Is The Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6 Really The Greatest Hot Hatch of All Time?

[@london_james]

I had the 1.9 GTi when I was 20 and drove like a nutcase. Happiest days of my life 😂

[@robertsims7409]

same here my first car i actually bought 1.9 black at 19 god i had some fun !!!!!

[@london_james]

Think my insurance was about 1500 year 😂🙈

[@bikemike1118]

Same here ..in white. Was fun from day one until I sold it to my younger sister after 6 years 😎

[@michaelriley8966]

Me too at 21

[@bikemike1118]

@@michaelriley8966 yep…in 1991

[@mattylf1]

I do love an 80's/90's Hot Hatch. More than modern day supercars these days.

[@lloyd9819]

Totally agree with you. They just were so easy to throw around corners. And made all the right noises.

[@gamwpanagia]

Bet you they're faster on a tight road than a supercar too lol

[@Mr_Cholmondley_Warner]

I said the same thing today when I saw a ponce in a convertible red Ferrari. I would have turned my head for a better look if he was driving an XR2.

[@dickie8184]

Totally agree. On the way home today we drove past a green Mclaren, no idea what model. I didn't look at it in the rear view mirror, it did nothing for me.

[@billy2rivers1]

Lovely old thing .

[@lr_s3102]

Who doesn't love a 205 GTI? That noise as well!

[@isthereanybodyoutthere9397]

The entire 205 range were perfect, even the diesels.

[@gro9465]

I had 5 new 205s in the day (see other comment), and when they were in for service (frequently) the garage would give me a demo loaner, used the 205 1.9 diesel a few times, wow that went well and you could not make it use fuel as hard as I tried. I never told my boss, the tight fisted git would have tried to swap my lovely GTi for one!

[@edgarbeat275]

@@gro9465 I had a 1.8 Diesel as my 1st car was fantastic.

[@gro9465]

@@edgarbeat275 Hi, I was given one occasionally when my car was in for service, could not believe how fast it was up to about 90mph, and I could not make it use fuel! Never told my boss or he might have bought me one :)

[@edgarbeat275]

@@gro9465 also they were fantastic in the snow. I have my 3rd 205 a 1990 1.1 with 67 k miles. I'm restoring tired rear axel.

[@johndavenport7281]

We had 4 different 205 models from the 998cc to the XRDT which was stolen at 12 months from new. The latter was a very different version, it wouldn't beat anything from the traffic lights but once the turbo cut in it was a rocket. I had someone in a BMW trying to bully me on the M6, I think he mistook me for another driver who cut him up, anyway after he tried twice to force me on to the hard shoulder (for a fight?) I decided that it best to leave the scene. I dodged round him and put my foot down and watched him fall behind at warp speed. When I looked down a the speed I was nearing 130mph with no sign of the engine flattening down. With no sign of the BMW, or police, I dropped back down to 70 mph. You had to be careful with such a light body as if you hit the gas too hard on a bumpy road you could get wheel spin whilst in 5th gear! All together it was a somewhat unbalanced mix of power and weight but exhilarating too.

[@jasonleefosterb16]

Had a 1991 graphite grey 1.6 gti 20 years ago, was one of the most fun cars I've driven and owned. You don't need mega power to enjoy a drive esp on a good country road.

[@xmlthegreat]

This thing brings back nostalgia for the 80s/early 90s. Just that design, the thought put into it, what it means and represents... It's also got an unmistakable Frenchness to it.

[@kesfitzgerald1084]

This is such a go cart - so much fun to drive and very forgiving. I profess no great skill as a driver but the modest skill I do claim can be attributed to owning this wee beastie.

[@london_james]

Wasn't very forgiving when I owned one. Probably my driving style.

[@kesfitzgerald1084]

@@london_james normally I drive a bit like a nana but it always makes me feel like I am doing great things.

[@TheGmart05]

@@london_james lift off oversteer? Caught me out !

[@london_james]

@@TheGmart05 exactly that. Spun the car and hit a roundabout ☺️

[@kesfitzgerald1084]

@@TheGmart05 oh, yeah - I thought it was just me. Too funny 🤣🤣

[@timcollins380]

Thanks for the nostalgia JM. I owned 2 of these one after the other in the late 80s. I lived in Norfolk which had some fabulous roads to enjoy the 205 GTI. Cracking little cars.

