black one, both lookers but ok to drive, nothing special as you'd expect. I think the 16v Golf was the classier, and probably better handling than the Astra, but the Astra had that engine. The Peugeot, I remember, was always regarded by real drivers, the car press etc for the right reasons.
I bought a brand new 205 back in the day and it was so reliable and comfortable we ended up keeping it for almost ten years, over 90,000 miles and only ever needed to lift the bonnet to put windscreen wash in! Sold it to a good mate for work and he kept it another 4 years with no issues. - great cars!🙏
Had three 205 GTi’s over the years, one 1.6 and two 1.9’s. The last one, a Miami Blue with under 70,000miles on the clock is currently sitting in my garage, MOT’d and ready for this years car shows.
I had a 1.9 GTI back in the day, and absolutely loved it. I did a long commute so after three years it had about 170,000 on the clock and was still going strong. I drove all around Europe on various holidays and again never any problems. It did use to eat front tyres though, I think because it would wheel spin with only a little too much acceleration. Your videos are amazing, so informative and beautifully delivered. Thanks for all the work it takes to make them.
As an aside to the 205 GTi we bought a 205 XRDT K reg that was an odd ball. It wouldn't beat anything away from the lights but the turbo acceleration and torque, once moving, was ridiculous. It was good for MPG in our rural location and we loved the handling even if it was heavier at the front than the GTi's. Off the public roads I once tried to find top speed so at 70mph I put my foot down to the floor and was at 135mph and showing no signs of slowing before I decided it best to give up. Such a light body meant that you needed to be cautious with the accelerator as it would actually wheelspin in 5th gear. It was such a great car that some of the criminal world stole it when we'd had it about a year. The police told us that a breakdown recovery truck had been to taken in a nearby town and they thought ours had been dragged aboard and driven away so our efforts with security locks etc. had been a waste of time. We had some 4 different versions of the 205 but that was my favourite.
You think wheel spin was a thing in the standard gti - try the mi16 405 engine conversion in a 205... My god!!! 5th wheel spin when its on weber 45 carbs! - great fun...😅
A friend of mine had a 1.9 GTI, in red. I don't know what the colour was called, but I've been in it several times, and what I remember from that time was that the car cornered like it was on rails. We went driving regularly through the hills around here. What a brilliant little car it was! And I'm not particularly a hot hatch fan! Quite the opposite - I quite like land yachts!
I had a white 1.6 gti. Owned anything from vw carrado, 350hp 200sx , e30 tourers and have a pug rcz today... But the 205 is the best handling front wheel drive car I ever owned (despite eating gearboxes - the one weakness of the 205 ... never rusted though) mate of mine had a gti with an mi16 engine conversion from a 405....jeeezzuusss that thing was insane and wheel span in every gear!
I missed this when it came out. Brilliant video, Ed. I’ve been lucky enough to own around 50 cars over the years. If anyone asks what my favourite was, it takes a nanosecond to say it was the Peugeot 205GTI.
I had a 1.6 gti back in the day, bought it with 15k on it and sold it 8yrs later with 160k. Never let me down, apart from clutch cables lol, had 3. Fantastic car down a twisty road & used to race my mate in his Renault 19 16v just for giggles. Great review 👍😎
Wow! That is a very cool looking car. I love the VW hatches...Golf, GTI, Square back, etc But this 205 is sweet. Best looking hatch I have ever seen. Another fantastic video!
I am an American. I was stationed in the Netherlands (85 to 88) in the middle of the Hot Hatch craze, and I loved it. I have always had a hot hatch since. But sadly, they are far a few in-between now. I wish that B-segment hot hatches were again on the rise. I have one of that last of them. A 2015 Nissan Juke 1.6 turbo with a 6-speed manual. It is a blast to drive. A bit of torque steer when driven hard. But otherwise, fantastic driving dynamics. Yes, they are an aquired taste visually, but people always ask what it is.
As ever, Just brilliant Ed... Coincidentally you are following much of my 1980`s 90`s journey of the cars i owned, from the superb Alfasud that i had four of, likable Fiesta XR2 & XR3`s, to the brilliant Uno Turbo and finally in 1990 peaking with the now legendary Pug 205 1.9 GTI, a black 1989 car G600SVL bought at 8 months old and kept until 1994 when i went "sensible" with a new Pug 306 diesel 3 door!
Ed, I find easy to slip into complacent praise tinged by familiarity and admiration when each video thankfully falls onto my aged laptop (neatly reflecting this aged fan!). It is so easy to assume each will be good due to your stellar skill of thorough research and scripting, matched by brilliant and changing camera angles, and Mendes-style editing when having to deal with a stationary car and bland backdrop. But such complacency was blown away but this unbelievably superb, enjoyable and informative video. Absolutely ace! In period, the first time I drove a 2025 GTi was only comparable to the excitement and awesomeness of the first Mini Cooper S which not just impressed but electrified. As always, your professionalism captured thrill of the GTi. Thank you! Rob
Good work Ed. I'd agree with everythign you said. The only car I had more fun in at the time was the 106 Rallye. What a stock list from one manufacturer. 106 Rallye. 205GTi, 306 GTi 16v, 309 GTi 16v, 405 Mi16. Blimey!
I've luckily had the chance to own all of those, as well as a 504 and 206 GTI180. The 106 Rallye (S1) was by far the most fun, but a 205 GTI is the keeper (after going to the dark side and dropping in a mi16 then gti6 engine).
happy 205 gti owner here, bought one for 500.- chf in 2008 with only 100000km on it and i am so happy i never sold. i am currently rebuilding it and making it roadworthy again. great community in the uk and parts are very easy to find. i just love it!
