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78-769: It was the replacement for the Talbot Horizon , which had started life as a Chrysler in Britain and a Simca in France, and was also being built in several guises for the market in America. In 1985, the PSA Group decided to discontinue the Talbot brand, with the last passenger vehicle branded as a Talbot to be launched being the Samba of 1981, and to market the car as a Peugeot instead. The Talbot brand

156-604: A Cw of only 0.22. Many of the aerodynamic features from the VERA studies found their way into later production Peugeots. Production in France began at the former Simca plant in Poissy in the end of summer 1985, with the first French customers getting their cars in October of that year; but it was decided that RHD models would be built at the Ryton plant near Coventry, which had previously been owned by

234-560: A Talbot-branded successor to the Horizon, and went on sale in January 1986. The 309 continued the Simca heritage by using Simca-derived engines in its smaller models. The Ryton factory remained open until December 2006. The UK Horizon was available in the following trim levels: Most models were available with 4 or 5-speed gearboxes, which were initially a carry-over of the Simca gearbox, and then later

312-473: A colour-coded, one-piece rear spoiler as opposed to the Phase 1's outdated rubber spoiler which, by then, harked back to early 1980s design practice. Quite importantly a modified gearbox called 'BE3' was introduced, a revision of the original 'BE1' unit, placing reverse in the "down and to the right" position behind fifth gear, as opposed to the earlier "up and to the left" position next to first gear. Retrospectively,

390-448: A contrasting trim strip, red with the white bumpers and silver with the burgundy ones. After the facelift the bumpers also gained a pair of fog lights. A reflective strip panel was also on the options list, that replaced the louvred panel that sits between the rear lights. The 309 Automatic received equipment about on par with the GR, and was available with either the 1.6-liter XU5 or later with

468-532: A displacement of 944 cc (57.6 cu in) and had an initial output of 34 PS (25 kW; 34 hp), which would be increased over the years to a maximum of 44 PS (32 kW; 43 hp) on the base model. The following year, the Type 315 was used for the first time in a two-door sports model, the Simca 1000 Coupé , in a tuned form, with 52 PS (38 kW; 51 hp). The overhead valve engine Type 315

546-530: A larger engine (of VW , then PSA origins on the early versions, replaced by Chrysler's own 2.2L OHC "Trenton" I-4 later) and MacPherson strut suspension at the front instead of the more complex torsion bar system found in the European version. They also featured larger reinforced aluminum bumpers to comply with stricter US safety legislation . Despite the car's European origins, then Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca played this down, emphasizing that features such as

624-419: A lower-tuned, catalyzed 1.9-liter XU9J1 engine with 105 PS (77 kW; 104 bhp). Specifications varied somewhat depending on the market. The SR Injection, in addition, added alloy wheels, remote controlled central locking, and remote controlled heated door mirrors. The options list included metallic/black paint, front fog lights, a sliding glass sunroof, an automatic gearbox (SR only), and SR decals on

702-545: A new Talbot Samba based on the forthcoming Citroën AX supermini, but the success of the Peugeot 205 meant that there was little need for a third supermini within the PSA combine, and so the Samba was discontinued in 1986 with no replacement. The larger Alpine hatchback and Solara saloons were also axed in 1986, a year before Peugeot began production of the similar sized 405 , successor to

780-533: A replacement for their ageing 1100 range . It was introduced to market in summer 1978. In France it was initially sold under the Simca brand, whilst elsewhere in Europe it was initially badged as a Chrysler. As a result of the acquisition of Chrysler's European car division by Peugeot in 1978, both the Chrysler and Simca brands were dropped and the car was sold under the Talbot brand in all its European markets. The Horizon

858-640: A segment dominated by an increasing number of newer models including the Ford Escort Mark III, Vauxhall Astra, and Austin Maestro. Foreign models like the Volkswagen Golf and Datsun Sunny were also proving popular in the early 1980s. The last British Horizons were sold in 1986, soon after the launch of Peugeot 's Ryton-built 309 which had originally been intended for sale as the Talbot Arizona , as

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936-551: A sporty version of the 1000 introduced in 1972, with two double-barrel carburetors and a maximum power of 82 PS (60 kW; 81 hp). Racing versions could be tuned well in excess of 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp), and the three generations of the Simca Rallye using this engine are still used throughout Europe, especially France, in various national rally championships for classic cars and non-homologated cars. The 1.4 L; 88.0 cu in (1,442 cc) variant

