4x4 405's

This page is dedicated to the 4x4 versions of the 405, namely the GLx4, GRi 4x4, Mi-16 x4 and T16.

The 405 was first launched as a 4 wheel drive in 1990, with the Mi-16 4x4 and GLx4 models being launched (saloons). The GLx4 estate was launched later, in Oct 91. All these cars were discontinued in Oct 92.  The Citroen Bx 4x4 system was identical, and shares its components with the 405.

In Oct 93, the 4x4 came back in the form of a 2.0 GRi 4x4, available in saloon and estate form. This was also discontinued at the end of 1993. In Europe (not the UK) the special edition T16 was launched, which was a 2.0i 16valve Turbo charged 4 x 4 model. Only around 400 of these were made, all Left Hand Drive and all were registered in '93 and early '94.

For more details on the T16, visit the T16 page by using the menu to the left.

Mi-16 4x4

GRi 4x4 Estate

GLx4

Difficult to find, the 4x4 models are few and the most common one being the Mi-16 ! The question of why bother with 4WD does raise from all this. Well, with the Mi-16 it did give a further edge in the handling department with more traction and ultimate grip. It was slower as a result of the extra transmission, and used more fuel too. Parts can be rather expensive (differentials etc.), but luckily the 4x4 system was not dogged with major problems. The differential is probably the unit that will get noisy and fail first.

The lesser models GL and GRi, were not very popular and they cost around £1300 more than the same badged front wheel drive models when new. Useful for living in remote locations with bad weather and on farm land, and arguably better for towing (better traction), the 4x4 system gain over the standard front wheel drive set up was therefore limited. Still, if you fall into the categories mentioned previously, it may be worth looking for one. Mi-16 models, well, take it or leave it - better pull offs from lights, but slower overall performance.

The 4WD is permanent, as are most modern systems, so you only have the one gear lever!

Technical Detail will be shown here when available.

Early Mi-16 in Cherry Red.

405 T16 4x4. Spot the differences between this and a Mi-16? (there are a few!)