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The Peugeot 205 GTi has taken the crown for the ‘Greatest Ever Hot Hatch’ following a global poll, beating archrival, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1.
Revealed at the recent Performance Car Show in the UK, the 205 GTi saw off some of the most popular hot hatches of all time to claim the accolade, having been part of a shortlist of 50. This shortlist was drawn up by a group of renowned automotive experts from two of the UK’s most respected and notable motoring titles – Autocar and PistonHeads.com.
Autocar’s Editor-in-Chief, Steven Cropley and Road Test Editor, Matt Prior, PistonHeads.com Editor, Dan Trent as well as Autocar Contributing Editor and overall curator, Richard Bremmer came together to compile the list of contenders, which then went to a public vote.
The final top 10 features some of the most iconic and desired cars of the last four decades. The Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evolution 1 finished as a worthy runner up to the 205 GTi, while the most recognized Ford Escort of all time – the RS Cosworth from the mid-1990s – completed a prestigious podium.
The final top ten are:
- Peugeot 205 GTi 1.6
- Lancia Delta HF Integrale
- Ford Escort RS Cosworth
- Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1
- Renault Clio Williams
- Renault Clio 182 Trophy
- Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2
- Renault 5 GT Turbo
- Ford Focus RS Mk1
- Talbot Lotus Sunbeam
Richard Bremmer said of the winner: “The Peugeot 205 GTi was unbeatable for its sheer rev-happy, go-hard verve and subtly perfect styling. Lightning-quick gearshifts, urgent power delivery, blade-sharp steering and deliciously dritable handling made the 205 an overnight hot hatch king. And it was practical, too. For many its has never been bettered as its victory in this Pistonheads and Autocar readers’ vote confirms.”
Read ForceGT‘s Peugeot 208 GTi Review here.