1014-474: A time as a low cost alternative to the Horizon, but the two cars competed in virtually the same segment and the older car, its model range drastically reduced, saw its sales plummet. On the British market, the rear-wheel drive Avenger saloons and estates remained in production alongside it, giving British buyers a full choice of bodystyles in a market where hatchbacks still only accounted for a minority of sales. There

1092-510: A twinned options pack), a sliding glass sunroof and front fog lights. The 309 XS is now very rare in the United Kingdom. The SX model was not available in the United Kingdom. The GTI came with some features unique to the range, such as the large black boot spoiler, driving lights and fog lights in the front bumper, remote opening rear windows (three-door only), and the Speedline 1.9 GTI alloys -

1170-490: Is type 359 . This "tax special" was only offered in the Spanish market, where cars of over 850 cc (52 cu in) received a heavy tax penalty. It was called the Simca 900 . The car was introduced in 1970 with a 40 PS (29 kW) engine. In 1973 it was reintroduced as the 900 Special, now with a Bressel 32 twin carburetor and 43 PS (32 kW) at 5800 rpm. Introduced for longitudinal applications (for

1248-533: The 206 in 1998. The notched hatchback design, commonly called as a liftback design, bears an unintentional similarity to the Dodge Shadow and Plymouth Sundance , which were also developed (entirely separately and cut down from a larger [Chrysler K-Car] platform rather than stretched from a smaller one) to replace the Horizon in North America. The initial engine line up in the United Kingdom market consisted of

1326-502: The 305 , but the out of step model number (the next small family car after the 305 should have been named "306" which eventually launched in 1993) was intended to distance it from the larger 305 in the marketplace and to reflect the car's Simca origins. It was also the first Peugeot badged hatchback of this size. With the Talbot brand being phased out on passenger cars, the 309 would succeed the Talbot Horizon. Peugeot had been considering

1404-534: The 309 . The engine existed in displacements ranging from 0.8 to 1.6 L (777 to 1,592 cc), the biggest one on both sides of the Atlantic, powering the United States-market Dodge Omni / Plymouth Horizon . Peugeot eventually dropped the engines, replacing them with their own TU family . The Poissy engine was introduced in 1961 in the Simca 1000 , a small four-door saloon car. It featured

1482-548: The 3D1 . When installed in Peugeots, it was called the E1A engine. Originally it was called the type 350 (for transversal installations) or 351 (for longitudinal ones). These became the 3E1 and 1E1 respectively in 1973. The 1.2 L; 73.5 cu in (1,204 cc) iterations received an increase in stroke over the 1.1 engine, to 70 mm (2.8 in), while retaining the 74 mm (2.9 in) bore. Originally fitted to

1560-514: The Matra Rancho . The larger iteration of the Poissy engine was the 1.6 L; 97.1 cu in (1,592 cc) variant. Like the 1.45 L engine, it debuted in the 1307/Alpine in 1975, and was positioned at the top of the range, initially only with an automatic transmission (the only version of the engine to feature one), necessary to ensure this engine could power the US-market versions of

1638-491: The Rootes Group and then Chrysler Europe before Peugeot took it over in 1978. The first 309 for the British market rolled off the production line at Ryton in October 1985, and sales began the beginning of 1986, although left-hand drive sales of the Poissy built models began in France in October 1985. The only bodywork available originally was the five-door hatchback . The 309 was not intended to replace Peugeot's own model,

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1716-419: The Simca 1100 engine , was a four-cylinder overhead valve engine developed by Simca for use in its superminis and economy cars , designed by the engineer Georges Martin ( V12 Matra Sports engine designer). In spite of its common name, the engine actually predates the Simca 1100 model, and debuted in 1961 in the Simca 1000 . It was developed and produced by Simca (subsequently rebranded as Talbot) in

1794-445: The Trio / Trio D editions, with 1124/1360 cc TU engines and 1905 cc XUD engines, with unique seat fabric, green seatbelts and side decals down both flanks. The Look , available in blue, white, and very scarce black were fitted with unique seat fabric with a sunroof and coloured bumper inserts. The Green , produced between 1987 and 1991, available in 3/5 doors versions, with

