In 1978, the subsidiaries of Chrysler Europe were acquired by the newly formed PSA Group following the rescue of Citroën in 1976. Peugeot aims high by wanting to become the European GM by inheriting the brands Simca, Rootes and Barreiros. A vision that quickly turns into disillusionment due to structural and cyclical problems. The oil shock of 1979 once again shakes a sector that has just recovered from the first shock of 1973. The recent group struggles to organize and structure all the industrial tools. The product lines of the different manufacturers are aging, and the newly acquired brands have no projects in the pipeline. The merging of these new entities under the name Talbot in 1979 confuses consumers. The group is in dire straits with more than 2 billion francs in losses in 1981 and market shares that fell to a historic low in 1982, with only 12.7% for Peugeot and 5.3% for Talbot. An alarming situation that will be saved at the last moment by a model with unexpected success, the Peugeot205. . A look back at his story.
The long gestation of the Peugeot 205
In 1977, the small and medium-sized car segment is occupied by the 104, which has had a respectable career since 1972.Read "50 Years of the 104: The Little One" Peugeot shows its fangs). A well-born model that cannot compete against the outrageous success of the Renault R5 with a boulevard in front of herRead: 50 years of the R5, it doesn't lack style). The Peugeot 104 is too serious and too small. In the higher echelons of the manufacturer, they are considering replacing the 104 with the Project M24. The main outlines of the specifications are set with the same wheelbase as the 104, but a wider car. The 5-door and 3-door versions will have the same dimensions, and the latter must have a true identity. The weight must not exceed 800 kg. The main outlines are there, even if they will evolve throughout the development that officially begins on July 12, 1978. The project already has a name; it will not be 105 as the press could still announce in 1981, but indeed... Peugeot205. A figure intended and defended throughout the development by Jean Boillot, senior executive at Peugeot who successively went from being a member of the management board in 1976, to general manager in 1979 before becoming president of Automobiles Peugeot In 1984. This choice is not trivial and signals a break. The 200 series has always held an innovative place in the history of Peugeot. The 201 inaugurated the three-digit nomenclature with the 0 in the center and was the first car with independent front wheels. the 202 has benefited from advanced aerodynamic research, the Peugeot 203 relaunched Peugeot at the end of World War II and the Peugeot 204 was revolutionary as the brand's first front-wheel drive. The news Peugeot must be revolutionary in its own way.
Marker of a well-born product, the main lines of the drawing of the future Peugeot 205 were already set in 1978 by the style director of the time, a certain Gérard Welter. Without knowing it, he has just sketched the most important project of his life. A pencil stroke like the model presented by Pininfarina, a long-time ally of style Peugeot, will not be considered during the confrontation on January 5, 1980. A design that has slightly evolved to match the new dimensions selected. In 1980, market statistics show that the B1 segment of small cars (2CV and R4) is losing momentum, while the B2 segment, where the R5 competes (between 3.50 and 3.70m), explodes with more than 40% of registrations in France. In exports, the upper M1 segment (4m) in which the Golf and the Opel Kadett are positioned is very important. A compromise will be chosen for the final decision, it will be 3.80m.
Inside, it is the proposal of the famous Paul Bracq which is chosen for its modernity and its easily interchangeable instrument cluster for right-hand drive markets.
The revolution of the Peugeot 205
In research and innovation, thethe designers will rely on the selected elements on the Vera concept released in 1981, to create a car rooted in its time. This concept meets new consumption requirements, as well as passive safety with reduced weight and a very refined drag coefficient (Cx). The elements of the future 205 are there. The typical design of the bumpers, the low grille with joints sealed by rubber, and the flush windows are all elements that have been incorporated into the Peugeot 205.
Weight reduction was also crucial with the adoption, on the 205, of the rear axle to shock absorbers horizontal aspects of the Vera concept. Computer-aided design, which made its timid debut in 1972 at Peugeot, becomes an important element in the design of the car. This assistance allows for a weight reduction of 26 kg on the body compared to the 104, while achieving greater rigidity due to a 40% reduction in the number of welding points and the use of high-strength steel.
The model is finally ready for a long series of reliability test at the Belchamp technical center in the Doubs. An anecdote illustrates the extent of the tests. The new locks, operable by a single key—a first—feature a metal flap that closes in the absence of the key to prevent freezing. Handy in these polar times to avoid recreating a certain scene from "Les Bronzés font du ski"! To test this system, more than 100,000 test cycles were conducted under the most challenging conditions.
Even though a few photos have leaked in the press, no one imagines the tidal wave the 205 is going to cause. Customers were able to get a glimpse of the new strategy as early as 1982. Peugeot with the more prestigious 305 Series 2 chanting "A manufacturer shows its claws." Efforts are made to leave a lasting impression. On January 20, 1983, the 205 was presented to dealers in Monaco. It is unanimously praised at the curtain-raiser. The car begins to be seen by potential customers with the first 150 units delivered to dealerships for free testing. On February 21, the press publishes the first trials before the 205 is officially available on February 24. At its launch, only the 5-door version – with higher volume – is presented in 7 different versions spread across 5 trims and three engines. The X engines from Française des Mécaniques, previously used in the 104, are featured. Three engine displacements are offered, ranging from 954 cm3 to 1360 cm3, with an intermediate option of 1124 cm3, delivering power from 54 to 80 hp.
Sober, efficient, comfortable, and with exemplary road handling, the press is rave. The car quickly appeals to customers, and within a few months, it is already a success with a 5% share of the French market.
Join us in the second part to rediscover all the versions that contributed to the success of his career. ;)
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