BACKGROUND OF THE PEUGEOT 205 XS

The Peugeot 205 was launched in 1983, of which there were a selection of models available:

• 1.0 Base (44bhp)
• 1.1 GL (49bhp)
• 1.4 GR (59bhp)
• 1.4 GT (80bhp)
• 1.8 GLD (59bhp)
• 1.8 GRD (59bhp)

The GT was the 'sporty' car in this range as all the others were generally designed with good economy in mind. It had a 1360cc (XY8) engine producing 80bhp at 5,800rpm using two single-choke carburettors. Top speed was 106mph with a 0-60mph time of 11 seconds. Fuel consumption was also quite good with around 40mpg at a constant 75mph.
This was a five-door only model and didn't look very sporty inside at all, though outside there were 'GT' transfer badges on each front wing and a small tailgate spoiler.
In September 1985, the XT appeared as a three-door version of the GT and was very similar and had hardly any improvement in performance. This changed when the three door XS replaced it in August 1986. The XS was given the extra sporting features that the XT and GT both lacked, though continued with the same XY8 twin carb (80bhp) engine. In December 1987, the XS and GT both had the XY8 engine replaced by the single twin-choke carb TU3 engine (85bhp). In 1988 the GT was replaced by the SR, then the GT returned in October 1989. The XS was discontinued in 1991 and replaced by the XT (which was otherwise similar), though the GT still continued. Both these models then had the option of a 75bhp catalysed injection engine with much reduced performance figures, but better fuel economy. The 85bhp TU3 engine was totally removed in 1993, due to EEC legislation.

The 205 XS had twin Weber carbs and 79bhp XY8 engine from August '86 (C reg to early E reg) to the Solex twin choke single carb and 85bhp TU3 engine from December '87 to 1991 (late E reg to J reg). Many of the XSs around are E to H reg as this was the height of their popularity with the new engines; though sadly many succumb to accidents from over-enthusiastic driving.