1872-714: The trip computer and electronic ignition were of American design. In the US, many variants were eventually produced, including three-door coupé versions ("Charger" and "TC-3 / Turismo"), economy versions ("America", "Miser"), and high power versions such as the GLH, GLH Turbo, and Shelby GLHS (turbocharged, intercooled, 174 bhp). There was even a small pickup truck based on the Horizon ("Scamp" and "Rampage"). Some of these cars had successful careers in racing venues such as Auto-X, road and endurance racing, and pro rallying. Simca Poissy engine The Simca Poissy engine , commonly known as

1950-662: The "computer" was able to report current fuel consumption and average speeds as well as information on distances and times, in either metric or imperial units. The trip computer later became an option on lesser models such as the GLS. The Horizon was voted European Car of the Year in 1979. Initially only available in LS or GL trim, its launch saw the end of the rear-engined Simca 1000 . The Simca 1100 remained in production in France until 1981, being sold for

2028-527: The 'BE3' gearboxes are slightly less prone to failure than their earlier counterparts. This was also when Peugeot gradually phased in their, all new, belt driven TU Series overhead camshaft engines, in 1,124 cc and 1,360 cc forms, eventually replacing the trusty Simca units during 1992. The GTi 16 model, featuring the XU9J4 engine from the 405 Mi16, was also introduced at this time; however, these were only sold in mainland Europe. (See Trim levels) Towards

2106-471: The 1100, known as VF2, and the Talbot Horizon 's entry level version. It survived until 1991, when it was used as the base model to the Peugeot 309. The 1.3 L; 79.0 cu in (1,294 cc) variant debuted in 1972, and although it wasn't very popular in the 1000, it continued to be used in various Simca and Talbot models. It was famous in racing circles, by being used to power the Simca Rallye 2 ,

2184-409: The 1970s. A Talbot Horizon turbo concept car was produced in 1984 with a full cream leather interior and sporty body kit, the car was designed at Whitley , Coventry . The Turbo Horizon is very different from those models once seen out on the street and is kept at Coventry Transport Museum , Coventry England. Due to corrosion problems the Horizon is now a rare sight, with just 20 examples still on

2262-407: The 305. The 309's slightly awkward styling (especially when compared with the 205 and 405 of the same era) was due to the decision to reuse the door shells from the 205. The 309 was also originally intended to be differentiated from Peugeot as a Talbot, and was designed "inhouse". Other Peugeot cars of the time were designed by the famed Italian design house Pininfarina , up until the introduction of

2340-420: The 309 being the first car to be fitted with them. Also benefitted from uprated suspension, tinted glass, a deep front airdam, a leather steering wheel and internally adjustable headlights. Items on the options list included central locking/electric windows (as part of a twinned options pack), a sliding glass sunroof, and metallic/black paint. Some notable limited edition models included: The Zest / Zest D and

2418-572: The 309 continuing into 1998. Many special editions were based on the X/GE, such as the Sport model, which came with a spoiler and side decals; and also the Sunseeker model, which came with a pop up sunroof, and side decals. In some markets a diesel E model was also available, using the 1905 cc XUD engine. All diesel models carry the D suffix on the model badge (XLD, GLD). The Special Equipment model available in

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2496-581: The Chrysler Europe models. It was notorious for its use in the Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon , and was dubbed Peugeot by the American media, despite the fact that Peugeot had nothing to do with its design. It was also used as the base engine for the three-seater coupé Matra Murena . This tiny model was a tax special introduced in late 1968 to fit the Simca 1000 into France's 4CV tax category. The engine code

2574-583: The Chrysler Europe project developed in tandem with the American-market Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizon . While similar in appearance, and in one case even sharing a model name, the European and American Horizons had significant mechanical differences. The Horizon was developed by Chrysler Europe under the codename C2. It was designed in the United Kingdom at the Whitley design studio by Roy Axe and engineered in France at Poissy by Simca as

2652-556: The French domestic market. Chrysler Horizon The Talbot Horizon is a compact hatchback designed by Chrysler Europe and produced from 1978 to 1987. It was sold under the Simca , Chrysler and Talbot nameplates. The successor to both the Simca 1100 and Hillman Avenger , the Horizon adopted a front-wheel drive, transverse-engine layout. The model line was the Chrysler Corporation's first and only world car , with

