The Peugeot 406 Coupe, specifically the Phase I model produced from 1997 to 1999, represents a distinctive offering from the French automaker. While not officially sold in the United States, the 406 Coupe was a popular grand tourer in Europe, known for its elegant Pininfarina-designed styling and comfortable driving experience. Positioned in the mid-size coupe segment, it aimed to provide a more affordable and stylish alternative to premium offerings from German manufacturers. This article details the technical specifications and characteristics of the 1997 2.0 16V automatic variant.
Peugeot 406 Coupe: A European Grand Tourer
The 406 Coupe was a departure for Peugeot, emphasizing style and driver enjoyment. It was based on the 406 sedan and station wagon, but featured a dramatically different, more flowing body shape penned by the renowned Italian design house Pininfarina. The Phase I models, produced between 1997 and 1999, established the coupe’s design language and mechanical layout. The 2.0 16V engine, paired with an automatic transmission, was a common configuration, offering a balance of performance and convenience for European drivers.
Engine & Performance
The 1997 Peugeot 406 Coupe 2.0 16V is powered by a 1,997 cc (121.86 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 132 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 190 Nm (140.14 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4,100 rpm. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration allows for a respectable power output of 66.1 horsepower per liter. The engine’s power is delivered to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.
Performance figures reflect the car’s grand touring intentions. The weight-to-power ratio is 10.6 kg/Hp (94.3 Hp/tonne), while the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.4 kg/Nm (135.7 Nm/tonne). Fuel economy is rated at 12.3 liters per 100 km (19.1 US mpg, 23 UK mpg) in urban driving, 6.5 liters per 100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg) on the extra-urban cycle, and 8.6 liters per 100 km (27.4 US mpg, 32.8 UK mpg) combined. CO2 emissions are rated at 206 g/km.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 406 Coupe is a two-door, four-seater coupe characterized by its sleek and aerodynamic profile. The Pininfarina design features a long hood, a sloping roofline, and a short rear deck. The car’s dimensions are 4,615 mm (181.69 inches) in length, 1,780 mm (70.08 inches) in width, and 1,352 mm (53.23 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm (106.3 inches). The kerb weight is 1,400 kg (3,086.47 lbs).
Inside, the 406 Coupe offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin for its time. Standard features included power steering, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and ventilated front disc brakes with disc brakes in the rear. The interior prioritizes comfort and aesthetics, reflecting the car’s grand touring nature. Trunk space is a practical 390 liters (13.77 cubic feet). The fuel tank capacity is 70 liters (18.49 US gallons, 15.4 UK gallons). The suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an independent multi-link spring suspension at the rear, providing a balance of ride comfort and handling.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 406 |
| Generation | 406 Coupe (Phase I, 1997) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 16V (132 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1997 |
| End of production | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.3 l/100 km (19.1 US mpg, 23 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.6 l/100 km (27.4 US mpg, 32.8 UK mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 206 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.6 kg/Hp |
| Power | 132 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 190 Nm @ 4100 rpm (140.14 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | RFV XU10J4R |
| Engine displacement | 1997 cm3 (121.86 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1400 kg (3086.47 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (minimum) | 390 l (13.77 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4615 mm (181.69 in.) |
| Width | 1780 mm (70.08 in.) |
| Height | 1352 mm (53.23 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1512 mm (59.53 in.) |
| Rear track | 1524 mm (60 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive, Internal Combustion engine |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Peugeot 406 Coupe, while never officially available in the US market, remains a well-regarded example of 1990s European coupe design. Its combination of stylish aesthetics, comfortable ride, and reasonable performance made it a popular choice for drivers seeking a sophisticated and enjoyable grand touring experience.
