Peugeot had to retire the aging 104 model and replace it with a new supermini range, named 205, which became the most successful model in the carmaker's stable and was offered as a hatchback with three or five doors and as a convertible.
Based on the same platform as the 1977 Peugeot 305, the 205 supermini was one of the most important cars in its class. It was built as an affordable vehicle, excellent inside crowded cities, and with fuel-efficient engines.
The car's design was signed by Gerard Walter, who created the new design language for the French carmaker. His ideas led to the brand's expansion on the market. The 205 featured a minimalist front fascia with rectangular headlights and corner-mounted blinkers. A plastic bumper covered the lower side of the front fascia. It was black for the lower trim levels and body-colored for the upper ones. At the back, the raked-forward tailgate offered a wide opening, flanked by small taillights.
Thanks to the transverse-mounted engine, the cabin offered enough room for front passengers. Moreover, due to the slim front bucket seats, there was enough legroom for the rear occupants as well. The flat dashboard provided a few storage compartments in front of the passenger. At the same time, the driver benefited from a unique-looking instrument cluster separated into two horizontal areas. On the upper one, the carmaker installed most warning lights, while on the lower side was the speedometer. Depending on the trim level and engine version, the 205 was also offered with a tachometer.
Peugeot offered the 205 with a wide choice of engines ranging from a 1-liter gasoline unit up to a 1.8-liter turbo-diesel. In addition, most versions were available with either four- or five-speed manual gearboxes, while a four-speed automatic was offered for selected engines.