TO MANY Australians, the 405 represented a radical departure for Peugeot, with its lightweight construction, modish lines and front-wheel drive hardware. After decades of simple, robust rear-drive family cars like the 404, 504 and 505, the 405 seemed like an expensive French Toyota Camry - albeit a roomy, agile and elegant one. The base 80kW 1.9-litre four-cylinder 405 (featured here) and cult 108kW 1.9-litre twin-cam manual-only 405 Mi16 sports sedan were joined by the leather-clad S and a boxy base wagon in late ’89, both featuring 80kW and a four-speed auto. In late ’91 minor changes, a 90kW 1.9 engine and upgraded equipment levels heralded the new SRI base model, the temporary disappearance of the 405 wagon and a Luxury Pack (leather and anti-lock brakes) option on the Mi16 range.