Peugeot 406
The Peugeot 406 is a large family car that Peugeot built from 1995 to 2004 (with later regional runs in other countries). It replaced the 405 and was later succeeded by the 407. It was offered in three body styles: a 4‑door saloon, a 5‑door estate, and a 2‑door coupé, all front‑wheel drive. The coupé version was designed by the Italian studio Pininfarina.
The 406 came with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, from compact 1.6 and 1.8 litres up to a 2.0 and a 3.0 V6, plus diesel options such as 1.9, 2.1 and 2.0 HDi (with a 2.2 HDi added later). Transmissions included a 4‑speed automatic, a 5‑speed manual, and a 4HP20 auto for the V6. In 1999 the model was facelifted with safety and refinement improvements, including updated engines and cabin features; a 2001 update added newer electronics and an additional diesel engine with a particulate filter.
The coupé, built by Pininfarina, shared the same platform as the saloon and estate but featured sportier tuning, wider wheels, lowered ride height, and stronger brakes. It offered petrol engines such as 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, and a 3.0 V6, plus later a 2.2 HDi diesel; around 107,000 Coupés were produced.
The 406 earned several awards, including What Car? Car of the Year in 1997 and Caravan Towcar of the Year in 1997 and 2001. It was notably successful in the UK for fleet sales and taxis and also took part in touring car racing. There were knock-down kit versions produced in Thailand, and the car was assembled in several countries beyond France.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 18:35 (CET).