When launched in 1984 the 205GTI was instantly acclaimed as a modern classic by every journalist who tested one because of its sublime steering, nimble handling and cheeky irresistible looks. It was great fun to drive, partly because it weighed only 909kgs (110kgs less than a contemporary Golf GTi), so its 105bhp 1.6-litre engine endowed the car with sparkling performance.
As an interim measure that engine was up-rated to 115bhp in early 1986 but the 1.9-litre GTI modelled here was launched only six months later and, weighing only 1kg more, was an even bigger hit. No hot hatch has ever been more fun.