1997 PEUGEOT 406 Coupe 2.2L 16V 5MT FWD (160 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Back in 1997, Peugeot dared more and launched the coupe version of the 406, and the result was astonishing.

Designed by Pininfarina, the 406 Coupe was instantly dubbed as the “French Ferrari” due to its lines and styling. However, apart from the technical platform, the Italian design institute received a free hand to express its creativity.

With a sleek-looking design, narrow front end, and slim headlights, the 406 Coupe was arguably the best-looking car in its segment. That was not an easy task considering that it competed against Mercedes-Benz CLK, Volvo C70, and Lancia Kappa Coupe. But Peugeot had the upper hand above them. The raked windshield and the look of the greenhouse resembled those from the Ferrari 456. At the back, the sloped windscreen and short trunk lid completed the car’s aerodynamic profile. Despite its cab-rearward look, the 406 Coupe retained the front-wheel-drive system from its regular, four-door sibling.

Inside, the carmaker kept the main dials and switches from the rest of the stable but installed new, comfortable, tilt-forward front seats. The profiled-for-two bench didn’t provide plenty of room for adult passengers in the back, but it was a fair trade for the car’s look. Depending on the trim level, Peugeot installed a cloth or leather-wrapped interior.

In 1997, the diesel-powered vehicles were on the verge of conquering the European market and, even though most purists didn’t want to hear the rattling noise of an oil burner, they couldn’t deny the fuel efficiency of those power plants. Apart from that, the carmaker also offered three gasoline-powered units with four or six cylinders.