[@jmpcrx]

I owned one years ago to.. 1.6gti. Live on norfolk/Suffolk border, but yes great backroads at night! 👍

[@kipsome45]

That brought back memories. I worked as a sales ‘executive’ at Stag Hill Motors in Godalming in the early nineties and drove, and sold, loads of 205 GTi’s. I even had a 1.9 demonstrator with PAS in the same colour as your friend’s car, Topaz Blue metallic as I recall. For me the 1.9 was the one to have, weighing so little that extra 15bhp really did make a difference.

[@triffid68]

Miami Blue metallic - I had a Special Edition 1.6, and there was also a Sorrento Green Special edition model that was also a popular colour for the 309 GTI.

[@garycrowe6921]

I had a brand new one in 88 replacing my 944 and on a tight bendy road it was unbeatable keep in screaming and you could not help but smile just brilliant

[@marquezvanroeschen5340]

purchased a 1.9 GTI 6 years ago and the love for this car is still growing!

[@xeboi11]

10-20k! so pleased I had one of these back in the early 2000's I payed £600 for a Sorrento green 1.6 GTi loved it at the time

[@kenshot5672]

Mine was sh!te, gutless, flimsy and the laquer peeled off. Also the leather trim on my sorrento was more like brittle plastic than real hide. It looked cute but was still a peasant car. Horrible in hindsight.

[@jmpcrx]

Mine cost me £80. Needed a new engine. Dropped one in for £50, and boom. Great car. Until I had to drop another engine in a year later due to another blown headgasgit.

[@xeboi11]

@@jmpcrx My main problems were the terrible electrics & the millions of rubber pipes under the bonnet

[@kenshot5672]

@@jmpcrx aye thats the problem, I still can't value the old stuff any more now than I did then. So unless I can find an mot'd 205gti for £800 then I'm out.

[@benpenagonzales6014]

Had a 1.9. Loved it. Steel block alloy head so head gasket a certain if not warmed up properly! And 14” pepper pots were the copy of the T16 rally car. Ace.

[@ashtonmark24]

1.6 had shorter gear ratios I think, 1.9 was longer so better for motorway etc. 1.6 had drum rear brakes, 1.9 discs. One of my best mates had a 1.9 my dad restored, his sister then got a 1.6, both fun cars in their own right (he liked both and I've driven both)... I'd have said 1.9 if you asked me originally, but the advice on the forums seems to be to try both and see which suits you best. They're getting to be serious £ now though and as ever it's hard to find one that's not been front ended (no abs, check wing mounting bolts/for signs of front end damage) or messed about/badly modded

[@FizzyMotors]

One of the most fun you can have in a car, doesn't matter where you're coming from

[@RichardGSweet]

I had a standard 1.4 205 when I was 17, even the non-GTI version was a hoot to drive.

[@jonathanpatterson6768]

Have had a few 205 GTI's and yes, the 1.6 was the better more fun to drive. Feels like your doing 120mph when in reality it's just 60!

[@bmwman1981]

Sorry the 1.6 was the poor relation to the 1.9 which in my eyes was a far better car it actually had the power that warranted the gti badge

[@rocket3man]

I had the 205GTI 1.6, and loved it, messed with it and tuned it up and had 2 great years with it. The 1.6 was the peppier engine of the two but standard the 1.9 was quicker.

[@paulthorpe766]

All about the flywheel snatch for me in traffic - 1.9 was awful 1.6 was fine (had both, preferred 1.6, except wheels).

[@benbirch2393]

1.6 definitely is the better and more fun drivers car. I have neither but have driven many, and have no dog in the fight.

[@iantownsend500]

I always preferred the 1.6 version more Rev happy & I love the Pepperpot alloys

[@jamesengland7461]

I could listen to this motor all day!

[@phil8437]

A very good car. The 205GTI was and is amazing to drive- reliable too if looked after. Peugeot don't build exciting cars these days. They are just boring unreliable boxes. I have a Suzuki Cappuccino which is great to drive and Cappuccinos can still be purchased at reasonable prices.

[@kesfitzgerald1084]

Hey, i agree. And yes, the Cappuccinos are just a fun car. A few about in Oz, just don't seem to have many in NZ.

[@davog1946]

But then you have to be seen in a cappuccino 😂😂

[@smwatson1512]

Not sure if you've driven a Peugeot recently but they are a) not unreliable, and b) not boring boxes.

[@phil8437]

@@smwatson1512 The puretech engines are troublesome long term. They have a cambelt in oil arrangement which from a reliability point of view is a poor design as they can prematurely fail. Also Peugeot don't perform very well in car reliability surveys. What Car recently ranked them 25th out of 30 cars surveyed.

