This guide has been written for the Phase 1.5 Peugeot 205 GTI (1.9l). The Phase 1.5 cars are the second of 3 distinct phases of the 1.9l GTI produced between 1986 and 1994. Like the Golf GTI, Renault 5 GT Turbo and several other competitors, the Peugeot 205 obtained cult status during the 80s and 90s and now has a strong following as a classic hot hatch.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the features unique to the Phase 1.5 cars, allowing a prospective purchaser to assess the originality of a vehicle. We note that the Phase 1.5 cars broadly fall into 2 distinct groups: (1) Main European market vehicles, and; (2) those exported to countries with high emission regulations including Australia, Japan, Sweden and Switzerland. This guide covers both groups, and for the purpose of simplicity refers to these two groups as "main European market cars" and "export market cars" respectively.

Production numbers:

Total 205 GTI production: 294,514 1

This figure relates to GTI production between 1984 and 1994, and includes 1.6l cars. Two Phase 1.5 special edition models (painted Sorrento Green and Miami Blue) were produced in a limited run of 150 units each (in 1.9l form). 150 units in each colour were also produced in 1.6l form.

Period of Manufacture:

Phase 1.5 production is believed to have commenced in November 1987, reflecting the earliest vehicles sighted during our research. This is would be consistent with the Phase 1.5 being launched in the UK in January 1988. Phase 1.5 production ended in July 1990, after which the Phase 2 was introduced.2 Other than the vehicles sighted, no official factory data has been relied on to draw this conclusion.

Please note, this guide has been written based on a variety of books, online sources and enthusiast input. You should not rely on this guide to make any purchasing decision and we make no representation that all information is accurate. You should always seek independent professional advice when looking to purchase a unique car. If you have additional information, photographs or corrections you believe could improve this guide, please contact us so we can improve the guide for everyone's benefit.

 



