Peugeot 205 GTI

The Peugeot 205 GTi can be considered the first true "Hot Hatch", starting with a 1.6 litre single camshaft motor developing 115 bhp. The vehicle was incredibly popular due to its Pinnifarina styled body - making it the prettiest among all hatchbacks.

Distinctive C pillar, headlamps and front grilles, accompanied with the remarkable build quality, made it virtually irresistible. You can hardly find any flaws no matter which angle you viewed it.

The chassis and engine were equally impressive. Despite the lack of innovative technology, the suspension was carefully tuned to deliver the best handling ever experienced. Steering was ultra-responsive and direct, making nowadays' hot hatches feeling numb.

It was so crisp that it would go wherever the driver pointed. It wouldn't forgive wrong input, and that's exactly why good drivers liked it so much.

Power came from a high-revving 1.6 four with an astonishing 115 bhp. While hesitant at low speed the motor loved to rev high. As a whole, 205GTi was a car that encouraged the driver to drive hard. The faster it went, the more fun the driver gained.

Another variant was the 205 GTi 1.9, which was powered by a punchy 1.9-litre engine good for 130 hp and 119 lbft. The new engine made the 205 GTi a true pocket-rocket.

The 205 GTi was undoubtedly "King of the Hot Hatch".