[@phil8437]

@@davog1946 Drive one. They are amazing.

[@Sorted7]

205 gti is awesome in either engine. Also give the 106 and 306 gtis a go as they r a slightly more grown up drive along the same lines. 309 gti is a hidden gem but the mk2 golf gti also hits the same spot

[@rosco3223]

Then 106s with a few mods used to call wel.

[@gerryr1893]

Just bought another one 20 years later after owning one I love it

[@32mlucas]

I have driven a 205 GTI 1.6 to Italy and back several times and motorway driving was perfectly fine and enjoyable. If anything it struggled with mountain passes due to lack of power at high altitude

[@Photoandcargeek]

Being French I learnt how to drive at a driving school which had 205s and I took my 20h of driving lessons on the 205 diesel, turbo diesel and 205 GTI 1.6 and I loved driving the TDI and GTI which I found awesome at the time and would love to drive again ... 25 years later despite owning Porsche, Ferrari and having purchased for my wife a Peugeot 308 (1.2 Puretech 130bhp) which also happens to be a great and fun to drive little car. But I would love to have a go on a 205 again!

[@marvinsamuels1237]

Just seeing the thumbnail brought back some great driving memories. Never owned or drove a GTi, but I owned an 1.4 XS in the same pale blue, on a (90) H plate. It was a facelift model with clear indicators at the front and darkened lights at the back. Looked just like a GTi from the front, but not the sides, surprised a lot of people with its acceleration and steered & rode sweetly. Downsides; hated rain. The large sliding sunroof leaked around the handle and the dizzy cap allowed moisture in if it rained overnight causing me to have to dry it with a hairdryer before I could get to work, but I absolutely loved that car 😍

[@The_BenboBaggins]

I had an 86' 1.9 GTi for a while, absolutely loved it, fully regret passing it on - would have loved a proper French 205 Rallye, they came with a 1.3 on twin Webbers! My 04 plated Cooper S is as close as I've ever come to replicating the experience.

[@benbirch2393]

R53s are pretty hard to beat

[@edmurth]

Had a 1.9 when I was 19, too long ago now. It’s still my favourite out of all the cars I’ve owned and cemented my love of hot hatches, to the point that I’m in my forties and my current car is a Polo GTI +

[@markharnett9389]

Many years ago, I owned both an early 1985 105bhp 1.6 GTI (without PAS) and a limited edition 1990 1.9 GTI , Miami Blue and full leather. Hands down the 1.6 was the better car. Far less torque than the 1.9 but far more fun. As has been said by many others, it was so responsive on the throttle and (particularly without PAS) the steering was really communicative, and at low speeds in the damp would turn beautifully with a little lift off oversteer. I suppose that was the joy of it, you could have loads of fun without going too fast. It's the only car I deeply regret selling.

[@johnwhite9994]

I Race one! 700kgs, 150 ponies, she embarrasses many 2L 16V of the 90's and 2000's all day long! I love it!

[@RuiSilva-ky4yu]

So nice to see this! I love this little old hot hatches, would love to see a review of a Nova Gte/gsi, they are quite rare these days.

[@SkProductions56]

These have more than doubled in value here in AU in the last year or so. Kick myself every day for not getting one years ago.

[@harryshaw3760]

So now they worth $2.50?

[@PugGTi-vo2lg]

@@harryshaw3760 🤦, they are similarly priced now to its rivals of the time

[@Kernwaffe88]

I got my driving license driving one of these. My brothers 1.6 gti. Great car To learn driving no silly abs and stuff.

[@mesco8200]

Fun factor always beats fast factor. Great having loads of power but most of the time you can never use it. Better having around 100bhp and use it 100%of the time 👍🏻 try an ax gt it was even more fun. Plus it had great seats

[@Dan23_7]

My cousin had a red AX GT for his first car. It was really quick Getting tyres fit was a pain though 😂

[@15kilkenny]

AX GT awesome and underrated and rare now I think only 4 left in the UK

[@Dan23_7]

@@15kilkenny I heard the french got the Japanese to make the AX from origami paper 😂

[@15kilkenny]

@@Dan23_7 lol they were literally made of paper sticks and plastic cool cars tho

[@geoffclarke8934]

Brilliant little hot hatch. I had a 1.9 GTI in my younger days in the late 90s which was huge fun but I did have to spend quite a bit of money on it as it was a rather tired example. When sorted it was brilliant.