1. Exterior Features - 205 GTI 1.9l (Phase 1.5)
  • Based on the 2-door 205 hatch body, Phase 1.5 cars benefited from zinc galvanised bodies with a 6-year anti-perforation warranty.Many GTIs as a result have tended to outlast their competitors, however, corrosion still occurs where the galvanised plating has been damaged, and cars should always be thoroughly inspected. 
  • The Phase 1.5 GTI was available in 9 colours (including 2 special editions) as outlined in section 3.
  • Siem driving lights were mounted on the lower front bumper. British cars and export market cars are believed to have had clear lens driving lights fitted, whilst certain European markets (primarily France) received a yellow reflector behind clear glass.
  • Amber front and rear turn signals, and tail lamp cluster incorporated reverse lights - as carried over from the Phase 1.
  • Vehicles destined for the main European markets received 15 x 6 inch Speedline SL299 alloy wheels. See section 7 of this guide (mechanical features) for details of the various casting marks applicable, and original tyre specifications.
  • Export market vehicles (Australia, Japan, Sweden and Switzerland) received 14 x 5.5 inch 12 hole centre-less Speedline SL201 wheels (known colloquially as "pepper-pot" wheels). See section 7 of this guide (mechanical features) for details of the various casting marks applicable, and original tyre specifications.
  • The side mirrors applied to Phase 1.5 cars had a revised square base (as opposed to the Phase 1 round base), and were unpainted grey plastic.
  • A revised rear spoiler was introduced on the Phase 1.5. The new spoiler had round ends, and was fixed to the rear hatch with screws (as opposed to the Phase 1 spoiler which was glued to the rear window).
  • Unpainted dark grey plastic wheel arch flares and body side mouldings were applied, with the moulding flowing through the front and rear bumpers. The side moulding and bumpers had a red pin stripe running through the middle.
  • An unpainted dark grey plastic fluted panel was fitted between the rear tail lights. A Peugeot badge was fitted to the left side of the panel, and a 205 GTI badge fitted to the right. An optional red plastic reflective panel with 205 GTI printed on it was also available as an aftermarket dealer option (an example is provided in the images).
2. Interior Features - 205 GTI 1.9l (Phase 1.5)
  • Phase 1.5 and later cars were fitted with a revised dashboard design distinct from the Phase 1 cars, but retained the same light grey plastic. The new dashboard had a different overall shape to the earlier phase dashboards, and had rotary controls for the heater (as opposed to the earlier sliding controls applied to the Phase 1).
  • Phase 1.5 trim options included the following:
    • For the main European market cars:
      • Half grey leather with red stitching (on the bolsters and head rests). These had dark grey / silver "Quattro" velour cloth panel inserts with a red stripe through the middle (These were known as "Ramie" / "Ramier" in France). In French market cars, seats were also available with cloth bolsters in place of leather. This trim was the same as offered on Phase 1 vehicles.
      • From July 1989 (the 1990 model year) a new interior trim was offered: Black half-leather (on the bolsters and head rests) with black and red “Quartet” velour cloth insert panels.4
      • Special edition Miami Blue metallic and pearlescent Sorrento Green cars were sold in the main European markets with grey full-leather seats with red stitching, and grey carpets in place of red.
    • Export market cars (those exported to Australia, Japan, Sweden and Switzerland) received new "Monaco" seat trim inserts, with grey cloth seat bolsters and headrests.
  • Redesigned door cards were introduced on the Series 1.5, trimmed in the same grey vinyl. The new door trims have a red pin-stripe placed higher up on the door card, a re-designed arm rest, and the trim now extended the entire height of the door up to the base of the window. The lower quarter of the door card retained the red carpet trim (with grey carpet applied to the special edition cars).
  • Carpets were a velour cut pile type, bright red in colour for all models except the special edition cars, which had grey carpets.
  • A Philips model 569 4-speaker radio cassette was installed in the Phase 1.5 GTIs up until early 1989 (replacing the Philips 553). From early 1989 (date unconfirmed) a Clarion 4-speaker radio cassette system was fitted (part numbers sighted for this later Clarion unit include PU-9492A, PU-9833A and PU-9679A). See images for examples of both.5
  • Redesigned leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with GTI centre badge replaced the 2-spoke design if the Phase 1.
  • The gear change pattern in Phase 1.5 cars remained the same up until July 1989, with reverse located at the top left position. From August 1989, (following the introduction of the BE-3 gearbox for the 1990 model year), reverse gear was relocated to the bottom right position. The pattern was printed in red on the gear knob. The gear shifter boot was grey leather with red stitching, (matching the seat bolsters in "Quattro" velour trimmed cars, and special edition models with full grey leather).
  • Phase 1.5 cars from August 1989 had a carpeted boot, and central locking standard.6
  • Alll cars were fitted with a cargo cover attached to rear hatch (as applied to all Phases).
  • Inertia front seatbelts and manual adjustment rear seatbelts carried over from the Phase 1.
  • Electric windows and central locking were standard in most markets for the Phase 1.5 cars.7 When electric windows were optioned, a blanking disc was placed over the crank handle hole in the door card, and switches placed at the front end of the door bins. On the Phase 1.5, illuminated switches were introduced.
  • A sliding glass sunroof was optional.8
  • The instrument cluster included a 230kph / 140mph speedometer and rev-timer (redlining at 6,000 rpm).
  • Peugeot GTI floor mats were optional.
  • Air-conditioning was optional.
3. Paint Colours - 205 GTI 1.9l (Phase 1.5)

The following table provides the original paint colours available on the Phase 1.5 GTI:9   

Colour name (EN)

Colour name (FR)

Colour code

Alpine White 

Blanc Meije

P0WT

Black 

Noir

P3XY

Cherry Red/Le Mans Red

Rouge Vallelunga

P3KB

Graphite Grey

Gris Graphite

M0TW

Silver / Futura Grey

Gris Futura

M0TP

Magnum Grey / Steel Grey

Gris Magnum 

M1TA

 

Special edition or low production colours:10

Colour name (EN)

Colour name (FR)

Colour code

Comments

Topaz Blue

Bleu Topaze

M0LZ

Not designated as a limited edition model, but only available for a short time (believed to be 8 months only) in the 1990 model year.11

Sorrento Green

Vert Sorento

 M0RM

Special edition model (150 1.9l Phase 1.5 built) Paint code on later models was M4RM.

