Peugeot 205 GTI Tolman Edition Restomod Full Review: A Hot Hatch Legend Reborn
Watch Vicki Butler-Henderson review the Peugeot 205 GTI Tolman Edition:
Join Vicki Butler-Henderson as she takes a deep dive into the Peugeot 205 GTI, beautifully re-engineered into a restomod by Tolman Engineering. Known for its playful handling and spirited drive, the 205 GTI was a favourite hot hatch of the 80s and 90s. Thanks to Tolman Engineering, this classic has been brought into the 21st century, offering a blend of nostalgic charm and modern performance. Priced from £65,000 plus the donor car and VAT, this restomod delivers on both style and substance.
Specifications:
Price: £65,000 + donor car + VAT
Engine: 1.6-litre or 1.9-litre
Power: 132 HP (1.6) or 200+ HP (1.9)
Acceleration: 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds (1.9-litre)
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Top Speed: Approx. 140 mph
About Tolman Engineering
Founded in 2007 by Chris Tolman, Tolman Engineering has built a strong reputation in the world of vehicle restoration and motorsport. With a foundation in race and rally car development, the UK-based company specialises in breathing new life into classic vehicles like the Peugeot 205 GTI. Their approach focuses on maintaining the original character of these cars while applying modern performance upgrades, ensuring that each restomod meets today’s driving standards without losing its nostalgic appeal.
Exterior & Design
Tolman Engineering has remained faithful to the original design of the Peugeot 205 GTI, keeping the car’s iconic shape while adding subtle modern touches. The result is a car that looks every bit as charming as it did in the 80s but with a refreshed, more polished aesthetic. With discreet Tolman branding and a custom-developed exhaust system, the exterior retains the classic appeal but feels more refined.
Whether it’s the sleek lines or the subtle customisation, this car stays true to its roots while offering a slightly modernised feel. The exterior upgrades add to the performance, ensuring that while the car looks retro, it drives like a thoroughly modern machine.
Interior & Features
Inside, the Tolman 205 GTI offers a perfect balance of nostalgia and modern conveniences. Tolman has recreated the original dashboard, but with an optional digital display that adds a high-tech twist. With a simple press of the "sport" button, the dash transforms into a T16-inspired display, paying homage to the car’s rallying heritage. The rev counter, which originally topped out at 8, now extends to 10, enhancing the sporty feel and giving drivers even more precision when pushing the car to its limits.
The interior can be fully customised, with options including air conditioning, heated seats, and carbon fibre panels. The seats have been retrimmed, and the steering wheel rewrapped in Alcantara, giving the cabin a sporty yet premium feel. With these upgrades, the Tolman 205 GTI offers both the look and the comfort to meet today’s driving standards.
Tyre Talk
The Tolman 205 GTI sits on 15-inch Speedline SL 434 wheels, which match its sporty yet retro character. These are paired with Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 tyres, a perfect fit for this high-performance hot hatch.
These tyres, inspired by Michelin’s motorsport pedigree, offer excellent grip, precise handling, and stability, making the Tolman 205 GTI just as much fun to drive on winding roads as it is on a track. Whether navigating everyday roads or pushing it to its limits, these tyres ensure that the car remains planted and responsive.
Performance & Handling
Under the bonnet, the 1.9-litre engine has been upgraded to produce over 200 BHP, making this the fastest 205 GTI Vicki has ever driven. With a 0-62 mph time of just 6.5 seconds, it’s a significant improvement over the original. Tolman’s racing expertise shines through in the suspension upgrades, which deliver sharper handling while maintaining the car’s light, nimble character. With upgraded AP Racing brakes, the car’s stopping power has also been vastly improved, making it feel more reliable and controlled, especially at higher speeds.
Driving Experience
Out on the road, the Tolman 205 GTI feels like a brilliant fusion of the old and the new. The upgraded ECU ensures smooth starts and dependable running, whether it’s hot or cold. Tolman has also refined the gearbox, delivering sharper, more precise gear changes, which enhance the overall driving experience.
Power-assisted steering adds a modern touch while still giving you the authentic, connected feel of the original car. The Tolman 205 GTI remains light and agile, just as the original was, but now with more power and improved handling, making it a car that’s just as comfortable on the open road as it is darting through corners.
Vicki’s Verdict
"This car was always a bit of fun, a little bit frisky, quite light on its feet and just a total joy and a giggle to drive. And they've absolutely captured that essence."
Vicki is clearly impressed with how Tolman Engineering has managed to retain the original 205 GTI’s playful character while modernising it for today’s roads. With faster acceleration, sharper handling, and all the modern conveniences you could want, the Tolman 205 GTI is a perfect blend of retro charm and cutting-edge engineering.
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