Following on from the excitement generated by bringing in the Peugeot 206, MBf-Peugeot Sdn Bhd now offers the sleek Peugeot 406 Coupe. Only limited numbers of the exclusive model, priced at RM259,968 (including insurance), will be imported; according... [+ click to enlarge] Peugeot 406 Coupe

Following on from the excitement generated by bringing in the Peugeot 206, MBf-Peugeot Sdn Bhd now offers the sleek Peugeot 406 Coupe. Only limited numbers of the exclusive model, priced at RM259,968 (including insurance), will be imported; according to a MBf-Peugeot source, five orders have already been taken from Malaysian buyers.

Though having the same number as the 406 sedan, the 406 Coupe actually shares no body panels but the platform (floorpan, suspension and engines) is the same. Its bodywork was styled by Pininfarina, the renowned styling studio in Italy which has been responsible for many Peugeot models since 1951. This Peugeot coupe is the first fixed roof two-door model since the 504 Coupe which older Malaysians may recall was sold in the late 1960s.

With the 406 Coupe, it is the first time that Pininfarina has not only been asked to design the exterior and interior but also to build the car. It is made in Pininfarina's own factory in Italy at a rate of about 70 cars a day.

The version imported to Malaysia has a 2.0-litre 16-valve engine which produces 97.4 kW (135 bhp) at 5500 rpm and 180 Nm of torque at 4200 rpm. Only an automatic transmission is available and it is one of the more advanced types with electronic controls and adaptive programming which provides the optimum shifting characteristics according to driving conditions.

In keeping with its exclusive status, the equipment level is high with automatic climate control, dual front airbags, ABS, high-quality audio system, cruise control and a sophisticated security system.