The Peugeot 406 Break (Phase I), launched in 1996, represents a significant offering from the French automaker in the mid-size station wagon segment. Building upon the success of the 405, the 406 aimed to provide a more refined and modern experience, blending practicality with a touch of French flair. While not officially sold in the United States, the 406 and its Break (estate/wagon) variant were popular throughout Europe, known for their comfortable ride, spacious interiors, and relatively affordable price point. The Phase I models, produced from 1996 to 1999, established the 406’s design language and mechanical underpinnings, setting the stage for subsequent revisions.
Peugeot 406 Break: A Detailed Overview
The 406 Break, specifically the 3.0 24V variant, was positioned as a premium offering within the 406 lineup. It catered to buyers seeking a practical family vehicle with a more powerful engine and enhanced features. The Break body style, a station wagon, prioritized cargo capacity and versatility, making it ideal for families and those with active lifestyles. The 3.0 24V engine distinguished itself as the top-tier powertrain option, providing a noticeable performance advantage over the lower-displacement engines available in the 406 range.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 406 Break 3.0 24V is a naturally aspirated 2.9-liter (2946 cm3 or 179.78 cu. in.) V6 engine, designated XFZ ES9J4. This engine produces 190 horsepower (Hp) at 5500 rpm and 267 Newton-meters (196.93 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine’s configuration – a V6 – contributes to a smooth power delivery and refined driving experience. Power per liter is a respectable 64.5 Hp/l. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. This configuration allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 8.5 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 8.1 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 227 km/h (141.05 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 8.1 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 5.8 kg/Nm indicate a reasonably balanced performance profile for its time.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 406 Break is a five-door, five-seat station wagon. Its exterior design, penned by Pininfarina, is characterized by flowing lines and a relatively understated elegance. The Phase I models feature a distinctive front grille and headlight design that became hallmarks of the 406. The Break’s defining feature is its extended roofline and large rear hatch, maximizing cargo space. The interior is designed with practicality and comfort in mind, offering ample room for passengers and luggage. Safety features for the era included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard equipment. The 406 Break prioritized a comfortable ride, utilizing a wishbone front suspension and a multi-lever rear suspension. Steering is rack and pinion with hydraulic power assistance. The vehicle rides on 205/60 R15 tires.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 406 |
| Generation | 406 Break (Phase I, 1996) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 24V (190 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1996 |
| End of production | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 16.1 l/100 km (14.6 US mpg / 17.5 UK mpg / 6.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.2 l/100 km (28.7 US mpg / 34.4 UK mpg / 12.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 227 km/h (141.05 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 190 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 267 Nm @ 4000 rpm (196.93 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | XFZ ES9J4 |
| Engine displacement | 2946 cm3 (179.78 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 87 mm (3.43 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.75 l (5.02 US qt | 4.18 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 9.6 l (10.14 US qt | 8.45 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1540 kg (3395.12 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1960 kg (4321.06 lbs.) |
| Max load | 420 kg (925.94 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 525 l (18.54 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1740 l (61.45 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4725 mm (186.02 in.) |
| Width | 1765 mm (69.49 in.) |
| Height | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Rear track | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
The Peugeot 406 Break 3.0 24V, while never officially available in the US market, represents a compelling example of European automotive engineering from the 1990s. Its blend of practicality, performance, and style made it a popular choice for families and individuals seeking a versatile and refined station wagon.