[@thedrivebygg]

Great video, I owned this exact spec and a 1.9 in white, loved them both. I used to drive up the M11 into London each day in my 1.9 and it was a tad noisy especially at 100mph, when you used to be able to get away with it. I remember them being a nightmare in the wet, especially going around a roundabout, the car understeered rather a lot. I paid around £6k for mine in the 90’s wish I kept it now. I would say my 106 sxi was a better car to drive, more advanced in most areas. Great review bought back great memories

[@johngreenwood1972]

I had a 1.9 back in the 90s. Best car I've ever owned. Complete joy to drive.

[@pauldavey422]

I bought a 1.9 'Cheetah ' version from my brother..he couldn't get insurance! It had been tweaked to about 160bhp with many fibreglass parts so super light. It was a blast. My wife now has a 1995 1.4 205 cabriolet, we drove from Windsor to Hamburg and then to Toulon a couple of weeks ago. It didn't miss a beat..fantastic.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

I love an old French hot hatch, can't beat them for fun. For someone who wants an interesting classic and isn't into hot hatches though, a 300ZX seems a good option...

[@jamiem3765]

Agreed...i would even consider an auto.. back in the day, an auto? No chance 😂

[@ApothecaryTerry]

@@jamiem3765 Yeah, as a "current" car I wouldn't have touched any auto before the late 00s. For a classic, especially in a GT it doesn't seem such a bad option now. It'll also mean less worry about killing the value by doing miles, although some of those miles will be less fun...the long ones will be nice though.

[@davidwright1605]

You don't like the look of the 205?!? I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder but there are some cars like the E-Type that just about everyone loves and for me the 205 is in this category.

[@weedaviec]

I went to the Scottish Motor Show at the SECC in about '87 and had a seat in one aged 15. Since then, the 205 gti has remained a car I would love to own. I drove a minted H plate belonging to a friend back in early 90's and it felt amazing- like a rally car. My only regret is that I have missed the boat as the prices have gone mental.

[@kevinclark9513]

I had 2 1.6s back to back - 89 then 91. Best cars I ever had, loved them. We used to call them baseball boots - fast and stuck to the road like a go cart. What great times! The later version wasn’t quite as good because we’d moved to unleaded then and it lost a little of the edge. Great video that brought back lots of fond memories. Thanks.

[@grizzlystr3445]

Owned one in the early 90s, graphite grey with a factory sunroof. Put 150,000miles on it in 8yrs & loved it to bits. No modern safety net of electronics, proper drivers car & a blast down a back road 😎

[@MrRoyck10]

I had a black Pug 1.6 gti, I called it “the lion king” as it destroyed every car in its class on the street races before speed cameras appeared on the scene. Renault 4 GT Turbo was its main rival in those days and modified one gave my lion king a bloody nose 👃 Thanks JayEmm for such a nostalgic experience.

[@russcattell955i]

To be fair to the 1.6 GTi, a Renault GT turbo turbocharged in motorsport is subject to a cc X 1.4 ratio, thus 1397cc = 1955cc. So in 1601-1999cc class. This is where Ford cocked up with the Escort 3 RS Turbo. 1596cc X 1.4 = 2234cc, over 2000cc class. A class with the likes of Chevette HSR, Sunbeam Lotus, Nissan 240 RS, Opel Ascona / Manta 400 and Porsche 911.

[@coltr7561]

Renault 4 GT Turbo? maybe in france it was rival, other parts of world rival were, like Ritmo Abarth and Golf GTI

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@coltr7561 I have never seen a Renault 4 GT Turbo. I have seen plenty of Renault 5 GT Turbo's, and they were better handling cars than the 205 GTi.

[@davidpliskin1137]

Had a '91 1.9 for a few years and it was a blast, can be difficult getting parts, especially trim pieces!

[@Roadwarrior92]

I've heard peugeot are making parts again for them?

[@lukaswilfinger8752]

thank god i never sold mine. have it for 15 years now and i really take care of it. its just a pleasure to drive this car

[@joelsmith9311]

I just saved this to my watch later but have to comment now because even now, at 45 years old and fortunate enough to enough some lovely metal, I’m a huge hot hatch fan. And yes, the 205 GTi 1.6 is on of the greats, but the Clio Williams (IMHO) is the greatest. Except maybe for that Fiat Strada Abarth I used to own…. Actually no, the Citroen AX GTi! Actually no, the 205 GTi 1.9. Then again I loved the Golf GTi Mk2 16v…. Nope, it was definitely the Williams. I am looking forward to watching this later, love hot hatches. 👌🏼

[@nickwallis3750]

130tc 👍😄

[@joelsmith9311]

@@nickwallis3750 It’s funny, that car used to drive me mad with frustration it was so troublesome - the clutch cable would stretch like a piece of spaghetti and the electrics had a mind of their own - but I had some AMAZING drives in it, the engine was gloriously snorty and it loved being hurled around at silly speeds. These days I do miss it!

