Peugeot 205 GTi Review 1984

There can be no doubt that the outward similarity of the Peugeot 205 GTi and Peugeot’s Group B rally weapon, the Turbo 16, is due to more than coincidence. But for most sporting drivers, the 205 GTi is about as close as they’re going to get to Peugeot’s compact but potent contender for World Rally Championship honours. 
Peugeot 205 GTi 1984
Although the hot hatch GTi is the first 205 to appear in three-door form, it is clear that from the outset the range was intended to contain both three- and five-door versions which would accept a wide variety of power units and suspension systems. This is by far the most fun.

What most obviously sets the GTi apart is the installation of the 1580cc XU5J engine, a fuel-injected unit producing 105bhp at 6250rpm, 99lb ft of torque at 4000rpm and working on a higher 10.2 to 1 compression ratio.

205 T16 Turbo 16

To homologate the 205 T16 ("Turbo 16" in France) Group B rally car, Peugeot had to produce 200 road-going examples. A photograph showing the 200 cars was famously rumoured to be a fake. Apart from the appearance, the road variants had practically nothing in common with the regular production model and shared the transverse mid-engine, four-wheel drive layout of the rally car, but had less than half the power; at around 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp). 


The T was for Turbo; the 16 stands for 16 valves. The road going Turbo 16 205s were built by Heuliez. Outwardly similar to a normal 205, the T16 had wider wheel arches, and the whole rear section lifted up to give access to the engine. Underneath, the complex drivetrain from the rally car was kept to abide by the Group B rules. All 200 built were left-hand drive. More on the Peugeot 205 T16 Turbo 16 


Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 Rally




Peugeot 205 Gentry

The Gentry was a limited edition 205, although arguably not a GTI model at all, as it used the track control arm front suspension of the regular 205 rather than the GTI's 'wishbone' design and a detuned 105 bhp (78 kW; 106 PS) 1.9 engine with auto gearbox. Only 300 models were made in Sorrento Green and Aztec Gold (sometimes called Mayfair Beige). More on the Peugeot 205 Gentry

Paris Motorshow
They came with full-leather and wood effect interior, power assisted steering, ABS and heated mirrors. The Gentry came with the same body side trims as the GTI, which led to the Gentry often being mistaken for a GTI.

Peugeot 205 GTi

The GTI version came in 1.6-litre and 1.9-litre, in-line four cylinder configurations, and is considered one of the very best hot hatches of all time. Compared to modern cars they can be tricky to handle, due to their tendency towards lift-off oversteer and an absence of electronic driver aids. However these cars are still known to offer a very rewarding driving experience. Read more about the Peugeot 205 GTi
Paris 1985.  Where do I sign!

Peugeot 205 Rallye

From 1988 to 1992 Peugeot produced another variant of the 205, the 205 Rallye, which was engineered and produced by Peugeot-Talbot sport. This edition of the 205 was positioned as a cost effective alternative to the 205 GTI, retaining its sporty character, but being less expensive to buy and maintain. More on the Peugeot 205 Rallye



Show Time!

These pictures were taken by professional photographer and Peugeot 205 GTi owner Ben Dobson.  Enjoy the pictures! All rights reserved copyright 2012.