Peugeot joins the panel with the Talbot Express
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Five forward synchromesh gears give a good progression with 0.76 to 1 overdrive top ratio to give a top speed well over 125km/h (78mph) and is geared for 28.8km/h (17.8mph) per 1,000rpm in direct fourth. On the road, both engines proved to be versatile, pulling well down to about 30mph in top gear, without showing signs of excessive labour.
Light pedals are on the small side. On the petrol van, the brake pedal travelled a long way before any response was recognised.
• The braking system is arranged so that the front disc brakes come on before the rear drum brakes — no matter what road conditions may be encountered. The rear braking circuit includes a load-proportioning valve to take account of the load condition and adjustment is automatic.
McPherson telescopic damper-type independent suspension is employed at the front with coil springs and damper rod. With no drive to the rear, a simple tubular axle is suspended by longitudinal four-leaf springs combined with upright telescopic dampers.
The ride was firm without excessive roll on the bends.
The rack and pinion steering was light and responsive and needed only four and a half turns to traverse fully from one lock to the other. However, it was noticeably heavier on the diesel model, though this does not justify fitting power-steering even for slow-speed manoeuvres.
Journey speeds averaged about 30mph for the slowest of the two vehicles, the petrol-engined version, while the diesel proved to be slightly quicker.
The Peugeot J4's bodywork is made from sheet steel structures and the floor has longitudinal and cross-members.
The Italian Sevel factory in the Sangro valley employs the latest cataphoretic painting methods. Chassis box sections are wax injected and the lower section of the body is protected by a coating of pvc.
Indications are that Fiat, Peugeot and Citroen models marketed throughout Europe will be very similar in overall specification but differ visually in the badges on the front grille.