The 405 Diesel Estate Range

 Late 405 GLX TD with 8 spoke alloys

The Peugeot 405 Estate was launched in the UK in October 1988 (F reg plates) shortly after the saloon models, and went on to be the UK's best selling diesel estate car. The 405 was always known as a 'drivers' car in its day, having one the 'best' chassis in its class. In Estate form that still holds true, and is by far one of the most rewarding estate cars to drive - even today!

The 405 came in three main phases.

Phase I - built from Oct 88 until Mar 92.

Phase II - built from Apr 92 until Mar 94

Phase III - built from Mar 94 until replaced by the 406!

Phase I - the first generation.

The two Diesels launched were the 1.8 Turbo (with air intercooler) and 1.9 Non-Turbo versions. They came in a variety of trim levels, these being as follows:-

Turbo models

1.8 GLDT  - entry turbo diesel version, split / fold rear seat, not much else!

1.8 GRDT - mid range turbo model, central locking, electric mirrors, most have PAS.

1.8 GTDT - The top of the range Estate at the time, electric gadgets everywhere, Air con an option.

Non turbo models

1.9 Style D - The most basic version of a 405, not that there's much wrong with that.

1.9 GLD - Same spec as turbo model except with the non-turbo engine (1905cc)

1.9 GRD - again same spec as turbo, but with the non-turbo engine (1905cc)

Phase II - the refined generation.

The second 'phase' had better build quality, and a new turbo diesel engine to replace the 1.8 unit. The model range was revised and improved. 1.9 D engine continued (non-turbo). The new turbo engine is a modified version of the non-turbo 1.9 unit, and had an air intercooler as part of the package. New interior and dash board / instruments now in effect - less rattles ! Power steering now standard on all except Style D. Drivers air bag now standard on all except Style..

405 GRD

Turbo models

1.9 GLDT - Entry turbo spec car, electric front windows. 

1.9 GRDT - Better spec car, with front and rear electric windows, central locking.

1.9 STDT - Top of the range, electric everything, wood on doors / dash, Air con option.

1.9 Hunter TD - Special edition with air con, Pearlescent paint, alloys, Roof bars, ABS (I think as standard) and lots of electric goodies.

Non Turbo models

1.9 Style D - Very basic workhorse, watch for non-power steering fitted cars.

1.9 GLD - Non turbo version of GLDT

1.9 GRD - Same spec as GRDT but without the turbo

Phase III - The last and best examples!         

The phase three machines are the best ones. All models now have power steering, side impact bars, all but Style and Quasar models have air-conditioning. Complete re-vamp of range models from top to bottom (except style which remains unchanged although a turbo version became available). The car was getting on for 6 years old and was having to compete with new comers like the Mondeo / Passat. However, in estate form the car still sold in large numbers. There are lots of phase III machines around (L-reg onwards). They are easily indentified because of the model names (with the exception of the style model again!).

405 Executive TD with 'harrier' alloys.

Turbo Diesel versions

1.9 Style TD - Still the entry 'no gimmicks' model, no air con.

1.9 Quasar TD (Special Edition) - nice metallic colours, alloy wheels (8 spoke jobs), no air con !!!!

1.9 GLX TD - Good spec, electric front windows, air con, roof bars, remote central locking / immobiliser / Alarm. N reg ones also have 8 spoke alloys and chromed grill / larger body side mouldings.

1.9 GTX TD - As GLX, but electric rear windows as well, chromed roof bars / grill. Late M and N reg cars have CD autochanger and revised 'harrier' alloy wheels (as found on 306's Dturbos/XS etc). Also wood on dash etc.

1.9 Executive TD - In addition to the GTX spec, these cars have heated front seats - leather, CD autochanger on all, ABS, 'harrier' alloy wheels, wood everywhere! Most sell for over-the-odds prices, there is not too much extra chucked in over a GTX.

The very last ones !!! 1996-97

1.9 LX TD - replaced the GLX in late 1996, most if not all have air con, no alloys though.

1.9 GLX TD - replaced the GTX in late 1996, air con, alloys on most. 

Non-turbo versions

1.9 Style D - still the basic model, spec as turbo car

1.9 Quasar D - non-turbo version of special edition, extras as turbo car

1.9 GLX D - same as GLXTD except alloys never fitted as standard.

1.9 LX D - the last ones N and P reg, not sure what extras fitted. Believe it is similar spec to early GLX models, air con should be fitted to all - check!