Descrição
In 1987, the Peugeot 205 GTI 1. 6 and 1. 9 were flying off the shelves, thanks to their 1984 and 1986 launches. Around this time, rumors began circulating in the motoring press about a new, more affordable 205 model aimed at bridging the gap between the high-performance GTI line and the standard 205 range. This new model, to be called the 205 Rallye, was designed to slot in just below the 1. 6 GTI with 115 hp, replacing the recently discontinued 105 hp version. Peugeot’s goal was to offer an accessible, lightweight sports car that could also comply with Group A and N racing regulations for the under 1, 300 cc category, providing amateur racers with a competitive and budget-friendly option.
Under the hood was the TU24A engine, a 1. 3-liter four-cylinder derived from the AX Sport’s 95 bhp motor. Tuned by Danielson, it featured twin Weber carburetors, a redesigned intake manifold, and a larger airbox, boosting output to 103 bhp at 6, 800 rpm and 12. 2 mkg of torque at 5, 000 rpm. Mated to a 5-speed MA 5 SR gearbox with shorter ratios, the powertrain was mounted transversely in the front, tilted 30° backward.
Weighing in at just 780 kg—around 30 kg lighter than the GTI—the 205 Rallye’s stripped-down interior and simplified body panels made it a focused driver’s car. It borrowed suspension and braking components from the 115 hp GTI, though it used unique dampers. With a power-to-weight ratio of 7. 7 kg/ hp, the Rallye could hit 100 km/ h in 8. 8 seconds, reach a top speed of 190 km/ h, and complete the standing kilometer in just 30. 8 seconds.
Priced at 69, 800 francs, the Rallye delivered nearly GTI-level performance at a much lower cost—compared to 85, 800 francs for the 1. 6 GTI and 94, 400 francs for the 1. 9 GTI. Unsurprisingly, it was named “Sports Car of the Year†by Echappement magazine in 1988. The model was also adapted for export, with regional variations: in the UK, it came in yellow with a detuned 75 bhp TU3 engine, while German and Swiss versions had a catalyzed 105 bhp XU9J engine.
This particular 205 Rallye, with 104, 000 km, hails from a private collection and remains in superb condition. Its light, nimble nature makes it an absolute pleasure to drive, especially when pushed hard.
