Review: Peugeot D8 406 (1996-99)

Overview

Released in September 1996, the Peugeot D8 406 was initially available as a mid-size sedan, with wagon models following in March 1998. The front-wheel drive 406 was available with three different engines and in ST, STDT and SV editions (see table below).

Engines

Of the engines,

A 2.0-litre XU10 J4R four-cylinder petrol engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.4:1;
A cast-iron 2.1-litre XUD11 BTE four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with a single overhead camshaft, three valves per cylinder, Electronically Programmed Injection Control (EPIC), exhaust gas recycling and a compression ratio of 21.5:1; and,
An aluminium, 2.9-litre ES9 V6 petrol engine with double over head camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

Dimensions

The 406 sedan was 4555 mm long, 1764 mm wide, 1396 mm tall and had a 2700 mm long wheelbase; wagon models, however, were 160 mm longer (at 4715 mm) and had a 54 mm higher roofline (1450 mm), though other dimensions were unchanged. Of the wagon models, the 2.1 TD variants had seven seats, including fold-away third-row seats; the 3.0 V6 variants, however, had five seats.

Suspension

The 406 had MacPherson strut front suspension with subframe-mounted lower wishbones and an anti-roll bar, while the multi-link rear suspension had trailing arms, lower transverse links, separate coil springs and an anti-roll bar.

Peugeot D8 406 specifications
Body	Variant	Edition	Years	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
Sedan	2.0	ST	1996-99	2.0-litre petrol I4	5sp man., 4sp auto	100 kW at 5500 rpm	187 Nm at 4200 rpm
	2.1 TD	STDT	1997-99	2.1-litre turbo-diesel I4	5sp man.	82 kW at 4300 rpm	251 Nm at 2000 rpm
	3.0 V6	SV	1997-99	2.9-litre petrol V6	5sp man., 4sp auto	144 kW at 5500 rpm	267 Nm at 4000 rpm
Wagon	2.1 TD	STDT (7 seats)	1998-99	2.1-litre turbo-diesel I4	5sp man.	82 kW at 4300 rpm	251 Nm at 2000 rpm
Wagon	3.0 V6	SV (5 seats)	1999	2.9-litre petrol V6	4sp auto	144 kW at 5500 rpm	267 Nm at 4000 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the D8 406 included dual front airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 1997 Peugeot 406 sedan – fitted with a 1.8-litre petrol engine and equipped with dual front airbags – received a two star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 15. In the offset crash test, the driver’s knees struck stiff structures behind the lower fascia, presenting a serious risk of injuries to the knees, thighs and pelvis; the steering was also pushed back during the impact and chest protection was rated as marginal. In the side impact test, chest protection for the driver was rated as weak, with pelvis protection rated as marginal.

Features

Standard features for the Peugeot D8 406 ST and STDT included a six speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel; models with automatic transmissions were also fitted with cruise control. The STDT editions were further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the range-topping 406 SV added climate control air conditioning, front fog lights and woodgrain interior trim.

From May 1998, the 406ST was fitted with an immobiliser; the ‘Sublime’ pattern velour trim was also replaced with a ‘Dune’ design available in grey and beige.