Review: Peugeot 605 (1994-96)

Overview

Released in March 1994, the Peugeot 605 was a large, luxury vehicle. Manufactured in France, the front-wheel drive 605 was powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. For Australia, the SV was the sole 605 variant offered.

While the Peugeot 605 was available in international markets from 1989, it was not available in Australia until March 1994. As such, Australia received the ‘Phase II’ 605 which could be identified by its grey top tail-light elements and more ergonomic interior.

ZPJ engine

The 3.0-litre ZPJ V6 petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, a single chain-driven overhead camshaft (per cylinder bank), two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.

Dimensions

Sharing components with the Citröen XM and styled by Pininfarina, the 605 was 4721 mm long, 1799 mm wide, 1426 mm tall and had a 2800 mm long wheelbase; for models with V6 engines, kerb weight was 1540 kg and the drag coefficient 0.30 Cd.

Suspension

The 605 had MacPherson strut front suspension with lower wishbones and an anti-roll bar and independent, double wishbone rear suspension with coil springs and separate hydraulic shock absorbers. In this regard, the 605 differed significantly from the XM which had trailing arm rear suspension with a hydropneumatic self-levelling system.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Peugeot 605 SV included a driver’s airbag and ABS.

Features

Standard features for the Peugeot 605 SV included 15-inch alloy wheels with 205/60 VR 15 tyres, a ten speaker sound system with a ten-disc CD changer, climate control air conditioning, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a trip computer and woodgrain interior trim.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Peugeot 605