Peugeot 406 1995–2008 car dimensions: 4615 mm long, 1780 mm wide and 1354 mm high. Braked towing is 1,300 kg.
The cabin has a Pininfarina layout with Recaro seats for four adults and chrome-ringed dials. Automatic climate control is standard from the 1999 restyle on all grades and optional earlier on base models. Cruise control is standard across the range after restyle. Higher Pack grades add full leather, electric heated seats with driver memory, electrochrome mirror and JBL audio. ABS is standard. ESP arrives from 1999 on most versions. No cameras, sensors or later driver aids appear.
Boot volume is 390 litres VDA with the rear seats in place. The 60/40 split rear bench and ski flap let longer loads pass through while the boot stays fully carpeted and lit.
Braked towing limit is listed at 1300 kg on most engines with unbraked around 750 kg. Gross train weights sit near 3200 kg. Payload is the difference between kerb and GVW and changes with engine and gearbox. No heavy-duty cooling pack or reinforced suspension is noted for work use.
The cabin seats four adults in comfort with Pininfarina-designed Recaro seats that offer support for both still and moving passengers. Higher grades add leather upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats with driver memory, and heated front seats. Digital air conditioning with climate control and a pollen filter keep the interior regulated. An electric tilt/slide sunroof with blind is available. Chrome instrument surrounds, aluminium gear lever trim and quality materials give an opulent feel without sacrificing practicality like the ski hatch and split rear seats.
Petrol service every 20,000 miles or 2 years
HDi diesel service every 12,000 miles or 2 years
ABS standard on all models
Front airbags standard. side airbags optional then later fitted
Reinforced body structure with side impact beams and padding
Airbags and pretensioners replace every 10 years
Fuel use varies by engine. The 2.0 petrol manual returns mixed figures around the low 30s mpg range in published data while the V6 sits lower. The later 2.2 HDi improves on that with higher mixed economy figures. Regular oil level checks are needed between services because of the extended intervals.
Servicing follows extended intervals of 20,000 miles or two years for petrol engines and 12,000 miles or two years for the HDi diesel. An intermediate levels check is recommended halfway. Brake fluid changes every two years or 40,000 miles. Timing belt replacement is required at set points and is more involved on the V6.
Safety equipment starts with ABS and dual front airbags on every car plus a high-level third brake light. Side airbags were optional at launch and became more common later. The structure adds floor and roof cross-members, stiffened pillars and door beams for side impact. Seat-belt pretensioners and force limiters are fitted. Euro NCAP testing of the related 406 saloon scored two stars in 1997 and three stars in 2001 after restraint and structure updates.
The car is durable when maintained with full history. Watch oil levels closely, change the cambelt on schedule and keep an eye on coolant hoses, radiators and air-conditioning condensers. Higher-mileage HDi cars need attention to the particulate filter additive. Regular leather care preserves the upholstery on equipped models.
Length 4615 mm, Width 1780 mm, Height 1354 mm, Wheelbase 2700 mm (406 1995–2008)
Sources: manufacturer data, Peugeot 406 Coupé 1997 press pack, clubcoupe406.net tables and FR Wikipedia, carfolio.com.