Such a detailed and engagingly presented video Ed and so many memories for me. Our local GP and the Latin teacher at my school drove 504's - just as you describe dependable, the estate able to get Mr Ellison's family across Europe for their summer holidays, but not very exciting. My dad had an ordinary 205, following a Chrysler Sunbeam and a Talbot Horizon. All were bought from new, the 205 was the only one that turned heads. Complete strangers used to ask dad about it because they liked the way it looked and wanted to buy it
What a golden era for "🥜 cars", casual or sport. The design was pure & immediately recognizable for all brands. My 💙 will always belong to the R5 with its 45° angles everywhere but the 205 is right behind. I wish Stellantis would do what Renault is pulling with the R5: Design a retrofuturistic electric ⚡ 205. It would sell like 🥐.
Owned a 205 1.9 GTi in the early 2000's I thought the gear change felt a bit sloppy but sorted it with a quick shift kit ,mine was a 94 plate really miss it , just a classic pocket rocket.
Another cracking video Ed. I had a 205GTi from 1987 to 1990 and loved it. Myself and three mates had a weekend away in Holland in it not long after I got it. It was great, equally happy at 100+ on the motorway as dashing around town in London or the narrow roads of the Lake District. For me the prettiest Peugeot before the 205 was the large saloon 505.
I had a 1.9 for about 9 months. It felt as if it was likely to fall apart at any second so I jacked it in and got a Vr6 golf which stayed for 12 years and hit 250k and still felt a working machine when we parted company
I remember when the 205 came out. It looked and was incredibly complete. Then the GTi looked perfect, not like a souped up version but both pretty and muscular, a performance model in its own right.
As a 205 Gti owner, I just wanted to really commend you on putting together, researching and presenting a brilliant film on this iconic car. Seeing such a clean example as that one, is now making me wish Spring would get here already and I can free my own one from its winter shed. Keep up the great work and I have happily subscribed to your channel.
My dad bought a 1.6 GTI in charcoal metallic in 1985. He wouldn't insure me so I had to drive it whenever the coast was clear 😎 Fortunately I didn't put a scratch on it, and it was glorious on the country lanes we lived next to. Best car we ever had.
Fabulous thing, and great video. To say 'one of the best handling cars ever made' is a stretch though mate lol. It was a good handling hatchback in it's era. That is all. Lovely thing, and what an example you had there, minty. I put the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus as the ultimate hot hatch of that era, 150bhp, RWD, and mega to drive.
To this day i regularly think about my 1.9 205. It's still the best handling stock fwd i've ever driven, and i feel like i could slip behind the wheel of one at any time and be right back on pace. I regret selling any of my cars, but i definitely miss that one the most.
Great video!! You obviously have never driven a Peugeot 104S with newly fitted shocks. 72HP with the same running gear as a 205 but with a very low centre of gravity because the engine is fitted so low it barely peaks above the height of the tyre tread. As far as i am aware I have one of two Peugeot 104S RHD left in the UK. There are one or more imports driving around.. The 104S was really Peugeot’s first hot hatch and should sit at one end, of any line of the Hot Peugeots. Thanks again!!
I have not, but I’d dearly love to! The 104/LN/Samba are cars I’ve never seen outside of shows in the UK. I was beside myself when I spotted a patinated Citroën LN in a French city last summer. In fact, I think I posted some pictures of it on here.
Another great presentation... As always so interesting, so well researched, so well delivered.... Most of all for me so many memories...Thank you....Roger..Pembrokeshire
A great informative, enthusiastic review again Ed, I often marvel at how you’r able to remember all that information confidently, well done. Yes the Peugeot 205’s were briliant cars, the 205GTi was a stormer of a car and made Peugeot “Cool”. At the time I think French cars in general were a bit better built in comparison to later decades of cars that suffered reliability and build quality issues, I can recall a Citroen ZX I had that were fitted with new suspension bushes and then a month later failing it’s MOT on the same “new” bushes that were replaced! I will agree though that Peugeot made and still make stylish cars that are good to drive . The fact that there are still plenty of 205’s still out there on uk roads shows how good they were.
My Dad had three Peugeot 504s, a 505, several Peugeot 505 GTis, and they were all nice. Most people do not know that Peugeots could be quiet, quick and luxurious. He had a then new 1.6 205 GTi courtesy car and let me drive. It was nice and handled precisely. I had a 309 GTi with the 1905cc engine and eight valves. Performance wasn't the sole story, it was how it put the power down and the Peugeots handling and roadholding was superb. The 309 was the first Peugeot to have improved durability to the bodywork, the underproofing was superb. Don't forget that Jean Todt had the benefit of Rytons Competition Department that gave us among other hot cars the Avenger Tiger and Lotus Sunbeam. They really know how to create a complete sporting car in one package with exciting powertrain, handling and roadholding.
Remember clearly standing in a swedish showroom in november 1984, it was really cool. As was the new 505 Turbo Injection, which was (and is) my favourite. I ended up buying a ’87 205GR as my first car, a great one at that!
Really impressed with your channel. A conclusive look at an iconic car. Glad you mentioned the dear old mini. The 205 GTI was for me the first true replacement for the Mini Cooper S. If you were to do a DNA test on the 205. You would find ADO 15 for sure. Thanks again Twin Cam.
Excellent review! Possibly the only hot hatch supermini that came close to surpassing the Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9's almost perfect balance of design, performance, handling, and practicality was the 1993 Renault Clio Williams. Looking forward to your review of one in your channel. 🙂
When the 406 came out it was an utter game changer. Not only that TV Ad !. I had one new as a company car, 406 GR 1.9 carb, 112bhp. The interior was like a space ship in 1989, very well put together, It was super reliable and amazing fuel consumption compared to my earlier petrol cars. And the best bit, the Handling, it was freaking amazing compared to other cars of that Era. I went on to get a Passat 1.8 GTi 8v. Similar power at 115bhp (Same engine and gearbox as the Golf GTi). Much better build quality beyond doubt. However the VW engine was old in design (not crossflow) and not so good on fuel and the handling was no where as sharp as the 405. Some years later i had a 406 on loan and that was a complete dogs dinner, absolutely awful in all respects, nothing like the 405.
