Real life road tests: Peugeot 406 HDi

[Cavcraft]

Right, time to move on to my 406HDi saloon.

 

It's very French, by which I mean the interior is mega soft, that almost-fall-to-sleep cozy. The Laguna was like that, ditto the earlier 405 estate. It's all very well on long journeys, but it sort of lacks excitement. So what's it like to drive?

 

It's defo a new generation 405, and like all 'new models' should be, it seems better built, feels more solid more inviting. There's just that something that makes it feel a better car than the 405, I think, anyhow.

Sadly, I can only really compare it to a Vauxhall Vectra, as I had a bit of experience with them, and in fairness I think the 406 was launched first.

Side by side the Vectra CDTi 8V felt (and is) faster and sort of more engaging. It doesn't make the 406 crap, it's just a different car for a few reasons, really. The Vauxhall was more hooligan, more 'drive it like a mini-cab, try and overtake that car before the roundabout' and yet the 406 is probably the one you'd get done for speeding in because when you eventually got there, you probably wouldn't realise.

A bit of talk about galvanising and no dust on these I seem to recall, but my last one (1998 petrol) had not much left of its sills, and this one has the odd rust spot, but could be worse I suppose.

The drive is all very Peugeot, soft, wallowy and easy. Gears are like a knife through butter. Brakes on the button. Every action an easy one. Doesn't help the full factor though, worth bearing in mind if you have a choice of cars, but don't overlook one.

They seem at an all time low price wise now, defo worth seeking one out if you can get a cheaply.

Big bonus? Unbelievable on fuel, certainly better than the 6 speed Vauxhall even with one less gear.

My bangernomics score for this car would be a good 9/10, as value for money now they seem pretty much unmatchable.

 

If anyone's still awake the Calibra should be next up.

[sierraman]

I really like the 406. I'd have one like a shot but most about now are rinsed.

[Supernaut]

I was thinking about either a 406 or a Xantia back in May.

 

I think I made the more interesting (risky?) choice with the green-blooded one.

 

I'd still have a 406 with the V6 though. I saw one in the ebay thread which was also an estate, with a manual 'box, and on trims! Proper sleeper!

[carlo]

It's certainly a more refined, better built car than the 405.  Wouldn't say it's necessarily better though, they each have their strengths.  405 steers much better and is more chuckable.

[Station]

You forgot the bit about the clutch pedal feeling like pushing matter out of a black hole?

 

These are so soft to drive, mega comfy cars.

[95 quid Peugeot]

And still going strong at nearly 190k. Last mot only needed handbrake adjustment.

Mrs 95 quid Peugeot says its like sitting on a marshmallow on top of a pillow that's resting on a cloud balancing on the comfy seat.

Can't fault em.

[Junkman]

I bet the 406 is an okay waftbarge, I just can't look past its goppingness. I know that doesn't matter while I drive it, but I couldn't sustain it disfiguring my driveway for too long.

If it wasn't for this, I'd probably have one.

[Pillock]

I've only ever been a passenger in a couple of 406s, and every time I try to think of what the experience was like I can just remember a smell of really strong air freshener. I think it was because they were both taxis in my student days, and probably got vomited in every night. Possibly by me.

 

So my 406 road test reads:

 

Very comfy rear seat. Radio seems quiet and fuzzy, although was only tested using an obscure LW Bhangra station. Pulls off adequately in third gear without too much clutch judder. Headlights aren't great, so get the driver to drop you off at the other end of the street and leg it; he won't see where you go.

 

I like your road tests Cav. You should deffo make it a regular thing, looking forward to the Calibra. 

Get someone to take some photos of you hoofing it around, Autocar style. And make sure you measure the load area.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

I think the 406 saloon is very elegant, spesh the facelift model in silver with alloy WEELZ

[Station]

The road test should have its own 'tag' thing (like For Sale and Events has), often I search for reviews of old, shit cars on the web before I buy it, but they're limited. I'd write some if I had time to put words together