Miami Blue

Bleu Miami

 M0MY

Special edition model (150 1.9l Phase 1.5 built)

 

Note: Colours other than red or white were extra cost colours in most markets, explaining the disproportionate number of cars produced in Cherry Red and Alpine White.8

Paint code location:

The colour code for the 205 GTI is located on top of the front bonnet slam panel / cross-member above the left side headlight. The code was painted on cars in the factory using a stencil. See images for a better description of the location and typeface. This may have been lost due to new paint / restoration work, however, we have been advised that these codes were not necessarily painted onto every car, so in some cases may be absent.

4. Chassis Number - 205 GTI 1.9l (Phase 1.5)

The following VIN / chassis number formats applied to the Phase 1.5 GTI 1.9l:12

  1. VF320CD62######## = 130cv engine.
  2. VF320CDK2######## = 122cv engine with the optional catalytic converter.
  3. VF320CDF2######## = 105cv export market engine.

 

The VIN is made up of 3 sections:

1

VF3

 World manufacturer identifier

 2

20CD62

 Vehicle description

 3

########

 Unique 8-digit serial number

 

The Phase 1.5 205 GTI (1.9) VIN can be interpreted as follows:

Symbol

Meaning

V

 Europe

F

 France

3

 Peugeot

20

 Model 205

C

 3-door saloon / Coupe

D

 1905cc (XU9)

6 / F / K

 (6 = MPI Jetronic LE2) / (F = MPI Jetronic LU2 + cat converter) / (K = MPI Motronic cat converter)

2

2 = 5-speed manual transmission

########

 The vehicle's unique 8-digit serial / chassis number.

Serial numbers and model years:12

Model year:

Serial number beginning:

1988

01000001

1989

01480001

1990

23300001

Note – model years (apart from AM88) started on 1 July of the previous year. The above information contained in the tables has been confirmed by our contact at 205gti.info.

 

Chassis number location:

The chassis number should be present in two locations:

1. Embossed on the vehicle’s data plate (Riveted to the body, under the hood, you will see the plate just behind the right hand side suspension strut, mounted on the flat area between the suspension strut and firewall).

2. Stamped into the body of the car (On the flat edge of the firewall / bulkhead, directly above the chassis plate, you will find the chassis number stamped into the scuttle panel, which should match the number provided on the data plate).

Examples of the chassis plate and body stamping are given in the images, including a close up example of the typeface used for the VIN stamping on the body. For further details of the 205 VIN including other non GTI models, see 205gti.info.

5. Engine number - 205 GTI 1.9l (Phase 1.5)

The Phase 1.5 GTI 1.9l cars came with either the XU9JA, XU9JAZ or XU9J1/Z engine depending on the vehicles market or options selected.10 These engines had two tags riveted to the engine block (at the timing belt end), close to where the alternator mounts. The two tags contain relevant numbers to determine the specification of your engine.

Tag 1 provides the engine type code (including capacity and power specification)

Tag 2 provides the engine prefix applicable to the engine type code, and the unique engine number. Please note, we have confirmed that "1CW" refers to the 1.9l engine, however, we are still researching the meaning of the two characters that follow "1CW". There appear to be numerous codes applicable to each engine type (as outlined below), and it may be the case that these codes represent the date on which the engines were completed, or some other similar data. Please contact us if you have any information in this respect.

Three engine types available:

  • Non-catalyzed engine (main European market engine):

Tag 1: D6B = engine XU9JA 1.9l (130cv / 94kw @ 6,000 RPM / 168 Nm torque @4,750 RPM / 9.6:1 compression ratio).