I have a friend who had a 205 1.6 GTi - fast and nimble doesn't even begin to describe it. I'm sure the 1.9 would have been faster, but it never ever felt slow. I mean, it felt like it was made of super thin metal and would probably kill you in a crash, but it also felt like it could tapdance around Piccadilly Circus. The overall design looks totally cohesive and not designed by committee - unlike pretty much every current car design. Talking of which, having been in a few Fiestas, the ST (and even the base spec 3-pot models) remind me so much of the 205. Fun, nimble, fast enough, big happy puppy attitude. Both are already much missed.
The closest I got to driving this was borrowing a 205 CTI 1.6 from a colleague a couple of times. It was a very nice little car. Not sure if they still do, but did you know that Peugeot did make their own shock absorbers back then? It had a lot to do with the great handling of Peugeots in general and the GTI in particular.
My Mother and her ex-husband had a 1.6 and a 1.9 in the late 80s, before my older brother came along. They’re the only cars she had that she remembers the spec of, which is phenomenal, given that my Mother doesn’t usually care at all about cars. They got just a bit too expensive for me by the time I was old enough to afford the insurance, but if I had the means, I would buy one in a heartbeat, and if I had silly money, I’d look at getting a Tolman restomod 1.6 GTi, so I could have the revvier engine with the power of the 1.9.
As an early teen I remember seeing the 205 and all the others…and I remember thinking, the 205 is the “new” one out of the lot….because it did look a step up from the rest.
This was a pretty little car in the 80s, it's now even more pretty today. It has curves on every panel and surface, unlike a lot of the cars back in the day. Why this car had such incredible driving dynamics was quite simple (have you been near one recently): It is tiny! This made it very easy to place on the road, the fact that it was incredibly light and along with the best drivers position, helped by all that 80's glass to panel ratio (sadly something you'll never see again) and go cart handling and telepathic steering feel, made it hard to beat. In the UK, in the 80s, there was a waiting list if you wanted to buy a GTI. My first ever car was a 1.9 Turbo Technics. There hasn't been a year gone by that I haven't missed it, since I sold it, and it still influences every single car I have purchased since. Which is why my everyday cars have to have glass roofs and while my weekend car (for steering feel & weight) is a Lotus Elise. I always remember my friends at the time I had Golf GTIs and the only criticism they would level at the car was oh it's French it won't last 5 minutes because the panels are so thin. 😂
To be fair, as I mentioned, the 205 was a very big car compared to the superminis it joined in 1983. A Metro, for example, is positively miniscule compared to the Peugeot.
I had a 4 month old series one in 1988, commuted 500 miles most weekends from Bournemouth to Manchester, nearly killed myself once or twice because it was so much fun to drive it fast I got carried away (& I was young & hot headed.. ) I sadly had to replace it due to changing circumstances . Tried to revisit it with an old series 2 in 2005 & it just wasn’t the same. When buying now suspension wear points like rear beam etc need addressing to restore the handling & these days it seems very flimsy & dated, although the exterior styling is still just so beautifully balanced from every angle. Both mine (while otherwise very reliable) were cursed with the Bosch injection fuelling issue - causing kangarooing on take off, a real pain in traffic. I recall both main dealers & specialists could only improve but not eradicate this problem. Mi16 engine conversion probably the way to go, popular at the time. I don’t really miss mine as I thoroughly rinsed the experience & have a 1992 tuned up Mx5 now which is as much fun, if much less practical. Great channel, been watching it develop over the last few years 👍😎
Except from my current 1969 Alfa Romeo gt junior, the Pug 205 gti is the most fun car i ever owned. Miss it alot! You sould check out the 20 Gti Tolman edition. Very expensive, but they have taken the car to a new level. As i love originals, i do also like the modern restomod’s.
205 gti 1600 in silver was my first car the reason why it was so fast it weighed about the same as a small hatch by far the best looking hot hatch the performance was blinding but the insurance was very steep ❤
I had one of those. It was white, just like in the video. It was a great car. It took me from my native Stockholkm, Sweden, all over Europe many times.
Kinda crazy this car from the 1980s is so good looking and timeless, it can sit with 1990s & 2000s cars! Just compare it with Japanese cars like Toyota Starlet
Well presented. I had planned to buy a used 205 GTi back in the early nineties but ended up with a new 106 Rallye which was also a great little car (there was a 205 Rallye as well). Nevertheless, if I were to have a classic car for special occasions it would be the 205 GTi 1.9
Great review, I’m on my second 205 Gti 1.6, they’re fantastic cars, would love to try a 1.9 to see how different it is, I noticed you had a photo of a 106 Roland Garros, you should try one of those too
Excellent informative video. This brings back some good memories, having owned a red 1.6 gti ( obviously red ones were faster ) . Mine certainly was far from being the best example of this superb handling car . But I’d honestly have one today if ever possible. 👍
Always thought the 204 was the 205s predecessor . The 1980s of course were the heyday of the hot hatch. The leaky rag top was no longer in fashion. Whilst the 205 was often compared to the Fiat UNO turbo, and the Reggie 5 turbo, I personally preferred the Fiat Strada Abarth 130 TC which was a more raw drivers car with the Lampredi twin cam on twin Webber’s.
I had a 205 CTI for a few months in the early 90s, had to sell it when I got transferred to France. Some years later back in my own country I bought a new 306 convertible that I still own and that is now accompanied by a number of 206s: one SW, one CC and a GTI180. Might the latter one be the spiritual successor to the 205 GTI 1.9?
I owned a 1.6 gti, today got an rcz, but mate of mine had a gti with an mi16 engine conversion from a 405....jeeezzuusss that thing was insane and wheel span in every gear!
The R5 was Gordini Turbo in UK, followed by the all new R5 Turbo next model, the 16i16 CRX was as good performance as the 1.9 205 GTi but didn't have a good rear seat like it's rivals. Loved driving these back in the day.
