Javi Martin
Small but bully, or small but super fun. Two definitions that suit the world very well. Peugeot 106 GTi, a car that, today, looks like a toy, but if we pay attention to the British magazine EVO, which knows a bit about performance cars, it is one of the best sport utility vehicles of all time. And they say that because, apparently, it had one of the best front-wheel drive chassis of the time until the Renault Clio from Renault Sport.
The Peugeot 106 belongs to a category that has long disappeared, and not because there is a lack of models, but because the concept has been completely distorted. We are talking about a small car, relatively simple, very light, functional and durable. A tool to fight in chaotic urban traffic. The closest thing currently would be the Hyundai i10 or the Kia Picanto, since the Peugeot 208 is a B segment, heir to the Peugeot 205. It was on the market for more than 10 years, since It was launched in 1991 and ended in 2004., and it had some more than interesting versions.
Generally, el Peugeot GTI 205 focuses all the attention of fans and the media, and in the case of the little 106, the same thing happens with the Rallye. And we are not going to be the ones to disprove anyone's reason, but we do want to give the importance it deserves to a car that has been somewhat forgotten despite being, without a doubt, a toy for adults.
THERE ARE NO LONGER CARS LIKE THE PEUGEOT 106 GTI
Reading old car tests can sometimes open your eyes a little. Making you realize not only how much the automobile has changed in 20 years, it also allows you to see that many of the things that are criticized today are not exactly new. For example, Automobile magazine made a comparison between the Citroën Saxo VTS 16v and the Peugeot 106 GTI -interesting to say the least- and from the outset, they criticized the general loss of personality of all cars and defined them as "more civilized, easier to drive and more rational." You could say that passion was lost with each new generation.
It is clear that it is the same criticism that, for the last 15 years, has been on the lips of a large number of fans and car lovers. Therefore, one of the reasons to remember and appreciate how it is due to the Peugeot 106 GTI is that, despite belonging to a time in which this lack of personality was beginning to be noticed, presented an option that went off the beaten path. Citing the magazine again Car, had a strong character and also allowed sporty driving "in its purest essence." A huge contrast with the catalog of Peugeot itself, which has completely turned its back on sports versions.
Nor can we criticize Peugeot too much for making that decision, since we are facing a clear case of profitability. The sports cars They are more expensive to develop and, therefore, also more expensive when it comes to marketing, especially now, when you have to think a lot about the issue of emissions regulations, which are becoming more demanding every day. A detail that, back in 1996, was not so important or, at least, was not so restrictive. There are also other things to take into consideration, such as the greater technical and constructive simplicity of those years, although, curiously, they are not necessarily worse, saving the distance, obviously.
The Peugeot 106 GTI adopted a platform that did not stand out for being especially advanced, and that allowed costs to be contained somewhat. However, we return to the same thing as before, that does not mean that it is worse, especially when we know that Peugeot has always had a very good hand with the tuning of its sports cars. Thus, the front axle of the 106 GTi consisted of McPherson columns and the rear axle was semi-independent connected with a torsion bar, while, to give another example, it rode on 14-inch wheels and 185/55 tires. At the same time, the engine was a 1.587 cubic centimeter naturally aspirated block, with a 16-valve cylinder head, hydraulic tappets and injection, which It produced 120 HP at 6.600 revolutions and 145 Nm of torque at 5.200 revolutions..
WITH THE WEIGHT/POWER RATIO OF AN AUDI TT
The simplicity and small size of the 106 GTi, allowed a weight/power ratio of 7,91 kilos per horse. It is worth noting that any car that weighs less than 10 kilos per horse can be considered sports. An example is the weight/power ratio of a Audi TT 1.8 20vt from 1998: 7,52 kg/CV. A real toy that equals the figures of the Peugeot 205 GTI and even those of the Peugeot 206 GTI. The 0 to 100 km/h was completed in 8,7 seconds, the 1.000 meters from a standstill was completed in 29,9 seconds and It could reach a top speed of 205 km/h..
These are figures that placed it among the best in its category, directly opposed to the Citroën Saxo VTS 16v which, after all, was almost the same car powered by the same engine. This announced the same figures in practically all sections, and was basically the only direct rival of it. Back in 1996 you could find, for example, the second generation of the Opel Corsa GSi, the Renault Clio 16v or the Fiat Punto GT, although they were all bigger than our protagonist. That is to say, its rival should be the already old Peugeot 205.
Thus, rivals for the Peugeot 106 GTi were limited. The closest thing we can think of is the Rover 114 GTi 16v. We are talking about the latest evolution of the Rover Metro, which with 103 HP, 870 kilos and a fairly sporty setup, presented a fairly similar concept. However, Its production stopped in 1995 and it has a reputation for being very, very fragile.
WHAT TO LOOK IF YOU WANT A PEUGEOT 106 GTI?
The 106 GTI is a future classic, although It is clearly overshadowed by the 205 GTI and its radical brother, the Peugeot 106 Rallye. However, the prices are much more interesting than the two options mentioned, although that does not mean they are content. While a 106 Rallye can flirt with 15.000 euros, a 106 GTI in good condition, and completely original, rarely exceeds 7.000 euros. The bad thing is that it is difficult to find units, especially without modifications, which send their prices above 10.000 euros.
In case you find one interesting, There are things that absolutely must be reviewed., as long as you don't want to have to go for repairs later. For example, it appears that the injectors can become clogged, while the key on the lower crankshaft pulley can break. This would cause the pulley to deviate and affect the timing, with catastrophic consequences. Bushings, brake lines and suspension elements require a review, as they wear out over time and, in the case of brake lines, rust. The rear wheels must also be checked; if they are worn inside, the rear axle bearings must be replaced.
Rust can affect the inside of the front fenders, where the ECU is located -driver's side- and the windshield wiper reservoir -passenger side-. The interior walls of the trunk can also accumulate rust. In addition, certain interior controls, such as switches, are susceptible to, in the words of some British specialists, falling apart. Upholstery is also prone to deterioration over time..