Tag 2: 1CW, followed by one of the following codes: 442P, 3U, 45, 6D, 6E, 6L or 70 stamped into the tag, followed by a 7-digit unique engine number for that block stamped below.

  • Catalyzed engine (A catalytic converter became optional in 1989 for the European market cars,13 and is identified as follows14):

Tag 1: DKZ = engine XU9JA/Z 1.9l (122cv / 88kw @ 6,000 RPM / 151 Nm torque @3,000 RPM / 9.2:1 compression ratio - with catalytic converter).

Tag 2: 1CW, followed by one of the following codes: 3M, 2E, 3N, 6P or 6U stamped into the tag, followed by a 7-digit unique engine number for that block stamped below.

  • Emissions regulated export market engine:

Tag 1: DFZ = engine XU9J1/Z 1.9l (105cv / 76kw @ 6,000 RPM / 146 Nm torque @ 3,000 RPM / 9.2:1 compression ratio - This engine was fitted with a catalytic converter to meet stricter emissions regulations in those countries).

Tag 2: 1CW, followed by one of the following codes: 75, 46, 24 or 3H (Sweden) stamped into the tag, followed by a 7-digit unique engine number for that block stamped below. 

 

Note, we have not as yet confirmed the specific engine details for vehicles from Switzerland, so cannot confirm with any certainty whether they comply with the same engine numbering as applied to export market cars such as those in Australia. We note that data from a contact confirmed Swedish and Japanese cars are believed to have been fitted with both the DFZ and the DKZ engines. An engine change in those markets may have occurred for the 1990 model year during the changeover to the BE3 gearbox. Any information and evidence is appreciated to improve the accuracy of this section, so please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have relevant data.

 

6. Gearbox Number - 205 GTI 1.9l (Phase 1.5)

Two gearbox specifications were available on these vehicles depending on the vehicle's build date. The Phase 1.5 GTI was fitted with the BE1 transmission up to July 1989. From July 1989 onward, the BE3 transmission was fitted.

The code (BE1 or BE3) was cast into the gearbox housing, per the examples in the images. The BE1 transmission had the reverse gear at the top left position (next to 1st), whilst the BE3 transmission had reverse in the bottom right position - below 5th). 

In addition to the casting mark identifying the transmission type, a separate gearbox number was also applied, stamped into the gearbox casing. This number defines the specific gearbox specification and ratios.15

 

1. Main European market gearbox:

BE1 gearbox (Pre-July 1989): These vehicles have a gearbox number prefixed with either 2BL77 (early gearbox), or 2BN31 (replaced 2BL77) or 2BP25. These gearboxes had a final drive ratio of 3.688:1.

BE3 gearbox (July 1989 onward): This gearbox type has a number prefixed with either 2CL1Z, 2CLLK, or 2CI1K. (Final drive ratio TBC).

 

2. Export market gearbox (Australia, Japan, Sweden and Switzerland):

BE1 gearbox (Pre-July 1989): These gearboxes are prefixed with either 2BL73 (early gearbox), or 2BN28 (replaced 2BL73). These gearboxes had a final drive ratio of 3.938:1.

BE3 / 5T gearbox (July 1989 onward): Gearboxes sighted to date have had a gearbox prefix of 2CJ22,16 however, there are potentially other codes applicable. Please contact us if you have further information. (Final drive ratio TBC).

 

7. Mechanical Features - 205 GTI 1.9l (Phase 1.5)

There were several mechanical differences between the main European market cars, and certain export market vehicles. The mechanical specifications of each group have been outlined under each heading below. If any readers are aware of additional differences or general information that can be added in this section, please contact us. 