Indeed. The CRX really wasn’t on the same page for two reasons. First is the practicality as you mentioned, but I also believe a Honda was much more expensive.
Having owned such a car in the 90s i now wonder if i were to drive a 205 GTi again would it ruin my memory 🤔 Like seeing a girlfriend from 30 years ago and expecting you'd both look and be the same and knowing the reality will unfortunately leave you disappointed
GTE 16v convertible Renault, 5GT turbo, XR3i but may favourite by far my Sorrento green Limited, edition, full leather 205, GTI I believe they are like rocking horse shit now..the 90s was the bomb 🎉
I still miss my Gti 1.9 after more than 20 years. Never should have sold it, best era of hot hatches 80’s and 90’s! Big engines and no obese cars like today.
Good review of the 205, I had one a 1.6 GTi, it replaced my faithful quirky and very left field Citroen Visa GTI. The Visa ran rings round the 205. Infact it was better in every department except looks! It was a bit ugly..... The way you could set a Visa into a 4 wheel drift , then hold it there was truly otherworldly..... The 205 even on brand new Michelin tyres would try and bite it's master..... Miss them both very much 20 years on....
Want this car. I've had 2 1.6 GTi's? Brilliant little cars. Love to find out what the 1.9 is like as many say the 1.6 is better because of its shorter ratio gearbox.
Renault R5 Alpine was the Gordini in this country. The 205 didn't really replace anything in Peugeot's precious line up. The 104/Samba became the 106, 305 became the 306 bizarrely with a time gap between the numbers
After owning a 104, I moved onto one of the first 205GTIs in 1984, and then another in 1990. The 205 was way more advanced, not having any of the rusting problems of the 104, or old tech like carbs & points. And my first 205 was easily the best handling front wheel drive car I've ever owned, with zero understeer and lift off oversteer. Unfortunately lots of poor drivers went off the road due to the latter, so it was engineered out and my next 205GTI was a shadow of the original, with built in understeer for 'safety' reasons. Plus it had gone from using 4 star leaded petrol to unleaded, and lost performance & fuel economy as a result. A great shame.
Totally agree, it was only shit drivers that ever encountered lift off oversteer. Take tge speed off before cirner entry, foit flat all the way through the corner and these things could be peddled at a huge rate.
I had a 1.9 griffe in metallic green with leather and a panoramic roof. It was a cool car and relatively expensive back in 2002, I paid 2500 for it back then. But sold it and switched to a corolla e9 GTI. THAT was a fast fun car. Unfortunately both are unobtanium these days.
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My very first car was a brand-new 205 XRD which I drove for 11 years and 220.000 km before I sold it for quite some money. Now, 35 years later, I bought a 205 CTI because that's the version I dreamed of when I was young. I used to say: When I am a grown up I'll buy a 205 CTI. And as I probably won't grow any more - I'm 56 years now - it was highest time to go and get the little thing I always wanted when I was a Teen. And honestly I sometimes feel like 18 again. Good times!
Can we just also take a moment to appreciate how much our wonderful presenter has come on since starting this channel. He always had a flair for presentation and story telling but the natural ease and level of engagement he can so easily command is truly something special. I look forward to watching where this man goes, I see great things in his future and am privileged to be along for the ride.
What a timeless design that is. Still cool and very good looking after 40 years. Incredible! 😍
Another owner of multiple hot hatches. Had a Mk 1 Astra GTE, Mark 2 Astra GTE 16V, Mark 2 Golf GT and a 205 GTI 1.9 in the late 90s. The Astra 16V had the best engine and the Golf was the best all round car but the 205GTI was the best to drive by some margin and the best looking to. Brilliant cars.
Loved the 16v gte engine, so totally agree.
Like your response, and especially as you've actually lived them. Had a Astra GTE 16v, and yes that engine, but in the real world I actually preferred the 8v GTE I also had, it just felt more right than the 16 valver, go figure. I think the 16v I had, had been thrashed as the guy, a family friend I sold it to wasnt happy with me as he thought I'd deliberately sold him a lemon, as it needed some expensive engine work, valves etc from Vauxhall main dealer at the time. That said I had two 16 valvers, one aubergine, and a graphite black one, both lookers but ok to drive, nothing special as you'd expect. I think the 16v Golf was the classier, and probably better handling than the Astra, but the Astra had that engine. The Peugeot, I remember, was always regarded by real drivers, the car press etc for the right reasons.
The Visa out handled them all!
@TheSoupdragon1968 especially when you drop an mi16 engine in one. 👍😁
I also had them late 90's and now & the 205 was the best and most fun to drive by far & still is, in my opinion & the 205 looks the best of all
I bought a brand new 205 back in the day and it was so reliable and comfortable we ended up keeping it for almost ten years, over 90,000 miles and only ever needed to lift the bonnet to put windscreen wash in! Sold it to a good mate for work and he kept it another 4 years with no issues. - great cars!🙏
@@iamyourfuture808 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Your knowledge of cars is peerless. This production and commentary could, should be on telly. Absolutely brilliant. 👍
Thanks Andrew, very kind of you 🙂
What's te\llhy lolz
Iv owned a few 80s hot hatches. Mk2 golf GTi. Xr2. Nova’s. Mk2 Astra GTE. MG metro. 205 GTi. Hands down. 205 was the best driver.
Beautiful looking car. My all-time favourite
Eds enthusiasm and knowledge shines throughout this video. Great stuff!
Thanks as always :)
Had three 205 GTi’s over the years, one 1.6 and two 1.9’s. The last one, a Miami Blue with under 70,000miles on the clock is currently sitting in my garage, MOT’d and ready for this years car shows.
Loved that colour brilliant car happy for you
I had a 1.9 GTI back in the day, and absolutely loved it. I did a long commute so after three years it had about 170,000 on the clock and was still going strong. I drove all around Europe on various holidays and again never any problems. It did use to eat front tyres though, I think because it would wheel spin with only a little too much acceleration.