2730-497: The Horizon earned praise for its crisp styling, supple ride, and competent handling. The SX version which joined the range for the Paris Motor Show , in October 1978, attracted interest for its innovative trip computer. The device took information from three sources, a clock, a "débitmètre" mounted on the fuel feed to the carburetor, and distance information from the feed for the odometer . Using these three pieces of information

2808-517: The PSA BE gearbox. An automatic transmission was available on most 1500 models, and was standard equipment on the 1500 SX model. The lowest level LE had very meagre equipment, not even being fitted with a rear parcel shelf. Some limited editions were: In 1982 Talbot and Lotus Cars began work on a Group B rally car meant to succeed the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus . Based on the Talbot Horizon, the car

2886-473: The Peugeot 205 1.6 GTI), uprated GTI specification suspension, and a pair of front fog lights. Options on this also included central locking, electric front windows and the Peugeot vacuum operated moonroof, essentially a large glass sliding sunroof. Post facelift 1.3 models and the 1.4 model also have central locking. Curiously, if the GLX was ordered in white, and later burgundy red, the bumpers were body coloured, with

2964-480: The Poissy engine was criticized for its poor mechanical refinement - in particular for its excessive tappet noise, something which led to poor press reviews. It survived as the entry level engine in the Peugeot 309 until 1991. The Poissy engine was reduced a few times, although it didn't have much use apart from the early and more compact models. In 1964, Simca developed an 844 cc (51.5 cu in) version for

3042-502: The Simca 1000 up to 1978. In 1968, another version was created for the Spanish market, the 1.2 L; 73.5 cu in (1,204 cc) displacement. This was the first sporty version of the 1000, with power rising to 55 PS (40 kW; 54 hp). A double-barrel carburetor was then used in the Simca 1200 S , a coupé designed by Bertone , and the CG sports car , and could reach 85 PS (63 kW; 84 hp). The regular version

3120-581: The Simca 1100 were largely to blame, while body corrosion was a serious issue – at least until the Series II ;– giving many cars a short service life. The series 2 Horizon launched in July 1982 had a 5-speed gearbox, and was badged series II 5 speed . The bumpers were painted black and the backlite was smaller, because the parcel shelf was raised to increase the size of the boot. Some models had an electronic LED 'econometer' which lit up several lights around

3198-414: The Spanish market 1000, as cars over 0.9 L were in a higher tax bracket. This variant existed in two output levels, the most powerful of which, and two single-barrel carburetors , which increased power to 43 PS (32 kW; 42 hp). An even more economic version was created for the entire European market in late 1968, with only 777 cc (47.4 cu in). These displacements were used in

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3276-692: The Talbot Arizona. The end of Horizon production early in 1987 also marked the end of the Talbot badge on passenger cars. However, the North American version of the car continued to be produced until 1990. The PSA XUD9 diesel engine of 1905 cc diesel engine was fitted to certain models of the Horizon, which was the first example of this engine available in the UK. All UK-market diesel Horizons were made in Spain. The British Peugeot-Talbot brochure of October 1984 shows

3354-453: The United Kingdom in 1989 also added a pop up sunroof and a rear wash/wipe to the standard equipment list. The E designation was replaced by the Style designation, which began as a special edition in 1987, but became a part of the range from 1988, to denote the base model, in line with other contemporary Peugeot models of the time (e.g. the Peugeot 205 Style and the Peugeot 405 Style). The Style

3432-472: The United Kingdom, and in 1987, it was joined on the production line by the larger 405. The 309's successor, the 306 , was also built at Ryton, as was the 206, which was the last vehicle in production there when the plant closed in December 2006. As of September 2022, 41 Peugeot 309 GTis remained on the roads in the United Kingdom, with another 313 registered being kept off the road as SORN. The summer of 1989 saw

3510-496: The XUD engines used in Europe, however, Indian-built 309 diesels received the much smaller 1527-cc TUD5 engine with 57 hp (43 kW); an engine also used by Maruti Udyog . Labour and servicing issues were hindering the car in the marketplace, and after Premier formed a second joint venture with Fiat, Peugeot announced the end of their partnership with PAL in November 1997 with sales of

