The Peugeot 205 GTi has been revealed as the ‘Greatest Ever Hot Hatch’ at the Performance Car Show following a comprehensive selection and reader voting contest.

Following a global poll, the Peugeot 205 GTi was announced as the winner by triple BTCC Champion Matt Neal, and saw off some of the most popular hatches of all time to claim the accolade, having been part of a shortlist of 50. This shortlist was drawn up by a group of renowned automotive experts from two of the UK’s most respected and notable motoring titles.

The final top 10 features some of the most iconic and desired cars of the last four decades. The Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evolution 1 finished as a worthy runner up to the 205 GTi, while the most recognised Ford Escort of all time – the RS Cosworth from the mid-1990s – completed a prestigious podium.

Here are the final top 10.

1. Peugeot 205 GTi 1.6
2. Lancia Delta HF Integrale
3. Ford Escort RS Cosworth
4. VW Golf GTi Mk1
5. Renault Clio Williams
6. Renault Clio 182 Trophy
7. VW Golf GTi Mk2
8. Renault 5 GT Turbo
9. Ford Focus RS Mk1
10. Talbot Lotus Sunbeam

Hot Hatch Nirvana curator Richard Bremner said of the winner: “The Peugeot 205 GTi was unbeatable for its sheer rev-happy, go-hard verve and subtly perfect styling. Lightning-quick gearshifts, urgent power delivery, blade-sharp steering and deliciously driftable handling made the 205 an overnight hot hatch king. And it was practical, too. For many it has never been bettered as its victory in this Pistonheads and Autocar readers’ vote confirms.”