Slimming treatment. The 205 Rallye debuted in 1988 to fill a power gap in the range: with the 1.9 with 127 HP and the 1.6 increased to 113, the GTI family does not in fact include a “basic” version, dedicated to those who were ready to give up comfort in order to experience sensations of amplified drives. The 1.3 Rallye answers this question perfectly, first of all by reducing weight (-60 kg compared to the GTI 1.6), which drops to 790 kg, thanks to the removal of most of the soundproofing panels, fog lights, rear wiper, preparation for the audio system, electric windows, defroster, adjustable external mirror, up even to the lockless fuel cap.
A naughty milletre. To contain operating costs – but above all to comply with the regulations of groups A and N in the class below 1.3 – the choice of engine falls on the new 4 cylinders of 1,294 cm³ and 95 HP used for the first time on the Citroën AX Sport. Thanks to two Weber double-barrel carburettors, a more direct intake manifold and a larger airbox, the power on the 1.3 Rallye goes up to 101 HP at 6,800 rpm and the performance is similar to that of the 1.6 GTI, with 0-100 set in 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 190 km/h, reached quickly thanks to the 5-speed transmission with shortened relationships.
Only white. The 205 Rallye was produced in an initial batch of 5,000 units to obtain homologation for rallies, but its success was such that, over the course of its career, which ended in 1992will be produced in 30,111 units, all strictly three-door and in the only color available, Meije white. The 13″ sheet metal wheels are also the same color and the Peugeot-Sport adhesive stripes stand out on the grille, which we find, together with the “205 Rallye” writing in red, on the panel – painted in the body colour, unlike the GTI – which connects the rear lights. Inside, the seat belts stand out, the red upholstery and the well-profiled fabric seats, complete with embroidered Peugeot-Sport logo.
It cost much less than the GTI. With its mix of lightened chassis and lively engine, the 205 Rallye is capable of exciting driving at least as much as the GTI, plus at the time it was offered at a decidedly lower price. There is also the 1.9 Rallye, which is nothing other than a 102 HP 1.9 GTI with the “Rallye” bodywork: much rarer than the 1.3, but less appreciated by enthusiasts because it weighs 110 kg more and inexorably loses that characteristic roughness to the guide. Today it is difficult to find a 205 Rallye 1.3 in good/excellent condition at a price price lower than 15-16 thousand eurosbut the French sportswoman is worth it all.
