Hatch Heaven

The Peugeot 205 was first available as a GTI in 1984 and was initially powered by a 4 cylinder, 1580cc, 1.6 petrol engine. It had an MSRP of £7,145.

The 1979 Peugeot 104 ZS 3-door hatchback had a 1124 cc engine that produced a top speed of 97 MPH with a 0-60 time of around 15 seconds. For smoother and more effortless braking, the dual circuit brakes were power assisted. Peugeot’s claimed luxurious interior included super-soft checked cloth upholstery, head restraints on the front seats, carpet in the front, comprehensive instruments, with electronic rev counter, padded sports steering wheel, heated rear window and an electric clock.

The 1979 Peugeot 104 ZL was just 11 feet long but was very versatile. Fold down the rear seats and you get 15.4 cubic feet of storage space. With the 954cc engine, there’s plenty of power with a top speed of 84 MPH and because the engine is mounted transversely driving the front wheels, there is alot of room inside. With all around independent suspension to keep the ride smooth and give roadholding to match the ZL was ideal for long distance motoring as well as being great for cruising around town.

Peugeot launched the 104 ZS in 1976. It was powered by a 66 horsepower 1,124cc four-cylinder engine. But the brand was interested in Group 2 racing and in 1979 , launched the Pininfarina designed ZS2. Its power was from a 1,361cc engine developing 93 HP. It was front wheel drive and had a manual transmission. The ZS 2 was only available in 1979 and cost 38,000 Francs. It is a real beauty and, I for one, would buy it today. (thanks to Ran When Parked)

The 1980 Peugeot 104s luxury 5-door sports hatchback was powered by a 1360 cc aluminum alloy engine with twin choke carburetor. It’s top speed was around the 100 mph mark and reached 0-60 in just over 10 seconds. It had four wheel independent suspension with front and rear anti-roll bars which made the ride comfortable but swift. The dual circuit power assisted brakes with front discs gave it the assurance of positive, safe braking.

From the outside, the 104S distinguished itself from the crowd with its crisp aerodynamic lines, wide aluminum alloy wheels and racing color paint finish with contrasting sports body stripes and matt black trim.

The inside “sporty” feeling continued with black cloth upholstery trimmed with red or blue stripes and the reclining front seats were fitted with matching head restraints. Electric front windows and tinted glass were all standard, as was the quartz digital clock, radio console and modern touch button controls. All that in a package that gave you 24.5 cu. ft of space with the rear seats folded down.

The 1985 Peugeot 205 Van hatchback’s conversion from a car to a van traded its rear seats for more functional purposes giving you 42.4 cubic feet and 415 kg maximum payload weight. Standard features included adjustable seats with head restraints, ergonomically inspired controls, remotely controlled door mirror, heated rear window plus great all round visibility. You could get a 1124 cc petrol or 1769 cc diesel engine.

Available in the Standard and the  GL specification (with extras such as a five speed gear box, push button radio and rear wash/wipe).

The 1995 Peugeot 205 Mardi Gras was available as a 3 and 5 door hatchback with a choice of a 1.1 litre or 1.6 litre petrol automatic or a 1.8 litre and 1.8 litre turbo diesel. It features boasted unique “Mardi Gras” graphics, tinted glass all around, a pop-up sunroof and a tailgate was/wipe.

Power steering was standard on all diesel and automatic models, as well as central locking, electric front windows, stereo radio cassette and split folding rear seats. The “Malibu” seat trim was unique to the 205 Mardi Gras. (image source: Trigger’s Retro Road Tests!)