Peugeot 309GTI (1987 – 1993) Review

The Peugeot 309 GTi went on sale months after the arrival of the 'cooking' version, and took a little time to find its place in the market. Although there was a 1.6-litre sporting 309, it was never marked as a GTI, leaving the hallowed badge the exclusive province of the 1.9-litre 130bhp car.

But for those who looked beyond its slightly dowdy styling - in comparison with the beautiful 205 - they were treated to a fine hatchback of rare ability. It featured uprated front and rear suspension, 15-inch Speedline alloy wheels and a subtle bodykit. Peugeot offered the car solely in three-door form to begin with, but a five-door was added once the range was established.

In Europe, the exciting XU9J4 – Mi16 – engine was also offered in the S16 model, packing 160bhp. If you want one of those,  you will need to put up with left-hand drive. The 309 always lived in the shadow of the 205, but it was clearly the better all-round car – a fact that enthusiasts are now waking up to.