3588-424: The chain driven Simca derived 1118 cc (E1A) and 1294 cc (G1A) overhead valve petrol units from the Horizon, and Peugeot provided 1580/1905 cc petrol belt driven overhead camshaft XU units. Spanish-built cars also used the 1442 cc (Y2) and 1592 cc (J2) "Poissy engine" , as seen previously in the Simca 1307 and Solara as well as the Horizon, instead of the 1580 cc OHC. In July 1986

3666-464: The earlier 1.2 L; 73.5 cu in (1,204 cc) unit used. The bore was increased to 76.7 mm (3.02 in), while the stroke remained 70 mm (2.8 in). The engine code was 366 for transversal installations, while longitudinal engines were called type 371 . In 1973, Simca changed their system and the engines became 3G (transversal) and 1G (longitudinal) instead. After PSA began to closer combine their operations with those of

3744-471: The edge of the speedometer dial. There was also an LED tachometer on top-of-the-range models; this horizontal row of green, yellow, and red LEDs was positioned atop the steering column and lit up in 250 rpm intervals. The Horizon was updated again in 1985, with different interior trim and slight changes to instrument dials and door cards to make the car look more modern, but with the Fiat Ritmo /Strada, it

3822-523: The end of 1992, production of the 309 began to wind down in anticipation for the launch of the new Peugeot 306 , returning Peugeot to their normal numbering scheme. In July 1993, the 309 lineup was severely reduced and only the two Vital (petrol or diesel) models remained on sale until December. In total, 1,635,132 Peugeot 309s were built between 1985 and 1993. 18,262 of these were the GTi model, and 5,896 were GTi 16. As of 2018, only 481 Peugeot 309s remained on

3900-411: The erstwhile Simca corporation, the engine code was changed yet again, to G1A , for use in the 309 and late Horizons. The 1978-only Simca 1000 Rallye III had the most potent unit yet, the 1G4C . Introduced in 1975, this larger model carries the 6Y engine code. The 6Y1 has a single carburettor. while the 6Y2 has a double barrel one, and the 6Y4 has twin, double-barrel carbs. This engine was known as

3978-496: The first diesels arrived, the 1905 cc, 65 PS (48 kW) PSA XUD engined GLD, GRD, followed by the SRD in 1987. Certain export markets also received a 60 PS (44 kW) 1769-cc version of this engine from the beginning. In France, the smaller diesel option only arrived in 1992. With 305 sales dropping considerably, the 309 range was expanded considerably in February 1987, when

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4056-417: The interior and electrical system. The Saab-Valmet factory also made a series of 2,385 cars that ran on kerosene or turpentine . The Horizon was produced in France and also Britain (where production had begun in the 1980s) until June 1986, and in Spain and Finland until 1987. Its successor was the Peugeot 309 , a car developed in the UK and launched towards the end of 1985, originally destined to be sold as

4134-421: The introduction of the Phase 2 Peugeot 309. It revised the design of the rear, lowering the boot lip, changing the rear lights to a more 'smoked style' and making slight alterations to the front radiator grille. Also, an updated interior was required to address severe criticisms leveled at the Phase 1's, Talbot-designed multi-piece dashboard which was prone to developing squeaks and rattles. The GTi models received

4212-487: The late 1960s at the manufacturer's factory in Poissy , hence its name. The engine was first designed in a 944 cc (57.6 cu in) form, but was reduced and stretched in order to be used in a variety of models and versions, by Simca, the Rootes Group (its partner company in Chrysler Europe ), Simca's final incarnation Talbot and its last parent company Peugeot , who used it until 1991 in its midsize model,

4290-502: The latter finished production in 1981. After Chrysler Europe collapsed in 1978 and was sold to Peugeot, the Horizon was rebadged as a Talbot in 1979. In 1981, the revisited models were introduced with minor improvements. By then however, the Horizon was becoming increasingly uncompetitive next to rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf (which was actually four years older), Opel Kadett / Vauxhall Astra and third generation Ford Escort . The unrefined overhead-valve engines carried over from

4368-504: The new Automatic (only with five doors) and the XA and XAD two-seater vans which arrived in February. The 309 was also significant in that it was the first Peugeot car to be assembled in the former Rootes factory in Ryton-on-Dunsmore , which Peugeot had inherited with its buyout of Chrysler Europe in 1978. Largely due to its partially British origins, the Peugeot 309 became a popular choice in

