1994 Peugeot 205 STDT review from UK and Ireland

R.

Replacement front struts and anti roll bar links, new discs and pads.

Replacement rear brake shoes cylinders, handbrake cable and new rear copper brake pipes. New rear subframe mounts. But what 130,000 mile car doesn't need a little overhaul?

The engine is sweetly put together, surprisingly smooth for a diesel, pulling like a train, leaving many more modern rivals with red faces and still returns a figure of 50+mpg.

A recent trip to France two up and fully loaded with two bikes on the back returned 46mpg.

The handling is beautifully balanced and the steering direct and responsive as a 205 should be. There's a little play creeping into the rack which will be cured soon. And when pushing through the bends the brakes pull the car up well inspiring confidence.

The car is shortly to benefit from an intercooler which it should have had fitted from new. Some Peugeot main dealers had these fitted as an option from new. Power and torque is increased 25%, without economy suffering, if anything improving slightly.

The car is well trimmed in the style of a GTI and well equipped. Everything works and apart from a previous owner losing the fob for the central locking, which is now only operable on the door key.

The only down side is the central wheel caps are easily detached by thieves, as the alloy wheels match those of the larger 405 which are commonly used as taxis...

Also an occasional rattle from the glass sunroof, which doesn't leak, and doesn't really become intrusive.

It's a pity Peugeot still don't make them. They continued to do so for a few more years in France.