Peugeot 406 St
Sun Herald
Sunday February 1, 1998
PIGEONHOLE: Upmarket Camry.
PHILOSOPHY: Pamper the occupants and delight the driver with extraordinary road manners. But don't give them too much power.
WHO'S BUYING IT: About 60 buyers a month are signing up for the 406 "four". Many of them are long-term Peugeot owners but there are also conquests from other prestige brands.
WHY YOU'D BUY IT: To be different, for the subtly exquisite styling, sharp handling and magic carpet ride. Peugeot's policy of long model life does no harm to resale.
WHY YOU WOULDN'T: A Commodore or Falcon is cheaper, bigger and a great deal quicker. A four-cylinder Camry is slightly more refined and even cheaper again.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT: Air-conditioning, electric windows, cruise control (on auto), electric mirrors, remote central locking, toolkit (with gloves!), dual air bags, anti-lock brakes, pyrotechnic front seatbelts, three-point centre seat-belt in rear.
SAFETY: All the right features (see standard equipment).
CABIN: The instrument panel, like the exterior, is elegant rather than exciting. The trim is plush, but a couple of
stray bits of plastic pretending to be
wood don't quite say "luxury".
SEATING: Five people can be sumptuously accommodated in the wide, soft, well-shaped seats. Head-room in the rear is
reasonable and the doors open widely.
ENGINE: In-line, 2-litre, four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual or four-speed auto. The output (100kW and 187Nm) is nothing special, considering the 1300kg-plus kerb mass. Indeed, anyone raised on torquey Aussie sixes is going to wonder whether they've forgotten to turn the ignition key. The V6 version is a much more punchy package but $12,000 dearer.
STEERING: Somewhere between excellent and brilliant.
RIDE: There is almost nothing else on the market that soaks up bumps like the 406.
HANDLING: As with ride, this is a benchmark model in the handling department. It's a delight to drive and the way it keeps its composure no matter what the road decides to do is almost breathtaking.
FUEL: The gearing pays off in the economy stakes. The manual registers 9.2litres/100km for the city and 6.0litres/ 100km for the highway. The bad news is the 406 requires premium unleaded - about 8? a litre dearer than regular.
BRAKES: Discs all around with four-sensor Bosch anti-lock system.
BUILD: There are areas where the Japanese and Germans are better, but generally speaking the car is well put together.
WARRANTY: Two years/unlimited kilometres (with 24-hour roadside assistance), six-year anti-corrosion warranty.
ANTI-THEFT: Peugeot has done clever things with keys and self-shearing locks, but there's no alarm or immobiliser. The sound system is anti-theft coded.
AUDIO SYSTEM: CD-compatible radio cassette with six speakers. Good clear sound with simple, logical controls.
COST
$39,995 plus on-road costs. Options include alloy wheels ($1,800), sunroof ($1,800) and metallic paint ($700). Dealers are keen, particularly those with 1997 stock.
VERDICT
Peugeot owners are loyal for good reason. The 406 is best-in-class in many areas and it does what it does with enormous charm. However, the modest
off-the-mark performance makes it more of a Euro-cruiser than an ideal city car.
© 1998 Sun Herald