Your videos are amazing, so informative and beautifully delivered. Thanks for all the work it takes to make them.
Thanks Carl :)
As an aside to the 205 GTi we bought a 205 XRDT K reg that was an odd ball. It wouldn't beat anything away from the lights but the turbo acceleration and torque, once moving, was ridiculous. It was good for MPG in our rural location and we loved the handling even if it was heavier at the front than the GTi's. Off the public roads I once tried to find top speed so at 70mph I put my foot down to the floor and was at 135mph and showing no signs of slowing before I decided it best to give up. Such a light body meant that you needed to be cautious with the accelerator as it would actually wheelspin in 5th gear. It was such a great car that some of the criminal world stole it when we'd had it about a year. The police told us that a breakdown recovery truck had been to taken in a nearby town and they thought ours had been dragged aboard and driven away so our efforts with security locks etc. had been a waste of time. We had some 4 different versions of the 205 but that was my favourite.
You think wheel spin was a thing in the standard gti - try the mi16 405 engine conversion in a 205...
My god!!! 5th wheel spin when its on weber 45 carbs! - great fun...😅
Ed, I mean this in a good way, but you could be one great used "classic" car salesman. Thanks for your time, work and posting.....
Thanks as always Mike 🙂
Ed, with your talent you could sell a box of Bibles to an atheist.... @@TwinCam atheist
A friend of mine had a 1.9 GTI, in red. I don't know what the colour was called, but I've been in it several times, and what I remember from that time was that the car cornered like it was on rails. We went driving regularly through the hills around here. What a brilliant little car it was! And I'm not particularly a hot hatch fan! Quite the opposite - I quite like land yachts!
It would have been Cherry Red like the two I owned 😎
I had a white 1.6 gti. Owned anything from vw carrado, 350hp 200sx , e30 tourers and have a pug rcz today...
But the 205 is the best handling front wheel drive car I ever owned (despite eating gearboxes - the one weakness of the 205 ... never rusted though)
mate of mine had a gti with an mi16 engine conversion from a 405....jeeezzuusss that thing was insane and wheel span in every gear!
I missed this when it came out. Brilliant video, Ed.
I’ve been lucky enough to own around 50 cars over the years. If anyone asks what my favourite was, it takes a nanosecond to say it was the Peugeot 205GTI.
CRACKING EXAMPLE OF A 205GTI
I had a 1.6 gti back in the day, bought it with 15k on it and sold it 8yrs later with 160k. Never let me down, apart from clutch cables lol, had 3. Fantastic car down a twisty road & used to race my mate in his Renault 19 16v just for giggles.
Great review 👍😎
Thanks mate 🙂
Those wheels are just epic!
Wow! That is a very cool looking car.
I love the VW hatches...Golf, GTI, Square back, etc
But this 205 is sweet. Best looking hatch I have ever seen.
Another fantastic video!
Thank you as always :)
I am an American. I was stationed in the Netherlands (85 to 88) in the middle of the Hot Hatch craze, and I loved it. I have always had a hot hatch since. But sadly, they are far a few in-between now. I wish that B-segment hot hatches were again on the rise.
I have one of that last of them. A 2015 Nissan Juke 1.6 turbo with a 6-speed manual. It is a blast to drive. A bit of torque steer when driven hard. But otherwise, fantastic driving dynamics. Yes, they are an aquired taste visually, but people always ask what it is.
As ever, Just brilliant Ed... Coincidentally you are following much of my 1980`s 90`s journey of the cars i owned, from the superb Alfasud that i had four of, likable Fiesta XR2 & XR3`s, to the brilliant Uno Turbo and finally in 1990 peaking with the now legendary Pug 205 1.9 GTI, a black 1989 car G600SVL bought at 8 months old and kept until 1994 when i went "sensible" with a new Pug 306 diesel 3 door!
Thanks Peter, very kind of you 🙂
Spot on again, Ed. I'm glad to have seen your channel develop from scratch to being one of the best automative history sources 🙏🏼😃👍🏼
100%
Thank you my friend, tremendously kind of you 🙂
Don't forget his rapier’s wit and 007 level charm!
Ed, I find easy to slip into complacent praise tinged by familiarity and admiration when each video thankfully falls onto my aged laptop (neatly reflecting this aged fan!). It is so easy to assume each will be good due to your stellar skill of thorough research and scripting, matched by brilliant and changing camera angles, and Mendes-style editing when having to deal with a stationary car and bland backdrop. But such complacency was blown away but this unbelievably superb, enjoyable and informative video. Absolutely ace!
In period, the first time I drove a 2025 GTi was only comparable to the excitement and awesomeness of the first Mini Cooper S which not just impressed but electrified.
As always, your professionalism captured thrill of the GTi. Thank you!
Rob
Very kind of you, as always!
Always enjoy your videos, well written, well researched and informative whilst remaining enjoyable to watch.
Thanks mate, very kind of you to say 🙂
I still own a 1985 1.6 205 GTI..................................its an amazing car.
Good work Ed. I'd agree with everythign you said. The only car I had more fun in at the time was the 106 Rallye. What a stock list from one manufacturer. 106 Rallye. 205GTi, 306 GTi 16v, 309 GTi 16v, 405 Mi16. Blimey!
Thanks as always 🙂
I've luckily had the chance to own all of those, as well as a 504 and 206 GTI180. The 106 Rallye (S1) was by far the most fun, but a 205 GTI is the keeper (after going to the dark side and dropping in a mi16 then gti6 engine).
I miss my 205Gti so much. What a machine
I think this is arguably the best video you've done so far, excellent stuff! 👏👏👏
Thanks Mark, that’s very kind of you to say 🙂
Great video, you put a lot of other car channels to shame with how well this is presented.
That’s a beauty! Always wanted a late 1.9 in white after running a K reg XS in silver, the poor man’s GTi . Thanks for the video, well presented.
