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.
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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.