Peugeot 406 - also a good one from France?

Why do we like German cars? True, there are quite a lot of them in Poland, maybe this is because we live next door to the Germans? Or maybe because their cars have become synonymous with durability in the eyes of a significant part of our drivers? Well, Japanese-made cars also top the reliability ratings, and German "toughness" is sometimes worth replacing with French sophistication. What does the Peugeot 406 look like?

The 406 replaced the 405, this is nothing new. However, something else is interesting. The year is 2013, and the Peugeot 406 was produced in 1995 - but you still don’t need to be ashamed of this. The designer had a vision because a car can captivate for years like Meryl Streep, and the 1999 facelift only helped him get there. In addition to the timeless bodywork, the car also convinces with a variety of versions - if you don't like a classic sedan with a 430-liter boot or an estate, you can also look for a fashionable coupe in the secondary market. Maybe a liftback or a convertible would be useful, but for this class the choice is still almost rich. But why buy a 406 if it breaks because it's from France?

France, led by Nice and the entire Côte d'Azur, is so charming, and yet cars from this country still bear the label of scrap metal. It's sad, because even the Peugeot 406 does not disappoint with its shortcomings, as one might initially expect. It's even safe to say that this is one of the most durable Peugeot ever built. True - at the beginning of his career he had many problems, but such are childhood diseases. Particularly multi-faceted versions have been significantly improved and are worth paying attention to. The suspension copes well with the surface of our roads, which in places resembles the moon, but we should expect replacement of the stabilizer rods and rear axle reaction rods. In turn, there are problems with leaks, valve seals and fittings in the engine. It is also worth remembering the timing belt and replacing it earlier - it tends to tear prematurely. Interesting - the car also has a problem with brake discs that twist. Another problem is electronics. Sensors fail, the computer has errors, and the dashboard controls the panic - in fact, most often they do not report a failure, but often glow for no reason. However, there are situations in which the lambda probe or engine sensors are damaged. However, most of them can be eliminated at minimal cost. But does the car deserve any attention at all?

Model 406 can be a faithful companion in everyday life and has even gained worldwide recognition. Probably everyone knows the movie "TAXI"? Yes - it was the 406 that played the main role in it, although the factory version does little to overtake a convoy of cars in a few seconds. The car was also recognized in the Car of the Year competition in 1996. However, I must cool the euphoria. She didn’t win, but she rubbed herself against the throne - always something ...

As for the movie Taxi, just because a collision with a real Peugeot 406 hurts doesn't mean it's actually free. The flagship 3.0 V6 petrol engine has a range of 190-210 km and provides a truly lively ride, spiced with crazy sound at high revs. Thanks to this, you can forgive him for quite frequent visits to the gas station. And for those who do not want to overpay, the 2.0 136 hp engine is perfect. The design has a small margin of power and does not make you go crazy with every overtaking. It suits the claw-like limousine character, although riding in high gear is not as pleasant as in a V6… the bike gets loud and the sound tiresome. Speaking of fatigue - 1.6 90km is an old, solid construction, but it's better not to hurt yourself with it. The car is sluggish and usually very poorly equipped. Option 1.8 is a worthy minimum - worth considering. The 2.0T and 2.2 engines are a fairly rare second-hand offering, and for LPG lovers, there will also be a factory version. What about diesels?

There is one question worth asking yourself here: “Do I prefer to fix the car with a hammer or enjoy the performance?” Old engines 1.9TD 75-92KM and 2.1TD (109KM) kill with a culture of work and smooth driving off-road, or rather, the absence of both. However, they are proven and durable and perfect for the daily commute, especially in the case of the beefed up version. On the other extreme, modern 2.0HDi and 2.2HDi are lively, quiet, cultured and expensive to repair. Especially when it comes to a particulate filter and a wheel with two masses that reduce vibration. Well, you can't have it all, but the HDi options have a lot to offer. What's so special about the car itself?

If someone expects comfort from a French car, he will not be disappointed. The suspension absorbs bumps quite effectively, although it rolls quite noticeably in corners. Despite this, the car is easy to control, but its element is rather a more relaxed ride. Soft and comfortable chairs only contribute to this. At the time of the premiere, the console was fascinating - compared to its predecessor, it looked abstract, like a Madonna in a Hindu village. Today it looks simple and clear at the same time. Due to the aversion of the French to pens, it is all dominated by buttons - they are large and comfortable. Leather upholstery or navigation are rare accessories, although it is better to refuse the latter - it is not very legible, and Poland is a dark garden for it and the range of maps does not reach our country. However, power windows and mirrors, a set of front airbags or, in newer versions, air conditioning are no longer uncommon. In the station wagon, you can also get an additional rear sofa in the trunk. True, you will have to keep your luggage on your lap, but at least extra people will get into the car.

There are cars that can match the quality and cost of Chinese toys such as Swiss watches. However, the Peugeot 406 is great value for money and more. Then German correctness or French subtlety is better? Everyone should answer this for themselves, but in this case the latter is a pretty good choice.

This article was created thanks to the courtesy of TopCar, who provided a car from the current offer for a test and photo session.

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