Faults:

Small buzz/rattle in passenger side front door.

Nothing else.

General Comments:

My previous car was a 1998 Peugeot 406 ST 2.0 petrol manual. This car was very reliable and well made. I loved the exterior design also. Because I had such a good experience with this vehicle, I really didn't consider much of the competitors vehicles, when purchasing my current 406 HDI.

The new HDI engine gives me better low range pulling power than the previous higher reving petrol model, and the fuel economy is in a different league - 7.0l/100k on average, mostly in city driving!

The exterior Pininfarina design is even more beautiful on this updated model.

The rain-sensing wipers are a really good feature - not a gimmick!

Inside; the cabin is well put together, more refined and well laid out than ever. I like the trip computer and remote control stalk for the stereo (excellent quality sound by the way), and the cruise control works well, without surging!

The suspension/steering combination is typical Peugeot - accurate and well weighted steering, while the suspension dispatches all, but the biggest bumps and pot-holes.

Faults:

Battery needed to be replaced, problem with alternator drained it.

General Comments:

SV stands for 'Special Vehicle', it should be 'Superb Vehicle'!

It's ferociously fast once revs in 2nd gear reach 2700 RPM.

The vehicle has been factory-lowered & sticks to the road like velcro!

A smart dark metallic blue finish with body-kit & 17 inch wheels gives it a shark-like, menacing profile.

It's a luxurious ride, with leather & a thumping Blaupunkt 6-speaker stereo.

The clutch is too light & easily stalls in 1st, very embarrassing at the lights when you're about to blow-away more expensive cars.

Faults:

Air con needed a re-gas at 40,000km, probably due to lack of use and low miles.

Nothing otherwise up to 40,000km.

General Comments:

Passenger airbag trim coming away from the dash. Hate to leave it in the Australian sun.

Slow acceleration, good highway speed though.

Runs only on Premium fuel 98+. Not always available in the Australian country.

Great handling and plush ride.