1995 Peugeot 106 Rallye review from UK and Ireland

Alternator failed.

Leaking sunroof.

Head-gasket failed at around 85,000 miles.

Clutch went at about 98,000 miles.

CV joints on both sides are worn.

Trouble starting from cold at the moment.

Don't let all the problems above put you off, despite a lot of niggles the car has only left me stranded once, and that was my own fault for ignoring the warning light on the dash for the failed alternator. All the problems have been easy and relatively cheap to fix.

This car is absolutely brilliant, the handling is truly amazing, no power assisted steering gives excellent feel, and you always know what the car is doing; drive one and you'll know what I mean. Poor surfaces don't upset this car either, making it really shine against much more expensive machinery on back-roads. A true giant slayer on the right road, but don't even bother on the open road, as it doesn't have the outright power for it.

The engine is a gem too; only 1.3 liters, but an output of 100bhp and around 80ft/lbs of torque. Not a powerful engine, but the delivery of the power is what makes it special. A rev limit of about 7400rpm with the max power produced at 7200 means it has to be driven hard to get the most from it, but it's really rewarding when done properly. The car also weighs in somewhere around the 850kg mark, which is very light, and lets it be fast with such little power.

The gearbox is a well known weak point on the 106, known to break, but replacements can be found. The ratios are very very close together, which helps the acceleration, but makes long journeys tiring; cruising speed at 65-70mph is at about 4000rpm! This also means its not as economical as a 1.3 liter 106 should be. Averages around 30-35 miles per gallon, depending on driving style.

Overall the car just feels special, from the red carpet and seat-belts, to the Peugeot Talbot Sport decals, it really feels like the rally car it was designed to be.

Highly recommended - Everybody should own one at least once.