Peugeot 306 GTi-6

The 205 GTi's spiritual successor — XU10J4RS 2.0 16V, 167 bhp, six-speed manual (a then-rare-in-class spec, hence the GTi-6 badge) and the same brilliant Peugeot chassis tuning that made the 205 famous. Three-door only, sold in the UK from 1996 to 1999. Built at Mulhouse alongside the 306 Rallye (which used the same engine in a stripped-out, cheaper body without the GTi's wider trim and air-con). Cabin was a step up from 205 GTi but still cheap; the chassis was the star — multilink rear that felt almost RWD-like in committed cornering, and a steering response that still embarrasses modern hot hatches. Replicas and engine-swap cars are everywhere; clean unmolested originals on standard XS Metal Grey or Magenta paint are now £8-15k for tidy and £20k+ for concours.