Amazingly good cars - absolutely love them. One has to ask, what the hell happened to Peugeot since...
Such a shame that they mucked up such a hard earned reputation.
happy 205 gti owner here, bought one for 500.- chf in 2008 with only 100000km on it and i am so happy i never sold. i am currently rebuilding it and making it roadworthy again. great community in the uk and parts are very easy to find. i just love it!
Such a detailed and engagingly presented video Ed and so many memories for me. Our local GP and the Latin teacher at my school drove 504's - just as you describe dependable, the estate able to get Mr Ellison's family across Europe for their summer holidays, but not very exciting. My dad had an ordinary 205, following a Chrysler Sunbeam and a Talbot Horizon. All were bought from new, the 205 was the only one that turned heads. Complete strangers used to ask dad about it because they liked the way it looked and wanted to buy it
Thank you 🙂
Had a 205 Cti 1.6 - was an amazing car to drive - and never once went wrong
205GTI, Peugeot's best hot hatch. I had a red 1.6, loved it ,and wish I still had it.❤
What a golden era for "🥜 cars", casual or sport. The design was pure & immediately recognizable for all brands. My 💙 will always belong to the R5 with its 45° angles everywhere but the 205 is right behind. I wish Stellantis would do what Renault is pulling with the R5: Design a retrofuturistic electric ⚡ 205. It would sell like 🥐.
Owned a 205 1.9 GTi in the early 2000's I thought the gear change felt a bit sloppy but sorted it with a quick shift kit ,mine was a 94 plate really miss it , just a classic pocket rocket.
Another cracking video Ed. I had a 205GTi from 1987 to 1990 and loved it. Myself and three mates had a weekend away in Holland in it not long after I got it. It was great, equally happy at 100+ on the motorway as dashing around town in London or the narrow roads of the Lake District. For me the prettiest Peugeot before the 205 was the large saloon 505.
Excellent video 👍
I had a 1.9 for about 9 months. It felt as if it was likely to fall apart at any second so I jacked it in and got a Vr6 golf which stayed for 12 years and hit 250k and still felt a working machine when we parted company
I remember when the 205 came out. It looked and was incredibly complete.
Then the GTi looked perfect, not like a souped up version but both pretty and muscular, a performance model in its own right.
Mk1 GTI , 205 GTI , were great cars back in the day. Today we got I20N and Yaris GR to carry on the hot hatch legacy.
As a 205 Gti owner, I just wanted to really commend you on putting together,
researching and presenting a brilliant film on this iconic car.
Seeing such a clean example as that one, is now making me wish Spring
would get here already and I can free my own one from its winter shed.
Keep up the great work and I have happily subscribed to your channel.
Thanks mate :)
My dad bought a 1.6 GTI in charcoal metallic in 1985. He wouldn't insure me so I had to drive it whenever the coast was clear 😎 Fortunately I didn't put a scratch on it, and it was glorious on the country lanes we lived next to. Best car we ever had.
That would graphite grey
@@jeremygrayson9662 yep that must be it 👍
Fabulous thing, and great video.
To say 'one of the best handling cars ever made' is a stretch though mate lol.
It was a good handling hatchback in it's era.
That is all.
Lovely thing, and what an example you had there, minty.
I put the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus as the ultimate hot hatch of that era, 150bhp, RWD, and mega to drive.
To this day i regularly think about my 1.9 205. It's still the best handling stock fwd i've ever driven, and i feel like i could slip behind the wheel of one at any time and be right back on pace. I regret selling any of my cars, but i definitely miss that one the most.
Lucky enough to buy a 1.6i C reg in white back in 86 from the Chiswick garage and it was without a doubt one of the most fun cars I have ever owned..
What a magnificent example!
Great video!! You obviously have never driven a Peugeot 104S with newly fitted shocks.
72HP with the same running gear as a 205 but with a very low centre of gravity because the engine is fitted so low it barely peaks above the height of the tyre tread. As far as i am aware
I have one of two Peugeot 104S RHD left in the UK. There are one or more imports driving around..
The 104S was really Peugeot’s first hot hatch and should sit at one end, of any line of the Hot Peugeots. Thanks again!!
I have not, but I’d dearly love to!
The 104/LN/Samba are cars I’ve never seen outside of shows in the UK. I was beside myself when I spotted a patinated Citroën LN in a French city last summer. In fact, I think I posted some pictures of it on here.
Beatiful car. Here in Perú I had the 205GR and was a good one, but was a dream to get a GTI
Another great presentation... As always so interesting, so well researched, so well delivered.... Most of all for me so many memories...Thank you....Roger..Pembrokeshire
Thanks as always Roger :)
My favourite car ever, seriously I'd take this over any supercar
A great informative, enthusiastic review again Ed, I often marvel at how you’r able to remember all that information confidently, well done.
Yes the Peugeot 205’s were briliant cars, the 205GTi was a stormer of a car and made Peugeot “Cool”.
At the time I think French cars in general were a bit better built in comparison to later decades of cars that suffered reliability and build quality issues, I can recall a Citroen ZX I had that were fitted with new suspension bushes and then a month later failing it’s MOT on the same “new” bushes that were replaced!
I will agree though that Peugeot made and still make stylish cars that are good to drive .
The fact that there are still plenty of 205’s still out there on uk roads shows how good they were.
My Dad had three Peugeot 504s, a 505, several Peugeot 505 GTis, and they were all nice. Most people do not know that Peugeots could be quiet, quick and luxurious. He had a then new 1.6 205 GTi courtesy car and let me drive. It was nice and handled precisely. I had a 309 GTi with the 1905cc engine and eight valves. Performance wasn't the sole story, it was how it put the power down and the Peugeots handling and roadholding was superb. The 309 was the first Peugeot to have improved durability to the bodywork, the underproofing was superb. Don't forget that Jean Todt had the benefit of Rytons Competition Department that gave us among other hot cars the Avenger Tiger and Lotus Sunbeam. They really know how to create a complete sporting car in one package with exciting powertrain, handling and roadholding.
