The queen of GTIs was launched on September 22, 1986 and went on sale on December 5 with 130 hp and a robust engine capable of withstanding the sportiest driving styles. Successor to 1.6 and modified to address some criticisms.

Based on the three-door Peugeot 205, Peugeot responds to the GTI fashion of the time and with the 205 GTI a myth is born