Table of Contents
30 September 2025 (updated) Peugeot 106 engines
The Peugeot 106 was launched in 1991 as the successor to the Peugeot 104 and developed into one of the most successful small cars in Europe. Over two generations, the diverse Peugeot 106 engine range offered everything for every need, from economical basic engines to sporty high-performance units. The technological development ranged from simple naturally aspirated engines to modern 16-valve engines with variable valve timing.
Peugeot 106 engines: Generation I (1991-1996)
The first Peugeot 106 generation was characterized by proven French engineering skills and offered robust, but technically still conventional engines. With proper maintenance, most units easily reached 250,000 to 300,000 kilometers, with the smaller petrol engines often running even longer. Major repairs were typically due between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers, mainly on the clutch, timing belt and water pump. The absolute top engine of this generation was the 1.6 16V with 103 hp - a technical masterpiece that combined sportiness with reliability. The early Peugeot 106 engines were characterized by easy maintenance and low spare parts prices, which made them ideal entry-level vehicles. Compared to competitors such as the Renault Clio or Opel Corsa, the Peugeot 106 offered a balanced mix of driving pleasure and practicality.
Peugeot 106 petrol engines: Generation I (1991-1996)
The Peugeot 106 petrol engine range started with the proven 1.0-liter engine (45 hp), followed by the 1.1-liter unit with 50 or 60 hp. These small Peugeot 106 engines were extremely economical and reliable, but suffered from a lack of power at highway speeds. The 1.4-liter engine with 75 hp already offered significantly more driving pleasure and proved to be a happy medium between economy and performance. The highlight, however, was the 1.6 16V engine with 103 hp, which came from motorsport and gave the small Peugeot 106 impressive driving performance. This engine had a double camshaft, 16 valves and reached a top speed of over 190 km/h. Typical problems of the early Peugeot 106 petrol engines were carburetor problems in the smaller engines and occasional timing belt tears due to neglected maintenance.
Peugeot 106 diesel engines: Generation I (1991-1996)
The only Peugeot 106 diesel available was the 1.5 D with 58 hp, which was characterized by exceptional economy. This indirect-injection diesel achieved consumption figures of less than 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers and was practically indestructible. The disadvantages were its low performance, high noise level and sluggish acceleration. However, it was the first choice for frequent drivers and price-conscious customers, as repairs were rare and inexpensive. The Peugeot 106 1.5 D often ran for over 400,000 kilometers without any major problems.
| Peugeot 106 engine | Performance | Fuel consumption | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,0 8V | 45 HP | 5.8 l/100km | Carburetor problems, little power | Average |
| 1,1 8V | 50-60 HP | 6.2 l/100km | Carburetor, sluggish acceleration | Average |
| 1,4 8V | 75 HP | 6.8 l/100km | Timing belt, otherwise robust | Good |
| 1,6 16V | 103 HP | 7.5 l/100km | Maintenance-intensive, but reliable | Very good |
| 1,5 D | 58 HP | 4.3 l/100km | Loud, sluggish, but indestructible | Good |
Peugeot 106 engines: Generation II (1996-2003)
The second generation of the Peugeot 106 brought with it a significant technological advancement and is regarded as the mature version of the successful small car. The mileage increased to 300,000 to 350,000 kilometers for most engines, with the more modern injection systems ensuring better reliability. Major damage became rare, only the high-performance engines required more intensive maintenance. The absolute highlight was the 1.6 16V S16 with 120 hp - a thoroughbred sports engine that turned the Peugeot 106 into a cult object. Modern diesel technology was also introduced for the first time with the 1.4 HDi. The Peugeot 106 engines of this generation benefited from improved electronics, more precise fuel supply and optimized cooling. Compared to the competition, Peugeot continued to offer the sportiest handling in the small car class.
Peugeot 106 petrol engines: Generation II (1996-2003)
The revised Peugeot 106 petrol engine range continued to include the 1.0-liter engine (50 hp), the 1.1-liter with 60 hp and the popular 1.4-liter with 75 hp. All smaller engines were now fitted with modern intake manifold injection, which eliminated the old carburetor problems. The 1.6 8V with 88 hp offered a good balance between performance and consumption. The absolute highlight, however, was the Peugeot 106 S16 with its 1.6 16V engine and 120 hp. This high-performance engine had variable valve timing, sports exhaust and reached a top speed of 205 km/h. The S16 engine was considered one of the best small car engines of its time, but was high-maintenance and required regular oil changes. Typical problems of the later Peugeot 106 petrol engines were occasional problems with the lambda sensor and ageing of the injection nozzles after high mileage.
Peugeot 106 diesel engines: Generation II (1996-2003)
In addition to the tried and tested 1.5 D (57 hp), Peugeot introduced the revolutionary 1.4 HDi with 68 hp. This modern common-rail diesel was significantly quieter, more economical and more refined than its predecessor. The Peugeot 106 1.4 HDi achieved fuel consumption figures of just 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers and offered acceptable driving performance despite its low output. The HDi technology made the small diesel one of the most modern engines in its class. Problems mainly arose with the more complex electronics, while the mechanical structure remained very robust. The old 1.5 D continued to run in parallel and remained the choice for purists who appreciated absolute simplicity.
| Peugeot 106 engine | Power output | Fuel consumption | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,0 8V | 50 HP | 5.5 l/100km | Little power, otherwise robust | Good |
| 1,1 8V | 60 HP | 5.8 l/100km | Solid, somewhat sluggish | Good |
| 1,4 8V | 75 HP | 6.5 l/100km | Very reliable, ideal for city driving | Very good |
| 1,6 8V | 88 HP | 7.0 l/100km | Good compromise, robust | Good |
| 1.6 16V S16 | 120 HP | 8.2 l/100km | High-maintenance, but brilliant | Very good |
| 1,5 D | 57 HP | 4.2 l/100km | Loud, but indestructible | Good |
| 1.4 HDi | 68 HP | 3.8 l/100km | Electronics problems, otherwise excellent | Very good |
Conclusion: The best Peugeot 106 engines of all generations
The development of the Peugeot 106 engines is an example of how small car technology has evolved over a decade. While the first generations still relied on proven, simple technology, the second generation introduced modern injection technology and high-performance engines. The Peugeot 106 engines were consistently regarded as reliable and easy to maintain, with the sporty variants offering real driving pleasure. The range from extremely economical diesels to thoroughbred sports engines was particularly remarkable.
- Best Peugeot 106 gasoline engine:
The 1.6 16V S16 (120 hp, Generation II) combined high performance with reliability and turned the Peugeot 106 into a genuine sports car in small car format.
- Best Peugeot 106 diesel engine:
The 1.4 HDi (68 hp, Generation II) offered modern diesel technology with exceptional economy and significantly improved comfort compared to the old 1.5 D.
- Best all-round engine:
The 1.4 8V (75 hp, Generation II) proved to be the happy medium between economy, reliability and sufficient power for everyday use.
For maintenance and spare parts for all Peugeot 106 generations, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery at reasonable prices.
Top products related to this topic:
