2002 Peugeot 406 Executive from UK and Ireland - Comments

Nothing.

If I had to use one phrase to describe the Peugeot 406 V6, it would be "wolf in sheep's clothing". As such it regularly embarrases BMW and Mercedes drivers who are very surprised to see a plodding Diesel (most 406's are oil burners) disappearing over the horizon at an unprecedented rate of knots. It's classic, aerodynamic looks kick Vectras, Mondeos and Lagunas into touch, especially when it's finished in the dark grey metallic my car came in. The level of refinement and specification is unmatched by any of the competitors in this class. The car has electrically adjustable/programmable/heated front seats, retracting mirrors, satnav, climate control, electric sun roof, and a JBL sound system (all controlled from a neat stalk on the steering column) that should carry a health warning that it may blow out your ear-drums! Noise levels are staggeringly quiet. So much so that you can barely hear the engine at motorway speeds. Handling is pin-sharp with controllable understeer on the limit. But you have to be going some to reach those limits. It rides as well as it goes (more of which later!), both on motorways and the twisty pot-holed stuff we laughingly call "B" roads. It never feels anything less than totally composed and totally secure - even on nasty off camber left-handers that tighten up when you least expect them to. The speed-sensitive steering is pleasently light at parking speeds, but tightens up above 30mph and to deliver all the weight and feel an enthusiatic driver could wish for whether you're pushing on through the twisty stuff or negotiating a fast motorway curve. With ABS and ESR the big V6 stops as well as it goes. I timed a 60 - 0 emergency stop at 2.8 seconds which would shame several BMW's.

But it's that silky-smooth, Merc-stomping 210BHP V6 lump under the bonnet which really sets this car apart from the rest of the 406 range. 60 mph comes up in under 8 seconds and there's never less than 200 ft/lbs of torque available from as low as 2,500rpm which makes swift 5th gear overtaking a breeze. It simply despatches everyday traffic with nonchalent ease. The engine is complimented by one of the slickest 5 speed gearboxes I've used - a vast improvement over the notchy cable-operated horror fitted to the smaller pugs.

So what else? The boot's deeper than the previous 406 shape and it's nice to see Peugeot have reatained the full size spare wheel (205/65 15 inch). The build is not up to German standards, but is still surprisingly solid and rattle-free. The interior leather is nicely done and extends to leather inlays on the door panels. The walnut's plastic, but then Mercedes are guilty of the same trick. Why not fit the real thing - surely it can't add that much to a £21,000 car?

While I'm griping, the handbrake is just as sloppy as my old 406 2 litre petrol turbo and requires a hefty heave to engage on steep slopes. But these are minor niggles and pale into insignificance once you get behind the wheel. This car has put a permanent smile on my face which 2 month's use have yet to weaken. It's extremely comfortable, it's whisper quiet, has all the toys any sensible person could wish for and best of all, it goes like a scalded cat with a rocket up it's bottom when you want it to.

All it needs to make it truly perfect are 17" alloys (the standard 15" wheels are too small for the car), an air filter and a performance exhaust that will let that wonderful engine breath more easily and a superchip. With that lot added that car should be pushing out 240 horses and top 160 mph. But that's another story...

A very well written review. As the owner of a 406 estate V6 (see my review 2000 'Super smooth wolf in sheep's clothing') I agree with all your comments. It's such a shame that so few people know of the joys of the V6 engined 406, although I suppose that is what makes them a used bargain.

If you wan't to be fair compare like for like, same ENGINE size! if you compare your 406's 3.0 v6 against the bmw's 3.0 straight six, (231 bhp) it will anhillate the peugot.

Some people get a ruch from racing against smaller engined car's, instead of comparing equivalent engined car's, lame!

I feel sad for you and pity you!

Don't even think about comparing it to the 3.0 litre e36 m3, the peugot is beaten before you've even started it!

If the BMW V6 is now faster than the Peugeot 406 V6, things have definitely changed over the last few years! To be honest a 406 is the kind of car if you want a staisfying, fluid drive - I'd only choose a German car if I wanted people to think my company was doing well, but to be fair I would always want to stick with my Pug. No other saloon car looks so good.

BMW don't make a V6. I agree with the former comment. A BMW M3 (straight six) would eat a Peugeot V6. Let alone the new M3 V8. Compare like for like.

I own a 406 V6 saloon, and I think it goes very well. I do agree with the "like for like", but if BMW don't have a V6 and only a straight 6 or V8, then it is not like for like is it??? Let alone the like for like price tag!

Everyone likes different cars; some have better points than others. I have 7 cars and each one I like for different reasons. Too many people think there car is an extension of a part of them as they are lacking in some areas. Fast driving is not the power or how fast a car goes, anyone can go fast in a straight line, it is how good the driver is and how fast it can slow down for corners!! Yes people who don't understand even Formula 1 has corners!! Otherwise it's a drag strip.

OK, the Pug 3.0 210 bhp, the BMW 3.0 231bhp. No contest, no chance the bimmer is gone. But the pug is cheaper so not a fair comparison. I like 406's.