The car can be seen as a direct descendant of its predecessor, the 405. The silhouette is very similar to the 405's. It uses the same floorpan as the Citroën Xantia, though without that car's sophisticated hydropneumatic suspension system and hydraulics.
The Peugeot 406 was a massive sales success from its launch, with UK sales immediately overshadowing the legendary 205, Peugeot's previous best-selling UK vehicle.
The diesel versions were very popular, leading the 406 to become one of Europe's best-selling diesels. Initially the car was available was the old 1.9 XUD unit, followed by the 110bhp 2.1 turbo diesel, to be replaced by the smoother HDi units in 1999.
Although the 406 was not marketed as a sporty vehicle its 2.0 turbo, 2.1 turbo diesel, 2.2 injection and 3.0 V6 engines provided superior performance to much of their competition. The 3.0 V6 unit is capable of matching some sports cars for straight line speed. The 406 has always been regarded as an excellent drive, agile and sprightly enough to entertain on back roads while still graceful enough to make a long-distance cruiser.
Due to the car's large size and weight, both of which were greater than most rival models, the 406 tends to suffer comparatively poor fuel economy, although the superior HDi diesel units addressed this problem directly.
The 406 was not a popular car for modification ("modding") until the early 2000s, being regarded more as a reliable and elegant workhorse than a sports car. Now, modified 406s seem to be an increasingly common sight on British roads. It remains to be seen whether the car will appeal to car modification enthusiasts in the same way as the Vauxhall Vectra, although 406 enthusiasts will doubtless prefer to keep their vehicles in standard condition.
The racing variant of the 406 was successful throughout Europe - but for reasons unknown, it never won a race of the British Touring Car Championship, despite being the most powerful car to compete between 1996 and 1998 (inclusive) at 310bhp (V6).
No hatchback version was produced, despite this car competing against rivals like the Renault Laguna and Ford Mondeo where hatch versions made up most of the sales, especially in Britain. In spite of this the 406 continues to sell in large numbers in the UK. Although the 406 has now been officially replaced by the 407, the 407 has not made any appreciable impact on 406 sales.
The coupé version was designed by Italian designer Pininfarina, with choices of a 2 litre 4-cylinder engine, or a 3 litre V6, and from 2001, a 2.2 litre HDi diesel unit.
Peugeot 406 Engines and Performance
The 406 is available with the following engines:
1.6 petrol (only in France)
1.8 petrol
2.0 petrol
2.0 petrol turbo
2.2 petrol
3.0 V6 petrol
1.9 diesel
1.9 diesel turbo
2.0 diesel HDi
2.1 diesel turbo
2.2 diesel HDi
The 1.8 and 2.0 petrol engines are simply intended as workhorse engines to get the car from place to place without the distraction of exciting performance. (It should be noted that the 2.0 engine is the same 136bhp unit found in the original 206 GTi.) The 1.8 in particular struggles to move such a heavy car. The 1.6 is an unfortunate choice of engine for a car this size.
The 2.0 petrol turbo unit is intended to bridge the gap between the workmanlike 2.0 petrol and 3.0 petrol V6. It is the same CT (constant torque) engine seen in the sporty Citroen Xantia Activa, supplying 150bhp and an enormous 175lb/ft torque. Despite its relatively low bhp output and light pressure 9psi boost, the turbo engine offers much more exciting performance than most of the range and is said to be the best compromise between excitement and sensibility.
The V6 engine is unusual in contemporary car circles for being the full-sized 3.0 litre. Usually manufacturers use a watered-down version like Ford's 2.5 V6. As such, the Peugeot V6 has a distinct displacement advantage over its rivals. Two V6 engines are available. Between 1996 and 1999 the V6 engine had 186bhp (often quoted as 192bhp). From 2000 onwards the V6 was uprated to a wheel-spinning 210bhp.
The 406 is most commonly supplied with a diesel engine. The original TDi engine was replaced in 1999 by the superior HDi unit. Although the HDi offers superior refinement and noticeably improved fuel economy, plus a common rail system which means the engine does not have to be preheated before starting, the HDi engines tend to lack the performance of the old TDi range. The exception is the 2.2 HDi.
By 1998 the 406 was one of the most popular diesel cars in Europe.
The 406 is starting to become popular for modifying. Three major bodykits have been released including one which resembles that found on the touring car. Lexus light clusters, uprated turbos, dump valve kits and so forth are available to enhance performance. It is worth noting that the standard heads and exhaust manifold are so good that replacing these systems with expensive aftermarket components is not recommended.
Despite its considerable success the 406 is often regarded as a car for the mature driver. This is something that will perhaps never be explained given that the 406 is practical, reliable, good looking and exciting enough to compete with many more "credible" alternatives.
Appearances in media
The 406 saloon has made high-profile appearances in several films, most famously the French "Taxi" trilogy but also in the film "Ronin". The car has appeared in Gran Turismo 2 (Sony Playstation) where it was the most powerful class-C (city runner) saloon car in the game with a potential 400bhp through modification. The car also made an appearance in coupe form in Gran Turismo 4.
The 3.0 V6 version of the 406 also appears in Sega GT 2000 (Microsoft XBox) and with some tweaking, is a competitive vehicle despite being the largest and heaviest car in the game.
Found a 406 review
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Foxy
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Found a 406 review
Used to own the finest 406 in the UK - RIP
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Welly
- The moderator formally known as Welton
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*Despite its considerable success the 406 is often regarded as a car for the mature driver*
Funny, but although my HDi goes well I certainly remember my old 2.1 12v 605 STDT having more grunt (as the man says above).
Foxy, are you missing your 406 so much that you are tirelessly searching the internet for all things 406 until you get your baby back
Funny, but although my HDi goes well I certainly remember my old 2.1 12v 605 STDT having more grunt (as the man says above).
Foxy, are you missing your 406 so much that you are tirelessly searching the internet for all things 406 until you get your baby back
Cars in my care:
2021 Kia Spottage 1.6 Pez Turbo Dual Clutch Gearbox Trickery
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2021 Kia Spottage 1.6 Pez Turbo Dual Clutch Gearbox Trickery
2013 Renner Twingo - donkey work
