The Peugeot 406 Coupe, specifically the Phase I 2.2 16V model produced from 2002 to 2003, represents a distinctive offering from the French automaker. While not officially sold in the United States, the 406 Coupe held a significant position in the European market as a stylish and relatively affordable grand tourer. It aimed to provide a blend of performance, comfort, and striking aesthetics, appealing to buyers seeking an alternative to more mainstream coupe offerings. This generation of the 406 Coupe built upon the success of the 406 sedan, offering a more sporting and visually dramatic profile.
Peugeot 406 Coupe: A European Grand Tourer
The 406 Coupe was designed to be a statement vehicle for Peugeot, showcasing the brand’s design capabilities and engineering prowess. It distinguished itself from the more practical 406 sedan and wagon with its sleek, Pininfarina-designed body. The Phase I models, like the 2.2 16V, established the core design language that would continue through subsequent iterations. The car’s appeal lay in its ability to offer a comfortable and refined driving experience, coupled with a respectable level of performance, making it a popular choice for long-distance travel in Europe.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 406 Coupe 2.2 16V is a 2.2-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the 3FZ EW12J4. This naturally aspirated engine produces 158 horsepower at 5650 rpm and 217 Nm (160.05 lb-ft) of torque at 3900 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration allows for a good balance of power and efficiency. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 9 kg/Hp, and it delivers 70.8 horsepower per liter of displacement.
Power is delivered to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.9 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in a calculated 9.4 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 218 km/h (135.46 mph). The front-wheel-drive layout, combined with the engine’s torque characteristics, provides adequate traction for spirited driving. The weight-to-torque ratio is 6.5 kg/Nm, indicating a responsive feel.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 406 Coupe is a two-door, four-seater coupe characterized by its flowing lines and elegant profile. Pininfarina’s influence is evident in the car’s sculpted bodywork and overall aesthetic appeal. The Phase I models feature a distinctive front end with a prominent grille and headlights. The interior is designed to be comfortable and driver-focused, with supportive seats and a well-laid-out dashboard.
Safety features for the time included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The car utilizes ventilated discs on the front and discs on the rear for braking. Steering is handled by a hydraulic power steering rack and pinion system. The 406 Coupe rides on 195/65 R15 tires. The trunk offers a minimum capacity of 390 liters (13.77 cubic feet), providing sufficient space for luggage. The fuel tank holds 70 liters (18.49 US gallons).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 406 |
| Generation | 406 Coupe (Phase I, 1997) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 16V (158 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2002 |
| End of production | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.8 l/100 km (18.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 218 km/h (135.46 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 158 Hp @ 5650 rpm |
| Torque | 217 Nm @ 3900 rpm (160.05 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 3FZ EW12J4 |
| Engine displacement | 2231 cm3 (136.14 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| 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 | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1420 kg (3130.56 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1820 kg (4012.41 lbs.) |
| Max load | 400 kg (881.85 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 | 4620 mm (181.89 in.) |
| Width | 1780 mm (70.08 in.) |
| Height | 1350 mm (53.15 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Rear track | 1525 mm (60.04 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Several levers and rods |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
The Peugeot 406 Coupe, particularly the 2.2 16V model, remains a sought-after vehicle among enthusiasts for its stylish design, comfortable ride, and engaging driving experience. While it never officially graced American roads, its impact on the European automotive landscape as an affordable and attractive grand tourer is undeniable.
