Peugeot 205

The Peugeot 205 was a supermini automobile produced by the French manufacturer Peugeot between 1983 and 1998.

History

Widely regarded as a modern classic, the 205 is often credited as the car which turned Peugeot's fortunes around. Before the 205, Peugeot was considered the most conservative of France's "big three" car manufacturers, producing worthy but dull large sedans such as the 504 and 505. The genesis of the 205 lay within Peugeot's takeover in 1978 of Simca, which had the necessary expertise in making small cars. Early 205s used the "Douvrin" engine from the older Peugeot 104, although these were later replaced with the newer XU and TU-series engines, which were of PSA design. Engines ranged from 954 cc to 1905 cc engine displacement, in carburetor or fuel injected petrol and Diesel versions.

The 205 was an instant hit, and the styling parameters that it set were echoed in every Peugeot model that was to follow. Incredibly, the styling was never face lifted or altered once in its 15-year production run, apart from a dashboard redesign for model year 1987 and a face lift in late 1990 gave the 205 new door design and cards, clear front indicators new rear lights SPI and Catalytic converters introduced.

205 production was gradually slowed down following the introduction of the joint replacement models, the 106, and 306, and eventually stopped in 1998, but amid pressure from the market, the company finally built a direct replacement in the 206, which was launched in 1998. Over 5,278,000 Peugeot 205s have been produced.

High performance variants

205 GTi

The GTi versions came in either 1.6 or 1.9 litre configuration, and are considered to be among the most popular hot hatches of the era. Compared to modern cars they are difficult to handle but offer a very rewarding driving experience when mastered.

The 1.6GTi came with a XU5J engine, producing 105bhp DIN (77kW), for the 1987 model year the XU5J received the cylinder head with larger valves from the 1.9GTi's XU9JA engine thus becoming XU5JA. The new engine was quoted for 115bhp (85kW). The 1.9GTi came with a XU9JA engine producing 130bhp DIN (96kW), although later models with a catalytic converter produced 121bhp DIN (89kW). Internally these engines are identical except for different stroke and some parts of the fuel injection system. Outside the engine bay the main differences between the 1.6GTi and the 1.9GTi are half leather seats (1.9GTi) vs. cloth seats (1.6GTi); and disc brakes all round (1.9GTi) vs. discs at the front and drum brakes at the back (1.6GTi); as well as the 14inch alloy wheels (1.6GTi) vs. 15inch alloys (1.9GTi).