Peugeot 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 1.6 GTI came with a XU5J engine, producing 105 bhp DIN (77 kW), for the 1987 model year the XU5J received the cylinder head with larger valves from the 1.9 GTI's XU9JA engine thus becoming XU5JA. The new engine was quoted for 115 bhp (85 kW). The 1.9 GTI came with a XU9JA engine producing 130 bhp DIN (96 kW), although later models with a catalytic converter produced 122 bhp DIN (89 kW). Internally these engines are very similar, the main differences on 1.9-litre versions being the longer stroke, oil cooler, and some parts of the fuel injection system. The shorter stroke 1.6-litre engine is famed for being revvy and eager, while the 1.9-litre feels lazier and torquier. Outside the engine bay the main differences between the 1.6 GTI and the 1.9 GTI are half leather seats (1.9 GTI) vs. cloth seats (1.6 GTI); and disc brakes all round (1.9 GTI) vs. discs at the front and drum brakes at the back (1.6 GTI); as well as the 14 inch alloy wheels (1.6 GTI) vs. 15 inch alloys (1.9 GTI).
The 205 is still mentioned to this day in group car tests of the newest GTI models or equivalent. Peugeot itself has never truly recreated this success in future GTI models. A cabriolet version, known as the CJ (or CT in France), was designed and partily assembeled by Pininfarina of Italy. A CTi version, with the same plastic arches and wheels as the 1.6 GTI was also available. Some later models incorporated the catalysed 1.9 engine.
The main aesthetic difference between the GTI/CTi versions and other 205 models were the plastic wheel arches and trim, beefier front and rear bumper valances. The shell also underwent some minor changes, including larger wheel arches (to suit the larger wheels on the GTI and CTi), and the suspension was redesigned and sat lower on the GTI.
With the early success of the 205 GTI in Europe, Motor Trend reported in 1984 that Peugeot was seriosuly considering adding it to its. U.S. lineup, even though Peugeot had a more upmarket image in the United States. Nothing ever came of such rumors, however, and any talk of Peugeot expanding its presence in U.S. became moot when it was forced to pull out in 1991.
Sales of the GTI in the early 1990s were badly hit by soaring insurance premiums, brought about by high theft and 'joyriding' of cars of this sort. Increasingly stringent emissions regulations meant the 1.6GTI went out of production in 1992, while the 1.9 was sold for a couple more years thanks to re-engineering of the engine to enable it to work properly with a catalytic converter.
|
