Peugeot offers a foreign affair to remember with new 406ST

By Alastair Doak

PEUGEOT's new 406ST sedan launched earlier this month is likely to give Japanese carmakers a serious run for their money in the medium passenger car segment.

With a price tag of Rp 96 million on the road, the 406 will compete against the Honda Accord and Toyota Corona and, like its smaller 306 sibling, is expected to make a significant impact on its market segment.

Although part of the appeal of the car is its badge and European prestige, there is a lot more to this French sedan than its heritage.

Peugeot now claim that European carmakers cannot ask buyers to pay a premium simply for a European badge and so, equipment levels are generous with air conditioning, driver's air bag, antilocking brakes, six-speaker radio cassette player and remote central locking all standard.

Bigger than the 405 it replaces, the 406ST is powered by a 2000cc, 16-valve engine. Running on leaded fuel, it develops 100kW at 5500rpm and 187Nm at 4200rpm.

The iron-blocked and alloy-headed 2000cc engine is smooth and refined, keeping its composure throughout the rev range.

The downside is its torque peak comes in high, which, combined with a curb weight of 1,315 kilograms, means performance could only be described as adequate.

Its a good thing the engine is refined because it has to be kept spinning above 3000rpm to give its best.

This need for engine speed is likely to take the edge off its excellent official fuel figures, particularly around town.

The four-cylinder mates to a four-speed automatic transmission or five-speed manual gearbox that delivers a slightly rubbery shift feel. The clutch however is progressive and nicely weighted, so smooth changing is a simple process.

The performance may be a little disappointing but the 406 quickly falls back into the good books with its impressive refinement and ride.

It is one of the quietest cars in the class -- wind, suspension and engine noise are all well suppressed.

A bonus is that passengers also gain one of the most supple, well controlled rides in the business.

Peugeot make their own shock absorbers and this added cost certainly pays off.

The 406 absorbs bumps that would have most of its competitors crashing and jumping all over the road.

The fine ride, delivered by an all-new multilink rear end and a MacPherson strut with a lower wishbone setup at the front, is matched by fluid, vice-free handling. Body roll and understeer are kept well in check.

Adding to the driver enjoyment is well-weighted, sharp steering which telegraphs a decent amount of information to the driver.

With three turns lock-to-lock it is quick and responsive, although the 406 does disappoint by having large 11.5-meter turning circle.

Its practical too, with a large trunk that can be extended by folding the rear seat cushion. The rear seat comes with head rests for the outboard passengers and a lap/sash belt for all three positions.

Peugeot claims passive safety was a priority -- no doubt explaining some of the weight gain which is the price of a beefier body structure -- with the front seat passengers benefiting from seat belt pretensioners as well as driver air bag.

The car has also been developed to withstand upcoming European side and offset crash test standards.

The high-class ride is complimented by firm, velour-clad seats which have a prominent bulge around their edge. At first this feature, which prevents front seat passengers submarining under the seat belts, is a little off-putting but the seats prove comfortable and supportive on a long journey.

A good driving position is easy to find as the 406 comes with a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel and, unlike the smaller 306, there is plenty of foot room around the pedals.

Interior space is impressive with backseat passengers having more than enough head and legroom even with lanky folk in the front seats. A rear sun blind which hides in the parcel shelf is a nice touch.

In the prestige market comfort and refinement are key selling points and judged against these criterion, the 406 is a class leader.

It may not be as quick as some but its value and elegant looks more than make up for this deficiency.