Peugeot 406

Peugeot 406 at a glance

The 406 is a front-wheel-drive car with transverse engines, MacPherson front suspension and a multi-link rear axle. The sedan and wagon received a facelift at the end of the 1990s; the coupé was updated only at the turn of 2002 and 2003. Other models of the brand are in our Peugeot catalogue, and the company's story is told in the history of Peugeot.

Design

The 406's shape is a stylistic evolution of the 405: the designers kept the recognisable lines but replaced the sharp-edged forms of the 1980s with rounder ones. Smooth lines, a low, powerful nose, integrated bumpers and almond-shaped headlights give it a dynamic silhouette that still looks good next to much newer cars.

The 406 Coupé was designed by the Italian studio Pininfarina, which benefited both its looks and its aerodynamics.

The facelift, intended to revive falling sales, gave the sedan a sharper front end. New, longer headlight units had wear-resistant plastic lenses and "crystal" reflectors; the rear lights became fully red twin units, and fog lamps were fitted even to the base version. A black fine-mesh grille, a larger badge, a more domed bonnet, more rounded bumpers made of more flexible materials and chrome strips on the side mouldings completed the update. The sedan rode on 15-inch wheels.

Interior and practicality

The dashboard is well thought out. The centre console carries the audio system with a CD player, a monochrome trip computer display and the climate-control panel — still unusual at the time — plus switches for the heated front seats. The instrument cluster places the fuel gauge in the middle, the rev counter and temperature gauge on the left, the speedometer on the right and a small display for trip data and outside temperature at the bottom. The four-spoke steering wheel has no audio buttons.

The cabin is simple and uncluttered despite a strong body with programmed crumple zones, a steel cross-member under the dashboard and a side-impact protection system. Soft plastics make it pleasant to the touch, and sound insulation is good. The coupé's boot holds 390 litres, the sedan's 430 litres and the wagon's 526 litres, rising to 1,741 litres with the rear seats folded.

Engines and transmissions

The 1.6 is adequate only for relaxed driving, and the 1.8 versions are not quick either. The 2.0-litre petrol engines are the best balance of performance and economy; the turbocharged 2.0 was available only briefly. The V6 was developed jointly by PSA and Renault. All engines drive the front wheels through a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox.

Chassis

Much of the 406's reputation rests on its well-balanced suspension: MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear axle, both carefully tuned to work together. Two types of hydraulic power steering were used — a French-made system in early cars and a ZF unit later. The facelifted car has disc brakes on all four wheels.

Safety and equipment

Base cars have driver and passenger airbags and three-point seat belts; higher trims add side curtain airbags and rear-seat airbags. Electronics such as ABS, EBD, ESP, an immobiliser, an alarm and rain and light sensors were advanced for the time. Options included climate control, cruise control, a trip computer, navigation, electronically adaptive suspension, speed-sensitive power steering, brake assist, electric folding mirrors, an electric sunroof, a CD changer, athermic windscreen glass, an auto-dimming mirror, leather upholstery in three colours and electric front seats with memory.

Key specifications

Strengths and weaknesses

Owners praise the 406's good sound insulation, elegant and uncluttered interior, soft suspension that copes well with bad roads, decent performance, generous equipment, solid build, precise handling and plenty of space. Repairs are inexpensive, and the glass-lensed headlights are good. The four-speed automatic feels short of ratios, and the car needs regular, careful maintenance to avoid problems. Rivals included the Renault Laguna, Toyota Avensis, Mazda 626, Nissan Primera, Opel Vectra and Volkswagen Passat.