The 405 Diesel Saloon Range

 405 GLD Saloon.

The Peugeot 405 Diesel Saloon was launched in the UK in March 1988 (E reg plates), two months later than the Petrol engined cars. The 405 was always known as a 'drivers' car in its day, having one the 'best' chassis in its class. In Saloon form, it combined precise handling, superb levels of comfort and rather good steering all of which make it a very enjoyable car to drive.

The 405 came in three main phases.

Phase I - built from Jan 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 Diesel 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.

 405 GRD Saloon.

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. New smaller rear light clusters is the give-away visual difference from the outside on Saloon models

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 SRDT - Same trim / spec as petrol SRi, only made for about a year. Has sports trim / seats / dash. Electric windows.

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

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!         

 Late 405 GLX Saloon with 8-spoke alloys.

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 like hotcakes. There are lots of phase III machines around (L-reg onwards). They are easily detectable because of the model names (with the exception of the style model again!).

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.

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 - not sure if alloys were ever fitted as standard.