Peugeot 205 (France, 1983-1997)

Peugeot launched its supermini model 205 in 1983 and it was an immediate hit in the European car markets. The car became so popular that it is currently considered a modern classic by many. The 205 is also largely recognized as the one model that saved the company’s finances in the 1980’s with its successful sales.

Several variants of this modern classic have been made from the original car, with engine modifications, including the performance GTI version. When Peugeot stopped producing and selling the 205 for good, in 1998, around 5.3 million copies had been built.

In 1983, Peugeot broke free from its old tradition of building rather heavy and large automobiles, to begin producing the supermini ‘205’. The Peugeot 205 fell in the market with instant success and its popularity eventually grew so much that it became considered as one of the hatchbacks that better represent the automotive panorama in the 1980’s. Car Magazine even named the Peugeot 205 as “Car of the Decade” in 1990.

The small Peugeot 205 was a milestone in the company’s path by breaking its conservative tendency for building big sedans only. After Peugeot took control of Simca, another French car builder, in 1978, Peugeot inherited Simca’s knowledge in manufacturing smaller vehicles and decided on using it.
Over 5 million Peugeot 205s, in its several distinct versions, were produced since its launch until 1998.

The engine displacements that powered the Peugeot 205’s front engine were available from 1.0 L (954 cc) to 1.9 L (1905 cc). The diesel engines could be chosen from a naturally aspirated 1.8 L or a turbocharged 1.8 L.
The car could either come with four-wheel or front-wheel drive system, depending on the version.
The non-turbo versions of the 205 came with power outputs from 44 to 105 hp, while the turbocharged versions could produce up to 200 hp. The earliest Peugeot 205 cars could achieve 121 mi/h (195 km/h) at the most, but with the progresses over its 15-year lifetime and the performance versions its top speed was increased.
The transmission on the Peugeot 205 works through a 5-speed manual gearbox.

(no data)   Platform (no data)   Suspension The Peugeot 205’s fully independent suspension consists on front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion bar suspension and trailing arms.   Steering Rack-and-pinion.   Brakes Either ventilated disc brakes all around or front discs with rear drums.

The very famous Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina is responsible for the design of the Peugeot 205’s style.
This car’s customers could choose from a 3- or 5-door hatchback and a 2-door cabriolet.
An interesting fact about the Peugeot 205 is that its bodywork has never been ‘face-lifted’ nor even very noticeably changed, although it was produced for 15 years. In fact, the 205’s styling set a tendency that would notoriously influence every later Peugeot models.