Peugeot 106

Launched in 1991, Peugeot 106 was the first so-called "Supermini", which introduced superior quality than the traditional mini cars. Besides, it was always named as the greatest handling supermini. In 1997, Peugeot 106 received a major update including longer overhangs to cope with stricter crash test, vastly repackaged interior and tweaked suspensions to provide even crisper handling and equally impressive ride. As a result, the new 106 lead further from other competitors in dynamic aspect..

The top of the range, 106GTi, got a new 1.6 litres 16 valves four with 120hp, which is enough to push the relatively light body (961kg) from standstill to 60mph in around 8sec. While such performance is probably better than those bigger GTi rivals ( Golf class ) with 2 litres engines, its handling and nimble manner is unmatchable unless you take into account its bigger brother, 306GTi-6. Peugeot once again prove itself is the King of handling.

Specifications

Model	Citroen Saxo 1.4XR	Peugeot 106 Rallye	Peugeot 106 GTi
Layout	Front-engined, Fwd.	Front-engined, Fwd.	Front-engined, Fwd
Dimensions	N/A
Engine	Inline-4, sohc, 4v/cyl.	Inline-4, sohc, 4v/cyl.	Inline-4, dohc, 4v/cyl.
Capacity	1360 c.c.	1587 c.c.	1587 c.c.
Power	75 hp	103 hp	120 hp
Torque	81 lbft	97 lbft	107 lbft
Transmission	5M	5M	5M
Suspension	F: strut / R: trailing arm
Tyres	N/A	185 / 55 HR14	185 / 55 HR14
Weight	850 kg	865 kg	961 kg
Top speed	106 mph*	120 mph*	122 mph*
0-60 mph	11.1 sec*	8.5 sec*	8.2 sec*
0-100 mph	N/A	25.6 sec*	23.9 sec*

* Tested by Autocar

Citroen Saxo

Apart from the new changes, 106 also got a new brother, Citroen Saxo, which is virtually all the same but softer suspensions and leaner interior trim. For those who would like a normal-driving supermini, 106 is no better than Saxo, since better handling is no longer an important point while the keener price from the Citroen may be more attractive. However, for those who ask for more driving fun, 106 GTi must be better than the equivalent Saxo VTS.