4446-590: The only diesel Horizon being the LD 1.9, the XUD9 engine only available in the Peugeot 305 GRD as well. The Horizon was not the first diesel in the Talbot family of cars with the Chrysler 180 in Spain having been available with diesel power during the 1970s. The Peugeot 309 used some of the Horizon range of Simca-based engines for most of its production life, until replaced with the more modern Peugeot TU engine in 1992. In Britain, it

4524-520: The rear flanks. These were only built in Phase 1 guise and many enthusiasts say that the SR was a better balanced car to drive than the GTI. However, not many SRs remain. It also came with opening rear windows (three door), a digital clock, a black spoiler (painted spoiler from the GTI after the facelift), driving lamps and a load area lamp. Options included alloy wheels, central locking/electric windows (only available as

4602-421: The rear-engined 1000 range), this engine was called the 315 . In 1968 a version for transverse installation (for the new front-wheel drive 1100 ) called the type 352 was introduced. Some of its improvements were also applied to the original version, which now carried the 349 code. In 1973, Simca changed their engine coding system and the longitudinal engine now became the 1D1 while the transverse model became

4680-790: The road in the UK at the end of 2016. The main Horizon production lines were Poissy in France and PSA Ryton Assembly in England. British manufacture commenced on 4 January 1982, and soon thereafter the Ryton plant was working a full five-day week for the first time in sixteen months. At the time, British Horizons had 60% British parts content. It was also manufactured in Spain in Villaverde by PSA Peugeot Citroën's Spanish subsidiary, and in Finland by Saab - Valmet from 1979 onwards. The Finnish-made Talbot Horizons integrated many Saab components, especially in

4758-524: The roads in the United Kingdom, with another 1,378 registered being kept off the road as SORN . India's Premier Automobiles Limited (PAL) began local assembly of the long mothballed 309 in 1995, only with five-door bodywork. Originally available only as a petrol-engined GL model powered by the TU3 engine, waitlisted buyers for the GL received the option to choose a diesel engine (GLD) instead, beginning in 1997. Rather than

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4836-402: The similar-sized 305 saloon and estates in production. UK sales of the Horizon (which went on sale there in early 1978 and was badged as a Chrysler until 1 August 1979, when it became a Talbot) were initially acceptable, held back by the fact that it was a French import. Sales improved as manufacture was brought to the United Kingdom in 1982. Soon thereafter, however, it started to lose sales in

4914-455: The somewhat sporting 1100 Spécial, it carried the 353 engine code. The rear-engined (longitudinal) version was called the 354 . Later the engine code was changed to 1F1 (for single carburettor versions), and after PSA's takeover it was briefly installed in Spanish market 205s where it was called the F1 . The 1.3 L; 79.0 cu in (1,294 cc) iteration was introduced in 1971, replacing

4992-450: The three-door bodystyle was added. In line with Peugeot's naming policy of the time, five-door models generally have equipment levels beginning with the letter G , while three-doors begin with the letter X . Other important new models was the XU 1905 cc-engined high performance GTi version of the 309 using the same 1905 cc XU9 engine as found in the 205 GTi. Other new versions in 1987 were

5070-429: The unique " Blanc Meije " color, white wheel hubs, sunroof, unique decals and " Green " logo in the back, green seatbelts and interior fabric, tinted windows, rear windshield wiper, painted bumpers with a unique green stripe. The Goodwood , Limited Edition for the United Kingdom was a GTI with full black leather interior as standard, and no cost optional wooden steering wheel, gearknob and CD Autochanger. The 309 Goodwood

5148-425: Was a modern unit, with a water-cooled inline design with forged crankshaft , alloy cross-flow head and five main bearings . An unusual feature on early models was the absence of a spin-on paper oil filter . Instead, the engine featured a form of centrifugal oil filter in the hollow rear crankshaft pulley, although all later versions used the more traditional disposable cartridge filters. One of its major innovations

5226-511: Was also available with the 1124 cc and 1360 cc TU and 1905 cc XUD (Style D) engines, all with five speed gearboxes, after the Simca units were phased out. A three speed automatic option was available with the XU5 engined GL. Later in the production run, the XL model was dropped, and a 1769 cc XUD turbo diesel engine was added to the L range, to become GLDTurbo, which featured alloy wheels (from

