Peugeot 106
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Peugeot 104 (heritage) |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Defunct | 2003 |
| Successor | Peugeot 107 |
| Headquarters | Sochaux , France |
Area served | Europe |
| Products | Supermini cars, including petrol, diesel, and electric variants |
The Peugeot 106 is a supermini that was manufactured by the French automaker Peugeot from 1991 until 2003. Introduced in September 1991 as Peugeot’s entry-level vehicle, it was initially available as a three-door hatchback, with a five-door version added in August 1992. Production ceased in July 2003.
Early petrol variants with 1.0 and 1.1-liter engines used carburetors but transitioned to fuel injection by the end of 1992 to meet EEC emission requirements.
Phase I (1991–1996)
Building on the heritage of Peugeot’s "100" series which began with the Peugeot 104 in the early 1970s, the 106 occupied the compact segment below the Peugeot 205, aiming at the fiercely competitive supermini market dominated by rivals such as the Renault Clio. It was developed using the Citroën AX platform and featured independent suspension, utilizing MacPherson struts at the front and torsion bars at the rear.
The model launched initially as a three-door hatchback across Europe and shortly thereafter in the UK, with a five-door version debuting in August 1992. Trim levels ranged from the basic XN to the sportier XSi, with mid-tier XR and XT models available. Lower-spec trims had minimal equipment and exposed metalwork on the doors; many UK versions were special editions like Graduate and Aztec, usually based on the XN trim but enhanced with graphics and options such as sunroofs.
Transmission options included four-speed manuals for early small-displacement engines and five-speed manuals for others; some engines were also offered with automatic gearboxes. Power steering was not available on right-hand drive Phase I models due to packaging limitations but was introduced in Phase II on higher specification trims.
The initial engine range consisted of petrol units of 1.0, 1.1, and 1.4 liters; a diesel variant was introduced in August 1992 featuring a fuel-efficient 1.4-liter engine, which was later replaced by a more powerful and torque-rich 1.5-liter diesel in late 1994. To comply with emissions legislation, carburetors were replaced by fuel injection systems by late 1992. The entry-level French market model (1.0 XN) was discontinued in October 1994, making the smallest engine option a 1.1-liter unit.
Phase II (1996–2003)
The Peugeot 106 received an update in July 1996 known as Phase II, which incorporated side impact protection bars along with optional airbags for driver and passenger safety. The lineup expanded with the introduction of the 1.6 GTI, regarded as the spiritual successor to the acclaimed 205 GTI that ended production in 1994. The redesign extended overall length slightly and featured a larger front end inspired by Peugeot’s 406 range.
In January 1996, Citroën launched the nearly identical Saxo, sharing dimensions and styling cues with the 106. The launch of the slightly bigger Peugeot 206 in late 1998 created internal competition within Peugeot’s range, leading to a reduced focus on the 106 which concentrated on Zest trims (Zest, Zest 2, or Zest 3 equipped with diesel or small petrol engines) alongside the GTI variant. Special editions such as Quiksilver, Look, and Independence continued to be offered.
Successor to the 106 came with the Peugeot 107, introduced in June 2005 as part of a joint venture with Toyota alongside rebadged versions from Citroën (C1) and Toyota (Aygo).
High performance variants
Promoted under the slogan "fewer frills, more thrills," the Rallye edition featured white steel wheels and deliberately omitted power steering, central locking, and electric windows to reduce weight to .
Two Rallye generations existed: pre-facelift S1 and post-facelift S2 models. The S2 utilized a , TU5J2 engine replacing the original high-revving , TU2J2 unit found in the S1. Contrary to some claims, S1 engines differed from those used in the Peugeot 205 Rallye and Citroën AX Sport; they employed fuel-injected Magneti Marelli systems tailored for lower-tier French rally classes under 1300 cc.
The S1 Rallye served as a homologation special for rallying within the sub-1300 cc class, featuring a high-compression four-cylinder engine optimized for power delivery between approximately 5,400 and 7,200 rpm. It was coupled with a short-ratio five-speed gearbox favoring acceleration over top-end cruising speeds; peak velocity reached roughly 115 mph at redline in top gear.
The Peugeot 106 combined motorsport capabilities with everyday practicality as a compact family car. All Rallye variants came equipped with steel wheels and distinctive decal schemes; seat designs varied between early and later iterations. After facelift changes, the flagship model became the Peugeot 106 GTI featuring a , sixteen-valve engine producing around 120 hp along with an updated body kit and wheels. In some European markets this version was badged as S16 or Rallye.
Electric variant
Peugeot launched the 106 Electrique in 1995, an electric model available in multiple European markets such as France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, and the United Kingdom. The electric drivetrain was developed by the French company Heuliez and incorporated Nickel-cadmium batteries supplied by Saft Groupe S.A. This version achieved a maximum speed of 56 mph (90 km/h) and had an official driving range of approximately 100 km (62 miles).
Although Peugeot anticipated annual sales between 15,000 and 20,000 units with an overall production goal of 100,000 vehicles, only around 6,400 units were sold from 1995 until 2003. A significant portion of these sales was made to the French government.