OMG 40 years? I feel old now.
Remember clearly standing in a swedish showroom in november 1984, it was really cool. As was the new 505 Turbo Injection, which was (and is) my favourite. I ended up buying a ’87 205GR as my first car, a great one at that!
Really impressed with your channel. A conclusive look at an iconic car. Glad you mentioned the dear old mini. The 205 GTI was for me the first true replacement for the Mini Cooper S. If you were to do a DNA test on the 205. You would find ADO 15 for sure. Thanks again Twin Cam.
Excellent review! Possibly the only hot hatch supermini that came close to surpassing the Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9's almost perfect balance of design, performance, handling, and practicality was the 1993 Renault Clio Williams. Looking forward to your review of one in your channel. 🙂
The glass area is just perfect in that generation. Made placing car on road easy. Ditto Golf Gti 1 and 2
When the 406 came out it was an utter game changer. Not only that TV Ad !. I had one new as a company car, 406 GR 1.9 carb, 112bhp. The interior was like a space ship in 1989, very well put together, It was super reliable and amazing fuel consumption compared to my earlier petrol cars. And the best bit, the Handling, it was freaking amazing compared to other cars of that Era. I went on to get a Passat 1.8 GTi 8v. Similar power at 115bhp (Same engine and gearbox as the Golf GTi). Much better build quality beyond doubt. However the VW engine was old in design (not crossflow) and not so good on fuel and the handling was no where as sharp as the 405. Some years later i had a 406 on loan and that was a complete dogs dinner, absolutely awful in all respects, nothing like the 405.
I have a friend who had a 205 1.6 GTi - fast and nimble doesn't even begin to describe it. I'm sure the 1.9 would have been faster, but it never ever felt slow. I mean, it felt like it was made of super thin metal and would probably kill you in a crash, but it also felt like it could tapdance around Piccadilly Circus. The overall design looks totally cohesive and not designed by committee - unlike pretty much every current car design. Talking of which, having been in a few Fiestas, the ST (and even the base spec 3-pot models) remind me so much of the 205. Fun, nimble, fast enough, big happy puppy attitude. Both are already much missed.
The closest I got to driving this was borrowing a 205 CTI 1.6 from a colleague a couple of times. It was a very nice little car.
Not sure if they still do, but did you know that Peugeot did make their own shock absorbers back then? It had a lot to do with the great handling of Peugeots in general and the GTI in particular.
My Mother and her ex-husband had a 1.6 and a 1.9 in the late 80s, before my older brother came along. They’re the only cars she had that she remembers the spec of, which is phenomenal, given that my Mother doesn’t usually care at all about cars.
They got just a bit too expensive for me by the time I was old enough to afford the insurance, but if I had the means, I would buy one in a heartbeat, and if I had silly money, I’d look at getting a Tolman restomod 1.6 GTi, so I could have the revvier engine with the power of the 1.9.
As an early teen I remember seeing the 205 and all the others…and I remember thinking, the 205 is the “new” one out of the lot….because it did look a step up from the rest.
Excellent ! Great video about this truly iconic car. I’ve said before you are by far the best classic car presenter on RUclips ! Keep em coming 👍
Thanks Alan, that's very kind of you to say :)
This was a pretty little car in the 80s, it's now even more pretty today.
It has curves on every panel and surface, unlike a lot of the cars back in the day.
Why this car had such incredible driving dynamics was quite simple (have you been near one recently): It is tiny! This made it very easy to place on the road, the fact that it was incredibly light and along with the best drivers position, helped by all that 80's glass to panel ratio (sadly something you'll never see again) and go cart handling and telepathic steering feel, made it hard to beat.
In the UK, in the 80s, there was a waiting list if you wanted to buy a GTI.
My first ever car was a 1.9 Turbo Technics.
There hasn't been a year gone by that I haven't missed it, since I sold it, and it still influences every single car I have purchased since.
Which is why my everyday cars have to have glass roofs and while my weekend car (for steering feel & weight) is a Lotus Elise.
I always remember my friends at the time I had Golf GTIs and the only criticism they would level at the car was oh it's French it won't last 5 minutes because the panels are so thin. 😂
To be fair, as I mentioned, the 205 was a very big car compared to the superminis it joined in 1983. A Metro, for example, is positively miniscule compared to the Peugeot.
I regret having sold my 1986 1.6 GTI. I see it is still about but on a SORN. Lucky owner to have kept it.
I had a 4 month old series one in 1988, commuted 500 miles most weekends from Bournemouth to Manchester, nearly killed myself once or twice because it was so much fun to drive it fast I got carried away (& I was young & hot headed.. ) I sadly had to replace it due to changing circumstances . Tried to revisit it with an old series 2 in 2005 & it just wasn’t the same. When buying now suspension wear points like rear beam etc need addressing to restore the handling & these days it seems very flimsy & dated, although the exterior styling is still just so beautifully balanced from every angle. Both mine (while otherwise very reliable) were cursed with the Bosch injection fuelling issue - causing kangarooing on take off, a real pain in traffic. I recall both main dealers & specialists could only improve but not eradicate this problem. Mi16 engine conversion probably the way to go, popular at the time. I don’t really miss mine as I thoroughly rinsed the experience & have a 1992 tuned up Mx5 now which is as much fun, if much less practical. Great channel, been watching it develop over the last few years 👍😎
Except from my current 1969 Alfa Romeo gt junior, the Pug 205 gti is the most fun car i ever owned. Miss it alot!
You sould check out the 20 Gti Tolman edition. Very expensive, but they have taken the car to a new level. As i love originals, i do also like the modern restomod’s.
205 gti 1600 in silver was my first car the reason why it was so fast it weighed about the same as a small hatch by far the best looking hot hatch the performance was blinding but the insurance was very steep ❤
I had one of those. It was white, just like in the video. It was a great car. It took me from my native Stockholkm, Sweden, all over Europe many times.