Main European market specifications:17

  • 1.9l 4-cylinder single overhead cam 8-valve belt driven XU9JA series engine producing 128bhp / 130cv / 95kw, with 9.6:1 compression ratio.
  • Optional catalyzed 1.9l 4-cylinder single overhead cam 8-valve belt driven XU9JAZ series engine producing 120bhp / 122cv / 90kw, with a 9.2:1 compression ratio. This engine is also believed to have been fitted to some export market cars (Japan and Sweden) in addition to the export market engine outlined below.
  • Bosch Jetronic LE2 multipoint fuel injection system.
  • 15 inch cast alloy Speedline wheels as applied to main European market cars: These wheels will have several markings cast on the inside of the spokes, including: SPEEDLINE SL299, ITALY, and the size 6J15CH419. See images for examples. The wheels have a 4 X 108 stud pattern, and were originally fitted with either Michelin or Pirelli 185/55/R15 radial ply tyres.
  • Front brakes: 247mm (9.7 inch diameter) ventilated discs with Bendix single piston callipers.
  • Rear brakes: 247mm (9.7 inch diameter) solid discs on with Bendix single piston callipers.

 

Export market specifications (Australia, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland):18

  • 1.9l 4-cylinder single overhead cam 8-valve belt driven XU9J1/Z series engine, producing 103 bhp / 105 cv / 77kw, with 8.4:1 compression ratio. Note: The XU9JAZ catalyzed European market engine is also believed to have been fitted to some export market cars (Japan and Sweden), in addition to this XU9J1/Z engine. 
  • Bosch Jetronic LU2 multipoint fuel injection system. This system has the same operating principles as the LE2, however, incorporates an oxygen sensor in the exhaust system allowing the ECU to carry out fine fuel mixture adjustments for a catalytic converter.
  • 14 inch cast alloy Speedline wheels as applied to certain export markets (Australia, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland): These wheels will have several markings cast on the face of the wheel rim. We have noticed that casting marks can slightly differ, and have provided the two possible alternatives in brackets where relevant. Casting marks included: SPEEDLINE SL 201, FAB. FRANCE / (or: MADE IN FRANCE), 5.50 J 14 FH H 24 (or: 5 ½ J14 FHH 4.24) and SMR 6717. See images for examples. These wheels have a 4 X 108 stud pattern, and were originally fitted with 185/60HR-14 Michelin MXV or Pirelli P600 radial ply tyres.
  • Front brakes: 247mm (9.7 inch diameter) ventilated discs with Bendix single piston callipers.
  • Rear brakes: 180mm (7.1 inch diameter) self-adjusting drum brakes with vacuum servo.

 

General specifications:

  • All 1.9l engine blocks are recognisable by the spacer placed between the sump and the engine block. This allowed the cars to increase their stroke to 1.9l, and is naturally not present on the 1.6l cars.
  • 5-speed manual transmission: BE1 gearbox pre-July 1989 with reverse at the top left, and the BE3 gearbox from July 1989 onward with reverse at the bottom right.
  • From October 1989, a catalytic converter was made optional by Peugeot for a cost of GBP 350. This gave the car a reduced output of 122bhp from the XU9JAZ engine (from the 128BHP of the normal car), a reduced top speed of 125MPH and a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds. Economy also suffered, but the cars could then run on 95RON fuel.19
  • In September 1989, power steering was introduced as an option (standard on Sorrento Green and Miami Blue limited edition models in 1990).20
  • All 1.9l engines were fitted with an oil cooler (mounted on the engine fan housing).
  • Front suspension: Independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, lower wishbones and anti-roll bar.
  • Rear suspension: Independent trailing arms fixed to single beam axle, telescopic shock absorbers and anti-roll bar.
  • Phase 1.5 cars used a different door hinge design (using pins rather than bolts). See the comparison provided in the images.
  • The slam panel above the grille (under the bonnet) is often a light grey colour on the Phase 1.5 cars (noting that this is based on vehicles sighted, and there may be exceptions). Phase 2 vehicles generally had the same body colour applied to the slam panel.
  • A slightly larger exhaust pipe became standard (exact size to be confirmed).
  • Anti-lock brakes appeared as an option in September 1990.21
  • In March 1990, the ignition coil was relocated to the inlet manifold.22
9. References - 205 GTI 1.9l (Phase 1.5)

The following sources, among input from many enthusiasts, have contributed to the creation of this page. If you have any further information you believe can be added, please let us know by contacting us or commenting below.