[@nickwallis3750]

@@joelsmith9311 I had D339 RGT in 1990 and kept it for 15 years in dry storage. Amazing car. Air box off and trumpets out. Had some amazing fast cars during and since then but that is the one that left a Mark due to the noise and instant response. Not many left now

[@facilitator969]

I had a black 1989 1.6 gti, and then upgraded to a 1990 red 1.9gti. The 1.9 was an absolute rocket for the day - and significantly quicker than the 1.6. Absolutely loved it - a go-cart on steroids. And would cruise at 90mph on the motorway. Fortunately no accidents, as zero safety features!

[@pauledwards8383]

Had a 1.9gti in my youth. Best car I've ever owned, just so much fun!

[@mahouney]

You should drive euro 205 1.3 rallye. That so much involving car and the engine is much more revvier and fun than 1.6/1.9. Double weber carbs sound amazing.

[@wilf18]

I had a f Reg 205 XS in 1990 it was a 1.4 twin choke Weber 85 Bhp brilliant fun I was 19

[@rossturnbull8632]

Owned a white 1.9gti for a while ...fitted the gearbox from a 1.6gti and that totally transformed the car....

[@grahamhill8727]

I had an '88 1.6 gti, first of the face-lift in red. 4 years, 100k miles. Visited about 8 countries across Europe. Loved it. Because so light, it was nippy, but handled and stopped amazing well. And it never missed a beat! Very reliable for me, but it had full dealer servicing! I had Peugeot dealer lower it! Cured the lift off oversteer and was one of the best handling cars I ever owned! Was sorry to see it go, but many great memories!

[@TMNB163]

As the owner of one these, thanks for this video, I couldn’t have said it better myself

[@nadeemm429]

In 2016, when I was 13, this was my dream car. Now it's unattainable.

[@redrobbo9290]

Lol hardly stop being defeatest if you want one get one they made loads of them buy a base model stuff an mi16 in it

[@izaakmakwana]

Yeah I agree with red robbo, if you think like that you’ll never get it! As Jayemm said they’re £10-20k, expensive but not unattainable. I always believe if you want it enough (and work hard enough!), opportunities will arise to bring it to you.

[@redrobbo9290]

Just had a quick mooch on marketplace there's a white van with mot for 1700quid with GTi rims good basis for a long term project

[@robc5955]

Old enough to remember these from new, never had one but that example is a joy with a lovely review to remind me at least of the noises that used to be common. Love it and want one.

[@jameshunterford4099]

Now this is a JayEmm review. I loved it and not because of the car. How you reviewed this car and how you put the words across was excellent! 👌🏼

[@boyztoyz7054]

Oh the memories :) I had a 1.9 back in the day. 3 years old when I bought it, I owned it for 18 months and it spent 6 of those off the road with mechanical issues and when it was working there was a constant stream of other issues like self destructing interior trim, one electrical issue after another etc. It was without doubt THE most unreliable and badly built car I have ever owned. The TVR I had a few years later was more reliable :) You'd think I hated it right? Not at all. When it worked it was the most glorious thing and gave me goose bumps. I had a chance years later to drive a Caterham 7 and that reminded me a little bit of the 205. A modern equivalent with its much higher power, grip etc will be all very exciting but it will not in any way give you the pleasure of actually driving, interacting with and controlling a car in the way that one of these will.

[@slasher9883]

This is exactly my experience owning a 1.9GTI as well :-)

[@shand1967]

I had a 205XS which every bit of fun as the GTi (I have driven one of those). My XS would rev to 7000 rpm and was a delight. The steering was unassisted so you could read the road like braille. If you think the GTI is fussy at motorway speeds, the XS cruised at 70 turning over 4000 rpm!. The best car I have ever owned and I will regret to my dying day that I sold t.

[@alexandrestarinsky1055]

205 XS and first generation AX GT are definitely hidden gems in the realm of classic hot hatches.

[@MGman100]

In 1985 I went from a 2 litre Cortina to one of these! Great car. I later bought the 309 GTI which had a fantastic chassis and was definitely the better car overall. Happy days!