Kinda crazy this car from the 1980s is so good looking and timeless, it can sit with 1990s & 2000s cars! Just compare it with Japanese cars like Toyota Starlet
Refreshingly factually accurate. My Mi16 let me down just ONCE, with a split hose, in 180,000 miles.
Thanks Brian 🙂
Magnifique voiture, très belle et surtout tres sportive ! Ce modèle présenté est vraiment au top du top !
Well presented. I had planned to buy a used 205 GTi back in the early nineties but ended up with a new 106 Rallye which was also a great little car (there was a 205 Rallye as well). Nevertheless, if I were to have a classic car for special occasions it would be the 205 GTi 1.9
Thanks Kate :)
The best car... that I'll never choose to buy.
Rather wish I had got one of these, but actually bought a new 205 XLD in 1986. It was quite fast for a diesel, big engine in a small car:)
Great review, I’m on my second 205 Gti 1.6, they’re fantastic cars, would love to try a 1.9 to see how different it is, I noticed you had a photo of a 106 Roland Garros, you should try one of those too
Thanks Alan :)
I'd love a go in a 106.
Drop dead gorgeous. Find something contemporary you can say this about.
Excellent informative video. This brings back some good memories, having owned a red 1.6 gti ( obviously red ones were faster ) . Mine certainly was far from being the best example of this superb handling car . But I’d honestly have one today if ever possible. 👍
Thank you :)
Always thought the 204 was the 205s predecessor . The 1980s of course were the heyday of the hot hatch. The leaky rag top was no longer in fashion. Whilst the 205 was often compared to the Fiat UNO turbo, and the Reggie 5 turbo, I personally preferred the Fiat Strada Abarth 130 TC which was a more raw drivers car with the Lampredi twin cam on twin Webber’s.
I got given a 130tc back in the late 90s - many a BMW got owned by that car, probably thanks to its "superleggere" [rusty] bodywork 😂
The 204 was closest in size, but was discontinued some seven years before the 205 was launched.
I had a 205 CTI for a few months in the early 90s, had to sell it when I got transferred to France. Some years later back in my own country I bought a new 306 convertible that I still own and that is now accompanied by a number of 206s: one SW, one CC and a GTI180. Might the latter one be the spiritual successor to the 205 GTI 1.9?
I owned a 1.6 gti, today got an rcz, but mate of mine had a gti with an mi16 engine conversion from a 405....jeeezzuusss that thing was insane and wheel span in every gear!
The R5 was Gordini Turbo in UK, followed by the all new R5 Turbo next model, the 16i16 CRX was as good performance as the 1.9 205 GTi but didn't have a good rear seat like it's rivals. Loved driving these back in the day.
Indeed. The CRX really wasn’t on the same page for two reasons. First is the practicality as you mentioned, but I also believe a Honda was much more expensive.
Having owned such a car in the 90s i now wonder if i were to drive a 205 GTi again would it ruin my memory 🤔
Like seeing a girlfriend from 30 years ago and expecting you'd both look and be the same and knowing the reality will unfortunately leave you disappointed
Had a white 1.6 on a F plate in 2004/5 only old car ive had that i never had to do any welding on!
GTE 16v convertible Renault, 5GT turbo, XR3i but may favourite by far my Sorrento green Limited, edition, full leather 205, GTI I believe they are like rocking horse shit now..the 90s was the bomb 🎉
205 was the daddy and its still a masterpiece.
I still miss my Gti 1.9 after more than 20 years. Never should have sold it, best era of hot hatches 80’s and 90’s! Big engines and no obese cars like today.
Good review of the 205, I had one a 1.6 GTi, it replaced my faithful quirky and very left field Citroen Visa GTI. The Visa ran rings round the 205. Infact it was better in every department except looks! It was a bit ugly..... The way you could set a Visa into a 4 wheel drift , then hold it there was truly otherworldly..... The 205 even on brand new Michelin tyres would try and bite it's master..... Miss them both very much 20 years on....
I had one back in 90s my brother had a Renault 5 GT turbo we always argued the toss which was best.
My dream car in the 80's
Want this car. I've had 2 1.6 GTi's? Brilliant little cars. Love to find out what the 1.9 is like as many say the 1.6 is better because of its shorter ratio gearbox.
Quite simply.
Absolutely gorgeous......❤
Loved the 1.6 GTi more than than the 1.9 ... it was a revvy beastie
Renault R5 Alpine was the Gordini in this country. The 205 didn't really replace anything in Peugeot's precious line up. The 104/Samba became the 106, 305 became the 306 bizarrely with a time gap between the numbers
Remembering what motor journalists were writing at that time it was thought the 1.6 model was the better balanced (than the 1.9 shown here).
As I say, it’s something many in the 205 community think.
After owning a 104, I moved onto one of the first 205GTIs in 1984, and then another in 1990. The 205 was way more advanced, not having any of the rusting problems of the 104, or old tech like carbs & points. And my first 205 was easily the best handling front wheel drive car I've ever owned, with zero understeer and lift off oversteer. Unfortunately lots of poor drivers went off the road due to the latter, so it was engineered out and my next 205GTI was a shadow of the original, with built in understeer for 'safety' reasons. Plus it had gone from using 4 star leaded petrol to unleaded, and lost performance & fuel economy as a result. A great shame.
Totally agree, it was only shit drivers that ever encountered lift off oversteer. Take tge speed off before cirner entry, foit flat all the way through the corner and these things could be peddled at a huge rate.
Renault Clio williams/16S ftw. Even though she came later she had even better handling
I had a 1.9 griffe in metallic green with leather and a panoramic roof. It was a cool car and relatively expensive back in 2002, I paid 2500 for it back then. But sold it and switched to a corolla e9 GTI. THAT was a fast fun car. Unfortunately both are unobtanium these days.
Are you sorry for selling the 205?
Great video
Thank you :)