Peugeot 205
ENGINE 1580cc/4-cyl/OHC POWER 105bhp@6250rpm TORQUE 98lb ft@4000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 116mph 0-60MPH 8.6sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 26-34mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, five-speed manual MoT 12 months ODOMETER 69,125 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The engine is a little lumpy when fired from cold and eventually settles to 1400rpm – a bit higher than ideal. Its recent period of inactivity has probably not done it any favours, but hopefully fresh fuel and a long run will get it running normally again. On the road it’s every bit as frisky as you’d hope, with ample power throughout the rev range, a fruity stainless steel exhaust note and bags of mechanical grip – no adverse wobbles or noises to spoil the fun. The gear linkage feels a little woolly (a common complaint on 205s) but each ratio selects cleanly and the brakes (drums at the rear) are in fine fettle.
BODYWORK CHECK
The car has been resprayed to a reasonably high standard, though the beige slam panel appears to have escaped the spray gun. Only the windscreen and off-side rear window are stamped with the correct registration number and the tailgate has an unused aperture (possibly for a screen washer), both of which suggest body restoration that’s not made explicit in the service history. It appears to corrosion free, but you’ll need to put it on a ramp to know for certain. The tyres are new, matching Enduro 185/60 R14s, and the as-new alloys are all fitted with locking wheel nuts. Exterior plastic trim, mirrors and headlamps are spot on, but the rusty front foglamps need to be replaced.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The driver’s seat is good, but there is some fraying at the rear edge of the passenger seat, suggesting the cloth interior has been replaced with one from a left-hand-drive car. The only other significant wear is some damage at the top of the rear seat. An intermittent rattle from the headlining might warrant investigation, but the sunroof works and appears to seal well. The carpets, mats, door trim and roof lining are all unstained and intact and all the electrical equipment works, though the aftermarket Kenwood stereo looks a little shabby.
UNDER THE BONNET
There’s some evidence of DIY wiring around the battery and a little surface corrosion on the offside inner wing. The oil is clean and to the correct level, the radiator looks to be in particular good condition, and there’s no evidence of leaks. The service history includes a few handbook stamps from early in the car’s life, some old MoT certificates and a £530 bill in 2016 to sort a misfire and the rear brakes. Nine previous owners are listed on the V5.
THE CCW VIEW
This much sought-after hot hatch is ready to deliver, and deserves more action than it’s seen in the last few years. More documentation detailing its recent refurbishment would be nice and it’s not perfect but if the underside is as rust-free as the body, it’s worth the money.