[@hairycornflake8580]

Had a 1.6, a 1.9 and an mi16 converted one. Loved them

[@discount8508]

when it comes to getting a smile on your dial ......... this is a quick car

[@theroddy]

Had a go in a mate’s 1.9 GTi. Absolutely bloody brilliant.

[@nickvanhouwelingen]

I currently drive the 205 1.4. she's 26 years old and not GTI but I still love it

[@simondrew7346]

Had both the 1.6 & 1.9 in the 90s - I preferred the 1.9, the engine response was electric as said in the review. We used to be able to buy them for £1000, drive them until they broke and buy another - there seemed to be a never ending supply of Renault 5 turbos, Peugeot GTIs and Ford RSs - if I’d kept hold of all those classic hot hatches I’ve owned I’d be mortgage free by now!

[@jamesrobert4106]

I remember in the early 2000s walking away from a clean 1.6. It was a bit overpriced at the time. £435.00 😳 Hindsight!!!

[@ratty383]

I was selling these at a main London dealer when they were new, it was generally accepted that although the 1.9 was the quicker car it was a bit lumpy to drive and that the 1.6 was the sweeter and more nimble version. It has to be said though that the 1.4 XS/GT with its twin choke carb was the real sweet spot in the range, to this day I’ve never driven a car that was more fun to drive..fun times !

[@fridonina]

I had one of both, the 1.6 was more pure, the 1.9 had a more luxuerioys interior, i loved them both.....hmm...that was a long time ago, i am an old man now, no exiting cars for me anymore... Thanks mate, this brings back memories !

[@robfarthing7087]

I was driving one of these in the early 90s ...loved it

[@yeahno....]

Had a 1.9, and a Citroen BX gti with the same engine, and before both of those a Citroen visa gti 1.6 (115ps version) and that was the best of the three, these are basically extinct in the U.K. but if I ever found one in good condition it would be mine as the most fun

[@yeahno....]

@Alan Cobbin yeah I have not seen an activa for sale for close to 15 years now, I test drove one when new and was magical the way it cornered, we were a family of psa Citroen owners, my sister had an ax and a BX, I had the above and a couple of other lesser Peugeot’s, my father had a Dyane, a GS then a gsa and a BX estate and my mum two ax, at one point 5 cars between four of us, can you tell there was a Citroen agent in the village we lived 🤣

[@eefneleman9564]

Knowing the Visa is even smaller than the 205, I can hardly believe that engine would fit!

[@yeahno....]

@@eefneleman9564 I think you are thinking of the AX, the visa was essentially the same platform as a Peugeot 104 with 4 door versions and are the same size bar a few mm as a 205

[@theroddy]

I had an AX GT and it was hilarious. Just rev the nuts off it and chuck it about. I was rather glad I didn’t crash it.

[@gdritchie]

Had one of these as a company car back in the day and yes it got totally thrashed on almost every drive. Brilliant little car, took all the abuse and only ever came out of a roundabout backwards once...

[@jo05dk]

The 205 GTI is such a cool little car, and fantastic looking too. Only car that, to me, really beats it in the looks department (in the small GTI/aso class), is the 205 Rallye. I LOOOVE me a 205 Rallye. ..now a days i'd probably go for a 206 GTI/180 if i wanted a small fast-ish Peugeot, but that's because i'm slightly worried about hooning around in such a tiny tin can, with all the big heavy modern cars around. I think i love the idea of the 205 more than actually owning one, for safety reasons only.

[@richardfield2701]

Thanks for the video, and the happy memories from the early 90's. My now wife, girlfriend (21 year old student - don't ask about insurance! )at the time, had a 89/F 1.6 GTi and her brother a similar age 1.9 so we used to swap about. What a hoot, such a fun little car, a blast on a back road (and tres horrible on the motorway!) I'm not going to wade into the 1.6 v 1.9 debate, both were brilliant, but different. We only sold it because as they got older, more miles, thing just broke or packed up, so sold it to a friend and bought a Honda Civic 1.6VTi (in fact 2) Now there is one underrated but brilliant hot hatch, right there. JayEmm, another video for you... 205 GTi best hot hatch ever? maybe for driving, but is the Golf GTI just better at doing EVERYTHING well? discuss...

[@timhancock6626]

I got my 1.6 in white with sunroof and electric windows exactly 35 years ago in September 1986. It was a great car, but you didn't want to crash one as they were not very strong shells. I loved driving it though and it gave you great confidence driving round the Yorkshire Dales. I had a Mk2 Golf Gti 8 4 door valve after it. It wasn't as much fun but it was far better made.

