1989 Peugeot 309 GTi – Classified of the Week

When it comes to hot hatches, there isn’t a nation that hasn’t thrown its hat in the ring. Sporty, fast, fun versions of workaday hatchbacks have been a recipe for fun since they were popularised by the Volkswagen Golf GTi. For many, that’s hot hatch ground zero. Certainly, the name GTi is one that makes you think of Volkswagen, more often than not. But as well we all know, the Germans weren’t the only ones responsible for the success of the hot hatch concept. The French had a fair old stake in that game, too. 

Of course, this is where focus would normally switch to the Peugeot 205 GTi. However, as the pictures show, that’s not actually what we’re here to talk about. Instead, we’re looking at the equally brilliant big brother of the 205 GTi; the 309 GTi. It’s a proper forgotten gem, one that was unjustly overlooked for years because it wasn’t a 205. In reality though, the 309 was in many respects, better. But before you take a sharp intake of breath, let us argue our case. 

No, the 309 GTi wasn’t as tight, as focused or as agile as the 205. However, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the point of comparison here. They were made by the same people, by the same company, and they shared the same 1.9 engine. This is like saying a sirloin isn’t as good as a fillet steak. They’re still both pretty good. And in the case of the 309 GTi, that was very good indeed. It was bigger, yes, but that was because it was a different class of car. The 309 was to the Ford Escort what the 205 was to the Fiesta. Many would also argue that because of the increase in size, the handling was a bit more progressive and predictable, and bit less ‘lift offy’.  

The 309 GTi was also better than anything else in its class. The Renault 19 16V was too soft, the Astra GTE too heavy, the Escort XR3i too slow. The 309 GTi was a reminder that if Peugeot wanted to, it could sprinkle just a little bit of its GTi magic on anything. It was, and still is, an exceptionally good car, and a brilliant hot hatch. 

The car we have here may make you spit your coffee out when we tell you it’s £17,950. But to put that in perspective, a 205 in the same condition and with the same low mileage of just 34,900 would easily sell for £30,000. So in a sense, this 309 GTi is a bit of a bargain. Plus, and this is what really sells it, it’s utterly mint. 

It’s only had a couple of owners, it has been looked after fastidiously and it has never seen a single product from the ‘accessories’ aisle of a car spares shop. No horrid alloys, no lowering springs, no Peco Big Bore 4. This is a 309 GTi the way it should be enjoyed – standard. It is, make no mistake, a very rare find indeed. And one that will surely only gain value over the coming years. Get in there now, before that asking price starts with a 2, or even a 3…

Missed out on this one? Here’s where to find another Peugeot 309 for sale.