Peugeot 205

Peugeot 205 (M24). 1983–98 (prod. 5,278,054). 3- and 5-door saloon, 2-door convertible. F/F, 954, 1124, 1294, 1361, 1442, 1580, 1905 cm³ petrol, 1769, 1905 cm³ diesel (I4 OHC). Very successful and neatly designed (by Gérald Welter) supermini from Peugeot, launched at the same time as Fiat Uno (146), and turning the company’s fortunes around. Successful competition history with Turbo 16 but, in more down-to-earth form, had two sought-after hot hatches: the GTI 1·6 (from 1984) and GTI 1·9 (from 1986). Spanish-market GT with 1442 cm³ unit. Pininfarina-styled cabriolet (1986–95) also helped sales. Dynamically, an excellent drive, helping create Peugeot’s 1980s’ reputation for drivers’ cars, though GTIs tricky at the limit. Sporting models deleted 1993 as 106 and 306 successors came on stream.

Manufacturing location: Mulhouse, Alsace, France

Marque: Peugeot | Predecessor: Peugeot 104 | Successors: Peugeot 106, Peugeot 306, Peugeot 206