[@amnril]

I still own a Miami Blue 1.9 GTi. It’s a very late 1993 example and it’s great to drive with only 67k miles on the clock. Watching this video makes me want to dig it out of the garage.

[@jonathansmith5850]

I never drove one of these but as a teenager in the late 80’s and early 90’s these were so much more desirable than an XR2/XR2i or Nova SR or GTE. They just had a special something both to look at, and from reviews, to drive. It was when the french made a much better car in general. (Peugeot diesels, Renault 5 GT turbo, Citroen BX/CX suspension etc) The 205 GTI reminds us (of a certain age) of the fond memories from our youth, even if it was just because we wanted one! 🤣 About 18 months ago the guy across the road (who is similar age to me) bought himself a 1.9 limited edition with the limited metallic blue paint and half leather. It needed some mechanical work on it. We have never spoken before he brought it home. That day we spend over an hour geeking over it and searching around it, starting it and discussing and searching what needed fixing. That’s what makes these sort of cars special

[@davidawilliams1782]

In 2001 I was lucky to own a 205 1.9 GTI 1989 miami Blue, it had 1 lady owner from new. Loved it biggest mistake selling that, awesome car👍👍

[@henryhol8538]

Congratulations James! It looks like your dream to own a classic car has just come true! Brilliant news!👍🏽

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Very cool little car. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@martinlaver007]

It’s one of those cars where you feel when you’ve got a passenger. Or had a big breakfast.

[@kirbyswarp]

I can feel it in a cor with more than double the hp

[@roryingram9332]

Had a 1.6 and 1.9 and preferred my 1.6, it was a great balance. Currently got a 1.6 16v 205 and its entertaining at what feels like 172 pace with its 145bhp.

[@reidster87]

Those pinch welds underneath look brand new! I can't believe this is a 31+ year old car.

[@grahambrien6106]

Had a Miami Blue 1.6 one of these as my first car, bought for £2.5K cost me £1,100 third party to insure in 1998. Worth every penny as I drove nearly 20 miles each day to work when I could have done 11 through my local town. So much fun at not silly speeds but could keep up with pretty much anything non rally related in country roads. Great great great car would love one as a toy.

[@pepy977]

I had a 1.6gti in the late 80's then two 1.9gti in the 90's and as I can see you are driving between Bodenham and Sutton in hereford the very roads these cars excelled going flat out it was the perfect hooligan car

[@Anirossa]

Had a fiesta mk1 winter beater last winter, terrible daily, no power, didn't strand me that many times during the couple months I had it, just a few times I had to walk.... Was a fun little go cart though, and was mostly the carb needing sorting, it made me smile untill I got tired of it, glad I owned it, glad I sold it, financed a mint barn find 88 model BMW E34 that still looks new inside and the paint on it is still all shiny and nice and body all clean with no rust. That is pretty crazy for the salt country I live in

[@S73PJY1971]

lovely car. R5T for me though. funny, thinking back i remember R5 mod scene was much stronger than for the 205. the 1.9 wheels did it for me.

[@seanmorgan4099]

Great memories for me - I had a 1.6 then a 1.9 and decided the 1.9 was better. It has discs all round so better brakes plus the oil cooler meant you could drive it harder without the oil getting too hot. I use to road rally the 1.6 and whilst no expert driver, could finish in the top 10 against the RS2000 which were the weapon of choice back then. The 1.9 I took to France for a 3 week camping trip with 2 wind surfers on the roof - drove all the way to the south through the night and no on overtook me ! ah great memories

[@martinmentor]

cars like the 205 gti are as you say about the connection with the road. Yes they are basic in comparison with modern cars. But modern cars are about technology and disconnection with the road. I drove more lowly 205's back in the day and loved them all

[@davidofford7002]

I call it superb racing steel blue, the perfect crisp white get down to business shirt . . . and the ralented triumvirate, Ben Darren . . . and James. Oh, and the car, too 👍

[@woooozaaa6528]

I have a 1993 205 1.4 Winner for nearly 5 years now. I've driven a lot of modern sporty stuff, mainly AMGs and VW GTI and R's. But nothing gives the joy of a 205. You don't even need the GTI to have loads of fun. The 1.4 is even lighter, more stripped out and has a shorter gearbox. It's barely slower than the 1.6 GTI. Because I don't want to daily my 205, I recently got myself a 1999 106 1.4 Sport with AC as a daily driver. It's less fun, but more usable.

