Too close to call for these two cars

The Peugeot 406 is a large family car made by the French automaker Peugeot from 1995 to 2004. Available in saloon, estate and coupé body styles with a choice of petrol or turbo diesel engines, the 406 replaced the Peugeot 405 in Peugeot’s lineup, and was itself replaced by the Peugeot 407. A new version of the Volkswagen Passat, based on the Volkswagen Group B5 platform, was launched in 1996 in Europe, and 1997 in North America. The Passat introduced a new design language, first seen on the Concept 1 concept car, for the latest generation of Volkswagens such as the Mk4 Golf, Bora and Polo Mk4.

The Volkswagen (VW) Passat has been on the Ugandan market since the 1970s as VW’s largest and most expensive sedan saloon model. The Passat has run in series from B1 to B7, with engines which range from 1.6, 1.8, 2.3 and 2.8 litre petrol engines as well as the 1.9 and 2.5 turbo diesel engines. Peugeot has equally been in Uganda since the 1960s. Like VW it embodies the marquee values of reliability, durability and strong performance. Both VW and Peugeot even participated in the East African safari rally.

Performance
The VW Passat B5 and the Peugeot 406 2.0 litre engines have refined smooth and more responsive engines than their earlier models. Their engine pulling power and response to throttle is good. Although critics say that the 2.0 litre engines without turbo are slow, in my opinion they deliver sufficient power for the recommended road speeds in Uganda. Both the Passat and Peugeot 406 engines offer reasonable fuel economy due to their multi point fuel injection.

However, in comparison with Passat’s eight valve single overhead camshaft engine, Peugeot’s 16 valve engine with a double overhead camshaft valve train has slightly better power and fuel economy. Peugeot accelerates faster and takes you further on the same litres of fuel.

Handling
The Passat and Peugeot saloon cars are both pleasant to drive with precise handling and good road holding. They feel firm and steady on the winding highway roads of Uganda even when you drive fast around sharp bends similar to the Kabale – Mbarara or Hoima highways.

This is due to their front independent suspension with anti-roll bars and MacPherson struts. The rear suspension is also equipped with the anti-roll bar in addition to rigid multi link set up in the VW and coil springs in the Peugeot. This suspension also makes these cars driveable on some of our bumpy corrugated dirt roads in the city suburbs. Peugeot’s better ground clearance has an edge over the Passat which easily suffers under ride damage when driven carelessly over humps.

Comfort, safety and style
The Passat B5 and Peugeot 406 were built to impress their buyers with the subtle smooth curves and flair. Critics say that the Passat and Peugeot 406 are not exactly ‘head turners’ (they are plain and boring). That is where they miss the point. VW and Peugeot craftsmen built these cars to appeal to a class of people who pay attention to detail. The high quality plastic dashboard fascia in the Passat and the walnut wood trim in the Peugeot 406 display a touch of class. The seats in both rivalling cars are comfortable and supportive. They offer ample sitting space and sufficient shoulder and legroom for both front and rear passengers.

There are concerns about the Peugeot front seats having short cushion length and backrest height but that is if the driver and front passenger are very tall people. The Passat B5 and Peugeot 406 are equipped with modern amenities and optional features.

Audio CD is optional while the radio and tape are standard. The security systems have passive engine immobilisers and remote keyless entry. Air conditioning, power windows and mirrors and central locking are part of the package.

Safety is well catered for with Anti lock brakes (ABS), dual airbags, side airbags (for the Passat) and child seat harness and child lock facility on rear doors.

Reliability and resale value
The reliability of used Passat and Peugeot vehicles largely depends on the service history and mileage at the time one inherits them. Before the 100,000km service these cars are almost faultless. Peugeot has been dogged by a few electrical issues but no major failure is recorded.

The post 100,000km period comes with expensive repairs like timing belt replacement, brakes and discs replacement, suspension overhaul, gearbox service as well as replacement of ignition coils. Routine maintenance service and non fast moving parts are more readily available for the Passat than the Peugeot 406.

You have to look in one or two places for Peugeot parts that have what you need for the 406. Both cars have a poor resale value as sellers will be trying to get rid of the costly or problematic repair situations or buyers will be apprehensive of potential repairs.

Verdict
Peugeot gets three star points for better engine performance, good handling, comfort and styling. Passat gets three star points for better service reliability in Uganda, good handling comfort and styling. Both cars lose a point for poor resale value.