10 Best French Compact Sports Cars - Sports Cars
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The French are good at doing good things, and it must be admitted that when it comes to building compact sports cars, they are masters. Only a long history in sports, especially in rally racing, explains why these cars are so good. Citroën Xara, C4, Saxò, Peugeot 205, 106, 206 and 208 not to mention Renault 5, Clio, Megane and all the French leanings driven by the legendary Jean Ragnotti: all the machines that have won everything to win – and continue to do so.
But we want to pay tribute to the road versions, the ones we dreamed of as children and the ones we still dream of today. Five wasn't enough, so this time we've compiled a list of the 10 best French hot hatches of all time.
Citroen Visa GTi
La Citroën Visa maybe he will be one of the most coveted Frenchmen, but this is a good toy with a tough and clean ride. The interior looks like a Star Wars (80s) fighter jet, but it doesn't matter, the 1.6-liter 105bhp engine. and weighing 870 kg offer great old school fun.
Citroen Saxò VTS
La Saxon VTS she was the antagonist of 106 and, admittedly, was at her best. The 1.6-horsepower 120 performs beautifully, with a metallic sound and energetic pitch, while the rigid chassis and modest tires provide unexpected traction. This is a car that is still capable of great fun and great performance.
208 years of the Peugeot 30 GTi
The most modern car in our ranking is a small 208. If 208 GTI the standard is a little too manual, 30 years it's hard as rock. Short gear ratios, normal brakes and a limited-slip differential made the 208 sharper and faster than ever, but still attractive.
and execution.
Peugeot 306 Rally
La 306 Rally it was fast, very fast for the time. It had the same 2.0bhp 167-liter engine as the 306 GTI, but it looked even more aggressive. The 306 Maxi conquered the crowds in the rally, and the road led opponents of the day with its superb chassis and incredible power.
Renault 5 Turbo
There is no car in the world as small and aggressive as Renault 5 Turbo... The rear tracks seem to explode and barely support the large rear wheels. The 1.4-liter midsize engine develops 160 horsepower.
Renault Clio V6 Mk2
La Cliona v6 it is one of those machines that inspire fear even when stationary. A mid-engine and rear-wheel drive are the characteristics of a supercar, but when the wheelbase is so short the reactions become much more sudden and difficult to control. It's wide, poised and bold, with just two seats and a 6hp 3.0-liter V250 engine that's in sight behind it. Clio on steroids in a tight shirt.
Peugeot 106 Rallye
Our favorite is the first series of 93, equipped with a 1.300 cc engine from the parent 205 model. 106 it is agile, sharp, precise, so good that it is still competitive in some rally categories. The small 1.3 may be tender today, but it is gaining momentum so viciously and quickly that today's Euro6 can only be dreamed of.
Renault Megane RS R26 R
It is a Megane RS: Roll bar, minimum weight, serious tires and brakes, and race car look. The R26 R is proof of what Renault Sport engineers are capable of when given carte blanche. It is a tool of incredible precision, capable of insane speeds even from "only" 231 hp. Probably the best Mégane ever.
Peugeot 205 GTi
If we estimated the most oversteer of front-wheel drive cars, then 205 GTi to win hands down. It takes a steady hand and respect, but if you know how to tame it, it will win you over.
The 205 is also one of the oldest French cars and has been the benchmark for compact sports cars for many years.
Engine 1.9 with a power of 130 hp is real power, able to accelerate the 205 GTi from 0 to 100 km / h to 7,8 km / h in 203 seconds.
Renault Clio Williams
Let's face it, everyone Megane RS outside the gates Renault is special (with the possible exception of the latter), but Williams is more special. Not because of the timeless line or neat coloring, but because of the fantastic overall balance. Engine 2.0 150 HP “Just right” for its chassis, a lightweight, responsive and confident chassis. Can you ask for something better?
