Upmarket Peugeot offered

Press, 27 April 1984, Page 22

Upmarket Peugeot offered

Selected Todd dealers will have the upmarket fuelinjected Peugeot 505 GTI for sale in very limited numbers this year. The New Zealand franchise holder, Allied Motors (N.Z.), Ltd, which operates under the cloak of Porirua-based Todd Motors, Ltd, has imported 505 models in built-up form for a number of years. Generally acknowledged to be a French quality car, the 505 Peugeot series has a rather conservative image

and the decision to introduce the GTI version is indicative of a change of policy by Allied Motors. This is a saloon calculated to appeal to the more affluent younger motorist, for although it is similarly styled to the 505 STI, which it replaces, it features an airdam and boot-mounted spoiler. The sporting image is accentuated by its light allow wheels, which are fitted with Michelin TRX 190 x 60 low-profile highperformance tyres.

Although the car looks more sporty than its predecessor it remains very much a luxury class four-door saloon. Standard equipment includes a new stereo-radio audio system with digital station finder. Other interior appointments include seats upholstered in deep pile velour and fitted with head restraints. A concession to its sporty image is the soft-rimmed steering wheel. The GTl’s drive train comprises Peugeot’s reliable ZEJ 1995 cm cm fuelinjected four-cylinder engine with electronic ignition and either a five-speed

manual or three-speed automatic gearbox. Suspension is independent all round and brakes are servo-assisted. Prices will depend on landed costs, but it is expected that the manualgearbox version will sell at around $37,500 and the automatic will cost about $lOOO more. Anyone interested should contact the local agent smartly. The Allied sales manager, Mike Todd, reckons orders for April and May shipments will mean that the GTI will be delivered almost as quickly as it is unloaded from the transporter