The traditional supermini sector feels like it’s in decline now, but head back to the early 1980s and it was truly buoyant, with plenty of manufacturers ready to cater to those after an affordable runabout. One such company was Peugeot, and here we focus on a huge-selling model that’s long since become a classic – and one that spawned arguably the greatest hot hatchback of them all.
The 205 was launched in February 1983 to great acclaim, with right-hand drive cars landing on UK shores in September of that year. The styling was both pretty and superbly proportioned, and while often considered a Pininfarina design (they did the Cabriolet that appeared later), it was actually penned in-house under Gerard Welter. It certainly had plenty of rivals, including the likes of the Renault 5, Ford Fiesta and Fiat Uno, but the Peugeot stood out not just for its purity of line but for the way it drove; the skillful blend of ride and handling meant even the lowliest versions were fun to drive, and a good example is just as enjoyable today.
A variety of trim levels catered for most pockets, and while none were lavishly equipped by today’s standards, there was little for buyers to complain about. They would certainly be happy with the range of engines on offer,