5304-412: Was first used in 1975 in the Simca 1307 / Chrysler Alpine . On virtue of its size, it could reach 85 PS (63 kW; 84 hp) with a double-barrel carburetor, but unlike the 1.3 L version, it was never used for racing in any capacity, Simca and Talbot preferring to use it in its larger models, including deluxe versions of the Horizon and the Solara . It also powered Europe's first soft-roader,

5382-499: Was fitted with a mid-mounted Lotus type 911 engine driving the rear wheels. The project was cancelled after two prototypes had been built. Peugeot subsequently began development of their all-wheel drive 205 T16 . The North American versions of the Horizon were the Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon . Although they appeared to share the same external bodywork as the European Horizon, the panels were in fact not interchangeable. They were also vastly different mechanically – using

5460-550: Was intended to be a "world car" designed for consumers on both sides of the Atlantic , but in execution, the European and North American versions of the vehicle have very little in common. Born largely out of the need to replace the ageing Simca 1100 in France, the Horizon was essentially a shortened version of the larger Alpine model, giving the vehicle an unusually wide track for its length. Featuring transversely mounted Simca-designed 1.1, 1.3 and 1.5-litre "Poissy" OHV engines , 4-speed gearboxes, and torsion-bar suspension,

5538-407: Was later used in various models around the European market, and was even installed in the US-market version of the Simca 1100, known as the Simca 1204. It was in use until 1978. The 1.1 L; 68.2 cu in (1,118 cc) variant appeared in 1967, initially in the 1100 and then in the 1000. This proved to be one of the most popular displacements of the 315 engines, powering the LCV version of

5616-536: Was never a three-door version of the Horizon. To fill this niche, the Simca 1100 remained on sale in continental Europe, while the rear-wheel drive Chrysler Sunbeam was sold alongside the Horizon in the United Kingdom until 1981. Although it didn't officially replace any of the British Chryslers ;– despite being a similar size to the rear-wheel drive Sunbeam and traditional Hillman Avenger saloon and estates which had been on sale since 1970 – both of

5694-438: Was now one of the oldest mainstream family hatchback on sale in Europe, and faced competition from even more new competitors. Fewer paint colours were available and fewer models. Many of the late cars, which were built between 1985 and 1986, were painted in an unsympathetic pale green or cream. Horizons had initially been available in more adventurous colours including orange, but many of these colours had gone out of fashion after

5772-565: Was only available in limited numbers for the United Kingdom (only 398 vehicles were constructed) in metallic pinewood green with anthracite Speedline alloy wheels, with a polished metal lip on the outer rim and badging depicting the Goodwood racing circuit on the front wings, tailgate and steering wheel boss. When the Goodwood was launched, the high asking price resulted in some examples not finding homes until 1994, hence some being registered on an 'L' prefix registration. The models listed below are for

5850-523: Was phased out completely when Talbot Express production stopped in 1994. The 309 had been conceived as Projet C28 as a replacement for the Talbot Horizon , and as a result its development had been performed by the former Chrysler/Simca wing of PSA. Styling was the responsibility of the former Chrysler-Rootes design studios in Coventry , whilst much of the engineering was done at the Simca site at Poissy in France. The only stipulation from PSA management

5928-427: Was seen as a modern alternative to the existing Rootes-designed Avenger models, offering buyers a front-wheel drive hatchback alongside the rear-wheel drive saloons and estates. The Avenger was produced alongside it until 1981, by which time the company had come under Peugeot ownership and no new models were launched to replace it, as the front-wheel drive hatchback style was becoming more popular and Peugeot already had

6006-469: Was that the new car had to use as much existing architecture as possible; hence the use of a stretched Peugeot 205 floorpan and door shells, whilst the Simca engines and transmissions from the Horizon were also carried over. The 309's design was presaged by the 1982 Peugeot VERA Plus (followed by the VERA Profil in 1985), which were aerodynamic studies developed by Peugeot at the time. The VERA Plus claimed

6084-484: Was the use of a swirl vortex on the intake valve port which gave very good combustion, and thus both power and economy for this time. This engine proved cheap to build, and several models of different sizes and market segments used this displacement, which survived until 1982, as the ever-present entry level for the Simca 1100 . In later life however, when it was installed in cars such as the Horizon and 1307/Alpine/Solara

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