Peugeot 104
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1810 |
| Founder | Jean-Pierre Peugeot |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
| Products | Automobiles |
The Peugeot 104 is a supermini vehicle manufactured by the French automaker Peugeot between 1972 and 1988. Conceived by Paolo Martin, it initially appeared as a four-door saloon car, with a three-door hatchback variant introduced in 1974, and subsequently, the saloon was succeeded by a five-door hatchback in 1976. The 104 marked the inaugural production model at Peugeot's Mulhouse facility, representing a key enhancement in manufacturing capabilities. Importantly, it was Peugeot’s first new launch since 1955 that did not include a diesel engine option.
Saloon (1972)
Unveiled at the September 1972 Paris Motor Show, the Peugeot 104 entered the market as a compact four-door fastback. Although its rear design resembled a hatchback with a sloped profile, it retained a traditional separate boot/trunk characteristic of a classic saloon. Under the hood was a 954 cc Douvrin engine (PSA X engine), an all-aluminium alloy powerplant featuring a chain-driven overhead camshaft and transmission-in-sump configuration, co-developed with Renault. This layout, reminiscent of the British Motor Corporation's Mini, provided excellent fuel efficiency, smooth operation, and superior ride and handling qualities. The engine was installed tilted backward at an angle of 72 degrees.
Coupé (1973)
In 1973, Peugeot introduced a three-door coupé variant at the Paris Motor Show, built on a shortened wheelbase and powered by the same 954 cc engine. This model was distinguished by larger rectangular headlights compared to the square units found on the saloon. Initially marketed as the "104 Coupé," these compact wheelbase versions later adopted "Z" suffixes (such as ZL, ZA, ZS2), while the longer four- and five-door models carried "G" or "S" trim designations.
1976 facelift
The July 1976 update saw the replacement of the four-door saloon with a five-door hatchback, coinciding with the discontinuation of the Peugeot 204 in July that year. The rear lighting assemblies were redesigned to incorporate wrap-around indicators, and an additional 1.1-litre engine option was introduced. The coupé lineup included two trims: the ZL and the sportier ZS delivering 66 PS. The original 954 cc engines were fitted with revised camshafts aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency, albeit with a slight reduction in power output. Initially, these facelifted models were available exclusively in right-hand drive by the end of that year. This redesign contributed to Peugeot’s peak production for the 104 in 1977, reaching 190,000 units.
1978 facelift
The coupé range expanded to include an economical two-seat commercial version known as the ZA, while all coupé variants received enlarged rear light clusters featuring integrated reversing lamps. Higher-end five-door models adopted the coupé’s larger headlights and grille design. The more potent ZS engine briefly powered the five-door "Sundgau" special edition, with production limited to 1,200 units early in 1978. In 1979, the ZL Coupé was upgraded to produce 57 PS from an enlarged 1,124 cc engine.
1980 facelift
The modifications introduced in 1980 were minor and aimed at aligning model naming conventions with Peugeot’s broader range. A new SR trim featured a 1.2-litre engine delivering power comparable to that of the prior 1.1-litre unit.
1982 facelift
This revision brought smaller headlamps, an updated grille design, and rear light clusters equipped with reversing lights. Chrome accents were minimized and replaced by black plastic components. The ZS coupé received an enhanced powertrain late in summer featuring an upgraded 80 PS version of the 1,360 cc engine to improve performance. Meanwhile, the earlier 72 PS variant remained available at a lower price point until 1984. The increase in output resulted from replacing a single double-barrel carburetor with dual carburetors.
From 1983 Onwards
Starting in 1983, the range of available models was narrowed to focus on the newly introduced Peugeot 205, leading to a gradual halt in exports. Manufacturing persisted in France until 1988. The performance-oriented ZS variant stayed in production until late 1985; by 1986, the lineup was limited to the 50 PS 1,124 cc engine. A subtle update in 1987 brought a redesigned grille featuring three horizontal slats painted to match the body color, along with anthracite bumpers that no longer included chrome accents. Models such as the Z, Style Z, and the five-door GLS continued using this engine configuration until production concluded in 1988.
ZS 2
In 1979, Peugeot produced a limited edition of 1,000 ZS 2 units equipped with a 1,360 cc four-cylinder engine designed for enhanced performance.
Prototypes
Various experimental versions based on the 104 platform were developed, testing different propulsion systems like electric and diesel engines. Significant prototypes include the M18 from around 1976—a blue five-door estate featuring rear lights reminiscent of the Peugeot 504 estate; the M23, a dark red three-door van concept derived from the sedan; a yellow three-box saloon; a white pickup truck; and the "Peugette," a roadster prototype constructed on the 104 ZS chassis.
Citroën LN / LNA
After Peugeot acquired Citroën in 1975 and established the PSA Group, the coupé body style of the 104 was shared with Citroën’s two-cylinder 602 cc LN model. In 1982, this model was upgraded with a more modern 652 cc engine from the Citroën Visa and rebranded as the LNA, with production ceasing in 1985.
Citroën Visa
The Visa adopted the mechanical framework of the Peugeot 104 but featured longer suspension travel and replaced Citroën’s earlier Prototype Y project. Unlike the LN/LNA, it boasted an exclusive body design and remained in production until 1988, coinciding with the end of the 104. The box van derivative, known as the Citroën C15, continued production with updated engines until 2005.
Talbot Samba
Developed from an extended version of the 104 coupé’s rear section, the Talbot Samba was introduced in 1981 following Peugeot's acquisition of Chrysler Europe and its Talbot brand in 1978. A convertible variant was also created. Production ended in 1986.
Market Influence and Successor
The Peugeot 104 ranked among Europe’s most popular small cars during the 1970s but began to appear outdated compared to newer rivals by the early 1980s. With the arrival of the modern and stylish Peugeot 205 in 1983, most European markets saw the withdrawal of the 104; however, it remained on sale in France as an economical choice until manufacturing ceased in May 1988. Throughout its sixteen-year lifespan, Peugeot produced a total of 1,624,992 units, which included 345,849 short-wheelbase coupé models.
By 2019, only twelve Peugeot 104s were still taxed and roadworthy in the United Kingdom, with another twenty-four registered as off-road (SORN).