CAR OF THE YEAR TOP 50

No. 16: Peugeot 406

Cars

| 31-10-2021

The 406 came onto the market in 1995 as the successor to the hugely successful, but by then somewhat outdated Peugeot 405. Especially in the shape of the side windows, the relationship with that model is clearly visible. Furthermore, the 406 is drawn a lot sharper and more dynamically than its predecessor. At its introduction, the 406 was particularly notable for its very complete basic equipment compared to the competition, including a driver's airbag and a third brake light. In addition, options were available that were anything but common at the time: ABS and a rain sensor that automatically activates the wipers. In 1996 the berline was joined by the Break (station wagon) and in 1997 the beautiful Coupé, which was designed and built by Pininfarina, followed. In the election of the European Car of the Year 1996, however, the 406 had to tolerate the number 13 from this Top 50 to go first.