PEUGEOT 106 1996-2003 Photos, engines & full specs

The little Peugeot 106 was introduced in 1991 as a replacement for both 104 and 205 models. In 1996 it received an important update to extend its lifespan.

The French car-company Peugeot succeeded to build good, reliable cars in the small-segment. It showed interest in the motorsport as well, introducing the 106 GTI as a replacement for the older glory 205 GTI. The 106 was a car that was offered for the economy, for performance, or a middle road between them.

The 1996 model came with a nicer, rounded, exterior look. While at the beginning of the '90s the angular lines were still en vogue, just five years later those were already history. So, the straight-cut front grille was reshaped with rounded corners. The headlights were modified as well. Even the tailgate and the taillights were adjusted according to the new design trend. But it wasn't a rounded car. It was a slightly re-styled one.

Inside, the designers installed a new interior, with more updated features for the audio system. A passenger airbag was introduced to increase safety. It featured power-windows on the options list or fitted as standard depending on the trim level.

For the engine compartment, there were new fuel-injected units that replaced the older, carbureted ones. A new, 1.5-liter diesel engine was introduced as well. For the top version, 1.6-liter GTI, there was a special model with up to 118 hp. And that version was remarkable especially on the brakes, where it could stop faster and shorter than a same-period Porsche 911 Carrera.