Petrol Engines
| Displacement | Engine Code | Production Years | Fuel System | Power Output | Applicable Models | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 L | TU9K | 1991–1992 | Solex Carburettor | 45 PS at 6000 rpm | Open, XN, Kid, Itinéa | |
| 1.0 L | TU9ML/Z (CDY) | 1993–1998 | Mono–Motronic MA3.0 | 45 PS at 6000 rpm | ||
| 1.0 L | TU9ML/Z (CDZ) | 1993–2001 | Mono–Motronic MA3.0 | 50 PS at 6000 rpm | Primarily marketed in Brazil due to local engine taxation rules until imports ended in 2001. | |
| 1.1 L | TU1K | 1991–1992 | Solex Carburettor | 60 PS | Zen, Color Line, Quiksilver, Open, Equinoxe, Pop Art, Mistral, Kid, XN, XR | |
| 1.1 L | TU1ML/Z (HDZ) | 1991–1997 | Mono–Jetronic | 50 PS at 5800 rpm | ||
| 1.1 L | TU1ML/Z (HDZ) | 1993–1996 | Magneti Marelli FDG6 | 60 PS at 6200 rpm | ||
| 1.1 L | TU1M (HDY) | 1997–1999 | Motronic MA3.1 | 54 PS at 6200 rpm | ||
| 1.1 L | TU1M (HDZ) | 1997–2001 | Motronic MA3.1 | 60 PS at 6200 rpm | ||
| 1.1 L | TU1JP (HFX) | 2000–2003 | Motronic MP 7.4.4 | 60 PS at 5500 rpm | Independence trim | |
| 1.3 L | TU2J2L/Z (MFZ) | 1993–1996 | Magneti Marelli 8P | 98 PS at 7200 rpm | Rallye phase 1 | |
| 1.4 L | TU3K | 1991–1992 | Solex carburettor | 75 PS at 5500 rpm | ||
| 1.4 L | TU3M/Z (KDY) | 1991–1993 | "Mono-Jetronic" | "75 PS at 5800 rpm" | "Color Line, Sport, Quiksilver, Enfant terrible, Equinoxe, Symbio, XR, XS, XT" | |
| 1.4 L | TU3FJ2 (K6B) | 1991–1992 | "Motronic MP3.1" | "100 PS at 6600 rpm" | "XSi 1.4 (Pre-cat model)" | |
| 1.4 L | "TU3FJ2 (KFZ)" | "1993–1996" | "Motronic MP3.1" | "95 PS at 6600 rpm" | "XSi 1.4" | |
| "1.4 L" | "TU3M (KDX)" | "1993–1996" | "Mono-Motronic MA3.0" | "75 PS at 5800 rpm" | ||
| "1.4 L" | "TU3JP (KFX)" | "1997–2001" | "Magneti Marelli 1AP" | "75 PS at 5500 rpm" | ||
| "1.4 L" | "TU3JP/IFI4 (KFX)" | "1998–2001" | "Motronic MP7.3" | "75 PS at 5500 rpm" | ||
| "1.6 L" | "TU5J2 (NFY)" | "1994–1996" | "Magneti Marelli 8P" | "103 PS at 6200 rpm" | "XSi 1.6" | |
| "1.6 L" | "TU5JP (NFZ)" | "1997–2001" | "Motronic MP5.2" | "88 PS at 5600 rpm" | ||
| "1.6 L" | "TU5J2 (NFW)" | "1997–2000" | "Magneti Marelli 8P" | "103 PS at 6200 rpm" | "Rallye Phase 2" | |
| "1.6 L" | "TU5J4 (NFX)" | "1996–2003" | "Magneti Marelli 1AP" | "118 PS at 6600 rpm" | "GTi and Rallye Phase 2 16V models" | "In later years, TU5J4 engines were fitted to Phase 2 Rallyes; availability varied depending on market." |
Diesel Engines
| Displacement | Engine Code | Years Produced | Fuel Injection System | Power Output | Models Offered In | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 L | TUD3Y (K9Y) | 1992–1994 |
50 PS at 5000 rpm |
XND, XRD, XTD |
||
| 1.5 L | (VJX/VJY) | 1999–2003 | Bosch VP20 | 58 PS at 5000 rpm | XND, ZEST 2 | In the UK market, VJX engines were equipped with a catalytic converter, EGR system, and an ECU-controlled fuel pump advance mounted above the battery. |
| 1.5 L | TUD5Y (VJZ) | 1994–2003 | Lucas Type 070 | 58 PS at 5000 rpm | XRD, XND, XTD, Kid, Equinoxe, Open, Symbio, Color Line |
Special Editions
From 1991 through 2003, Peugeot launched a variety of special edition versions of the 106, aiming to boost its market presence and address a wide range of consumer tastes.
National Saloon Car Cup
During the early 1990s, the Peugeot 106 was a competitor in the National Saloon Car Cup. Notably, in 1993, Olympic decathlete Daley Thompson secured a class victory at Thruxton driving a Peugeot 106.
Endurance Racing
In addition, Thompson entered a 106 in the 1993 Willhire 24 Hour race held at Snetterton. The model regularly took part in the Nürburgring 24 Hours from 1993 until 2003, as well as the Spa 24 Hours between 1997 and 1999, with its highest achievement being an 11th place finish at Spa in 1998.