British International Motor Show - Peugeot

This file contains archived information on the 1996 motor show. Our current news section is here.

Peugeot revealed first details of the eagerly-awaited Estate and Coupe versions of its class-leading 406 range.

The 406 Estate, expected to go on sale in the UK next February, will be a key component of Peugeot's overall product strategy. Peugeot is a leading player in the UK market for medium estates, having sold nearly 100,000 Peugeot 405 estates since launch.

The 406 Estate has all the style, comfort, handling and performance that has made the 406 saloon a benchmark for the medium car market. But with a bodyshell 17cms longer at 4.725 metres, and a highly competitive 1.74 cubic metres of loadspace, the estate version adds spaciousness and practicality to the 406 range.

The 406 Coupe is a true thoroughbred, from the same Peugeot and Pininfarina stable that has produced so many historic coupes and cabriolets over the past 40 years. Its stunning good looks reflect the classic coupe combination of style, power and state-of-the-art automotive engineering. It is due to arrive in the UK next Spring.

Both models, along with the new 406 V6 and Automatic saloons, will make their world debut at the Paris Motor Show on 1 October, and their UK debut at the British International Motor Show on 15 October.

The 406 Estate - Adding an Extra Dimension

While offering extra space and practicality, the estate version loses none of the elegance and fluidity of line that characterises the 406. The attention paid to rear body styling has resulted in an aesthetically sculpted shape that exudes class and quality. The use of semi-built-in lights in the tailgate also creates generous access width and a low sill for easy loading and unloading.

A Range Within a Range

By mixing and matching engines, gearboxes and equipment levels, Peugeot can offer no fewer than 18 different 406 estates. There are five trim levels - L, LX, GLX, Executive and V6, plus a seven-seater "family" version. They feature a choice of petrol, turbo-petrol, turbo-diesel and V6 engines, offering a power range from 90 bhp for the 1.9 litre turbo diesel to 194 bhp for the V6 version.

The estate uses the same front seats as the 406 saloon, but the rear seats have been completely re-designed. Two types of rear seat are available: a single-piece seat with both cushion and backrest that fold down to give a completely flat load floor; and a 40/60 split seat. Both types have provision for three headrests.

The L and LX level estates will also include seven-seater "family" versions equipped with a special rear facing twin seat which folds away into the floor. This consists of a seat cushion and backrest frame with tubes and rods for folding.

The 406 Coupe - a Classic in the Making

The 406 Coupe was developed in partnership with Pininfarina, one of the world's most prestigious styling houses, who were not only responsible for the external and internal design, but also for ensuring that the car would be engineered and manufactured to the same high standard.

A fully-fledged four-seater with a capacious boot, the 406 Coupe has the same 2.7m wheelbase as the 406 saloon, but derives its own distinct visual character from being 5cm lower and 6cm longer at the front.

It will be available with Peugeot's 135 bhp 2 litre 16-valve engine, or the new 194 bhp V6 with either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearboxes.

Equipped to the highest level for driver and passenger safety and comfort, the Coupe interior is the ultimate in luxury: typical are the 10-speaker CD player and chrome-rimmed instrument clusters.

New V6 Power Unit and Electronic Automatic Gearbox for 406

The 406 is the first Peugeot to benefit from the new 24-valve, 3-litre V6 engine jointly developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën and Renault groups. Coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox, the V6 produces maximum power of 194 bhp and torque of 27.5 mkg. It gives a top speed of 144 mph.

The power and refinement of the V6 engine is reflected in the exceptionally high level of trim and equipment in the 406 V6 version, typical of which are its own special leather upholstery and console wood inlay.

The new automatic gearbox introduced in the 406 range has an electronic gear change management system and a ladder-type gate similar to that of a manual gearbox.

It also features computer-controlled lock-up and three driving programmes: one which automatically adapts to the driving style and type of road (e.g. town or mountain), pre-selecting the gearchange speeds; a sports programme which accentuates performance; and a winter programme which improves start-up and grip on slippery surfaces.

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