http://www.205gti.com/main_uk.htm

http://www.205gtidrivers.com/info/techspecs.html

http://fred.brossaud.pagesperso-orange.fr/pdf/peugeot_205gti_eng.pdf

http://www.peugeotlogic.com/workshop/wshtml/body/paint/paintc1.htm

http://www.forum.205gtidrivers.com

http://www.Aussiefrogs.com

http://www.autospeed.com/cms/article.html?&title=Peugeot-205-GTi&A=0361

http://www.dethomaso.fr/article-identifier-sa-205gti-114027761.html

http://alexandre.semonsut.pagesperso-orange.fr/guide/GA-GTi.htm

http://205gti30.co.uk/timeline.html

 

End Notes:

  1. Maguet, G. (2004) Le Guide de La 205’ ETAI publishing: suggests the total for GTi’s at 294,514.
  2. Vehicle data sighted from sources in http://pscuk.net.
  3. Blackburn, J. (2011) The Essential Buyer's Guide: Peugeot 205 GTI, Veloce Publishing, Dorset UK, p.21.
  4. Thornton, D. (1997) Sporting Peugeot 205s, Amadeus Press Ltd, West Yorkshire UK, p.27 and Blackburn, J. (2011) The Essential Buyer's Guide: Peugeot 205 GTI, Veloce Publishing, Dorset UK, p.11
  5. Thornton, D. (1997) Sporting Peugeot 205s, Amadeus Press Ltd, West Yorkshire UK, p.27 - confirms the radio model changed, and we have also confirmed the same by sighting a number of units installed in later series 1.5 cars.
  6. Blackburn, J. (2011) The Essential Buyer's Guide: Peugeot 205 GTI, Veloce Publishing, Dorset UK, p.12
  7. Thornton, D. (1997) Sporting Peugeot 205s, Amadeus Press Ltd, West Yorkshire UK, p.27
  8. Thornton, D. (1997) Sporting Peugeot 205s, Amadeus Press Ltd, West Yorkshire UK, p.27.
  9. http://code.peinturevoiture.fr/modele/10002-205-gti
  10. http://www.205gtidrivers.com/info/history.html + sighting a number of vehicles sold online / advertised online.
  11. Thornton, D. (1997) Sporting Peugeot 205s, Amadeus Press Ltd, West Yorkshire UK, p.27.
  12. http://205gti.info/vin/vin.htm
  13. Thornton, D. (1997) Sporting Peugeot 205s, Amadeus Press Ltd, West Yorkshire UK, p.27.
  14. http://www.dethomaso.fr/article-identifier-sa-205gti-114027761.html
  15. http://www.dethomaso.fr/article-identifier-sa-205gti-114027761.html
  16. Export vehicle data sighted by a member of the Australian Peugeot club confirmed this code was the only one seen on export cars so far.
  17. http://www.205gtidrivers.com/info/techspecs.html
  18. http://www.205gtidrivers.com/info/techspecs.html
  19. Thornton, D. (1997) Sporting Peugeot 205s, Amadeus Press Ltd, West Yorkshire UK, p.27
  20. Thornton, D. (1997) Sporting Peugeot 205s, Amadeus Press Ltd, West Yorkshire UK, p.28
  21. Thornton, D. (1997) Sporting Peugeot 205s, Amadeus Press Ltd, West Yorkshire UK, p.28
  22. Blackburn, J. (2011) The Essential Buyer's Guide: Peugeot 205 GTI, Veloce Publishing, Dorset UK, p.12.

 

 

Comments

dch1950's picture

Hi,
I don't think the fabric inserts of the seats shown are Monaco tweed. They look more like Quartet to me. Monaco is a grey tweed with red stripes.

regards

Dave H

Global Classic Car Club's picture

Hi Dave,

Thanks very much fror pointing that out. We are soon to do a full review of this guide and will update as soon as possible. Your comment is much appreciated!

Classic Register Team