[@Gorbyrev]

Loved my 205 even though it was a GLD. The 1.6 and 1.9 thing is a power vs weight over nose debate. For some the GT and XS with the carbs are the pick of the bunch. Suppose the Mk2 Golf GTi was also available in two flavours 8v and 16v, the XR3i was available at the same time as the German RS1600i. It is a bit of a hot hatch thing to have an alternative. Of course you could hold out for one of the many 205 GTi's that has the engine from the 405 Mi16. Actually a 405Mi16 would make a fabulous classic car. Off to the classifieds.

[@andrewwallace1030]

There is one of these sitting in my local village. Hasn’t been on the road in 7 years. There is very few videos like this on KZbin on 1.6’s. Topaz blue too😍

[@javonaziz5323]

Seems the owner needs rid... Do you think they would take a fiver for it? 😂

[@andrewwallace1030]

@@javonaziz5323 I’ve just written a letter and going to put it through his door now🤣

[@javonaziz5323]

@@andrewwallace1030 in all seriousness, someone needs to get it back on the road... Or at the very least on a track 🤙

[@obellinfantie]

@@andrewwallace1030 let us know how you get on with that! Good luck!!!!

[@andrewwallace1030]

@@obellinfantie I will do! Where’s the best place to update you.

[@KevinTullock]

My 1.6 GTi was bloody awesome, k&n filter, sports exhaust, 3 spoke alloys, White…… I wish I’d never sold it.

[@gro9465]

Peugeot 205 1.1GL was my first car (17yo), new in 1984 and what a machine. Then had the 205 XS with the 1.4 twin carbs (didn't stay in tune long) but as I was driving 40,000miles pa they were all in the garage regularly. Next was the 205 1.6GTi, super revvy same gearing as the XS I recall, 18.7mph/1000rpm. And lastly the 205 1.9GTi, super quick and higher gearing (20.5?) wow what a car has to one of my all time favourites (and I have been fortunate to have lots of nice toys). Seriously thinking about buying one now. Loved all of my 205s, drove them all like I stole them I remember having the 1.1GL off the clock (downhill M1), you could in those days. You were asking about the differences between the 1.6 and 1.9, I am no 205 expert, but I recall the 1.6 had shorter gearing, softer suspension and revved forever. My preference was the 1.9, longer gearing, bigger wheels and tyres and firmer suspension. 'Raced' many Golfs XR3i RSTurbos, especially with the M25 club, had to lap the M25 in under an hour! Nothing ever kept up with the 205 on rails handling. James you brought back many very fond memories. Oh and they were all Cherry Red, without that awful sunroof.

[@joerigby8718]

Sound recording is spot on 👌🏼

[@thomaswhelan7516]

My favourite hot hatch of the period was the Mk 1 XR2. Pulled from low down and loved the chunky steering wheel. M1 golf gti a close second

[@danj7123]

Always wanted the 1.9! Had the pleasure of a xr2i instead. These little go carts were awesome fun back in the day.

[@pault8470]

I had one . Glue comes to mind the GTi was an amazing car

[@gepwxaqdfsidsesg1548]

Personally I think I would prefer a 309 GTI. I love the styling, and I heard that the slightly longer wheelbase makes it a bit more stable.

[@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge]

Definitely, I have a 309 although just a bog standard 1.4, still the most fun car I have ever driven, superbly comfortable, still handles super well in corners and was economical. GTIs unfortunately are near unobtainium.

[@TiagoJoaoSilva]

Almost everybody bought the 205GTi, and the 309 really benefits from the 1.9's extra torque. So they're already more expensive because of the bigger engine and rarer than hen's teeth...

[@JD-eo7dr]

@@TiagoJoaoSilva 309s had a wider track too 309 wishbone and rear beam was popular upgrade on 205s

[@olisharp6801]

So you’re not a fan of lift-off oversteer then 🤣

[@gepwxaqdfsidsesg1548]

@@olisharp6801 I had a 305 estate with van rear suspension. If you went absolutely insane and lifted off it would do a nice four wheel drift, but it would never snap all the way round. That was enough excitement for me.

[@clayp.e30_v86]

One of the most nervous passenger rides for me some years ago was in an mi16 swapped one of these with a slightly unhinged driver behind the wheel on some pretty tight country roads. I remember how small and totally unsafe it felt but what a thrill it was lol. It felt rapid.!!! Not by today's standard ofcourse but for a little tin can... They still have a huge following all these years on

[@Sir-Prizse]

The cute little Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6 has almost the same power to weight ratio as my Mazda MX-5 NB 1.6 and in my opinion the power is fully adequate for enough driving fun on the country road. Love those kind of cars.