The 405 Petrol Estate Range

Picture of 405GLX in Cherry Red  405 GLX Estate in Cherry Red

The Peugeot 405 Petrol Estate was launched in the UK in October 1988 (F reg plates). The 405 was always known as a 'drivers' car in its day, having one of the 'best' chassis in its class. In Estate form, it combined precise handling, superb levels of comfort and rather good steering all of which make it a very enjoyable car to drive, and above all it is an extremely practical car to own with huge load carrying ability.

The 405 came in three main phases.

Phase I - built from Oct 88 until Oct 92.

Phase II - built from Oct 92 until Mar 94

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

Phase I - the first generation.

The Petrol Estate versions were launched with three different engine options. These were a 1.6 (carburetter), 1.9 (carburetter) and a 1.9i (fuel injected) engine.They came in a variety of trim levels, these being as follows:-

1.6 models - 92bhp

1.6 Style  - entry version, very little in terms of specification

1.6 GE - entry model available prior to 'style' name badge being applied, basically the same car.

1.6 GL - Electric front windows, ski flap (boot / rear seat hole), not much else.

1.9 models - 110bhp

1.9 GL - Same spec as 1.6, better engine. Power Assisted Steering standard from mid 1990.

1.9 GR - as 1.6 spec, PAS fitted mid 1990 onwards, electric rear windows and rear headrests fitted from late 1990 onwards. Front fog lights also added to spec list in 1992.

1.9i fuel injected models - 125bhp

1.9 GTXi - same spec as saloon GTXi, electric rear windows, front fog lights, 8 spoke alloy wheels. Air-con an option

Phase II - the refined generation.

Picture of 405 GL  405 GL in White

The second 'phase' had better build quality, and a new range of petrol engines. The model range was revised and improved. All engines now equipped with catalytic converters and fuel injection. 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 line up of engines consist of 1.6i, 1.8i, and 2.0i.

1.6i Models - 90bhp.

1.6i Style - Basic workhorse, same as saloon style in spec. PAS was an option.

1.6i GLi - PAS standard, ABS and Automatic options.

1.8i Models - 103bhp.

1.8i GLi - PAS standard, electric front windows, electric sunroof, steering column control radio, remote control central locking. Air-con, ABS and Automatic options.

1.8i GRi - As GL in spec, plus front fog lamps, front and rear electric windows, rear headrests and cruise control. Air-con, ABS and Automatic options.

2.0i Models - 123bhp.

2.0i GRi - Same spec as 1.8i GR. Air-con, ABS options.

2.0i STi - Very comprehensive spec, electric adjusted seats, wood everywhere, ABS, 8-spoke alloys. Basically everything except Air-con as standard (this was an option).

Phase III - The last and best examples!         

405 Executive  405 Executive with 'harrier' alloys in Diablo Red .

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). The car was getting on for 6 years old and was having to compete with new comers like the Mondeo / Passat. These late models are easily detectable because of the model names (with the exception of the style model again!). 405 Estate models replaced by 406 range in 1997.

1.6i Models - 90bhp.

1.6i Style - Still the entry 'no gimmicks' model, no air con.

1.6i GLX - Air con, front fog lamps, remote central locking, electric front windows, sports seats / steering wheel, steering column radio controls, rear spoiler all standard. Very good specification.

1.8i Models - 103bhp.

1.8i GLX - Same spec as 1.6i. N reg ones also have 8 spoke alloys and chromed grill / larger body side mouldings.

1.8i Quasar - Similar spec to GLX, no Air-con (not even an option). 8-spoke Alloys fitted to all and rather cheerful aqua blue metallic paint.

1.8i LX - Introduced 1996 'N' plate. Similar spec to 1.6i GLX. Third brake light in tailgate added.

2.0i Models - 123bhp.

2.0i GTX - High level spec car featuring alloy wheels (8-spoke on L/M reg, 'harrier' style like those fitted to many 306's on newer cars), electric windows all round, CD player on late M reg onwards examples. Wood on dash and doors, sports seats, chromed roof bars, electric heated door mirrors, air-con all standard.

2.0i Executive - Even higher level of trim, all included in GTX plus leather trim seats (front ones heated), 'harrier' style alloys, ABS, multi disc CD player. Top of the range and top of the prices ! Unless you really want all this kit, save some money and get a GLX or GTX instead.