The rush began in NSW with NRMA naming the recently released Peugeot 406 SV Best Luxury Car under $55,000 in its Best Cars of 1997 awards.

Powered by an all new 3.0-1itre, 144 kW, quad-cam V6 engine the 406 SV has proved a huge success since its Australian debut less than three months ago.

The four person NRMA judging panel, bringing together the organisation’s engineering, research and environmental expertise said, "The 406, priced in the low-mid $50,000s, is excellent value compared with the similarly priced BMW 318i and Mercedes-Benz C200."

"You get two extra cylinders, around 50 per cent more power and the Peugeot gives away nothing in terms of comfort or standard features."

One of the great driving cars

And Wayne Webster, motoring editor of Sydney’s The Daily Telegraph agrees, naming the 406 SV as Best Luxury Car under $55,000 in his annual wrap up of the year’s best cars.

According to Wayne, "The 406 SV is truly one of the great driving cars, regardless of price", adding "It is a masterpiece of engineering that sets the standards in this category."

In December the Peugeot 306 XT and 406 ST have enjoyed success for the second year running in the QCAR Awards, a joint Queensland initiative developed by the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) and Brisbane daily newspaper The Courier-Mail.

As the name implies, the QCAR Awards pay particular attention to at times rugged Queensland conditions with evaluation cars put through a week long test program to determine the best vehicles in seven categories.

The 1.8-litre 306XT, 2.0-1itre 406 ST and their closest competitors were assessed across a range of criteria including equipment, performance, ride quality, handling, seats, interior room, cabin ergonomics and value-for-money.

Comments from the 20-strong QCAR judging group included, "It (the 306 XT) was one of only three cars on test to unanimously win its class. But it was the way it won that stood out. Sublime. Classy. Seamless. Brilliant. Understated. Timeless."

"lt's a beautifully sorted car with pin-sharp steering, great brakes and an ability to communicate complex happenings in simple terms."

Unabashed chassis brilliance

On the 406 ST the QCAR team simply said, "Nissan’s facelifted Maxima, Mitsubishi’s Verada and Volvo’s stylish S40 all came, all challenged and all withered beneath the 406’s unabashed chassis brilliance."

"Tradition has it that cars either ride well or handle well and never the twain shall meet. Peugeot defies this maxim time and again and the 406 is a worthy flagship."

Closely tied to the QCAR evaluation is the Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania’s (RACT) Best Cars of ‘97 awards.

And again for the second year in a row the 306 XT was judged Best Small Car and the 406 ST Best Prestige Car.

According to the RACT, "The (306’s) chassis is a gem. As close to perfect as anybody could expect for less than $50,000."

"chockers" with equipment

And on the 406 ST ride, handling and value-for-money were the high points, the car described as "chockers" with equipment, highlighting the $39,995 406 ST’s long standard equipment list including ABS anti-lock brakes, dual airbags, air-conditioning, remote central locking and electric windows.

As well, two of the country’s best known and biggest selling specialist motoring magazines Wheels and MOTOR have honoured the powerhouse 306 GTI 6.

Powered by a 124 kW/196 Nm double ohc, 16-valve 2.0-1itre engine driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox the three-door GTI 6 is inspired by Peugeot's giant-killing 306 Maxi Formula 2 rally rocket.

And the GTI 6’s speed, handling, looks and equipment saw it included in Wheels’ TOP TEN ‘97 list the 10 cars the magazines editorial staff would "happily park in their garage".

"best front-drive chassis in the business"

In summing up why they liked the 306 GTI 6 so much Wheels said, "Quite simply the best front wheel drive chassis in the business, made all the more enjoyable by a punchy twin-cam engine and a quick six-speed gearbox."

And in its December ‘97 issue MOTOR said the 306 GTI 6 was one of 50 CARS YOU MUST DRIVE BEFORE YOU DIE with one of the magazine’s most experienced road testers John Carey declaring it, "The best handling front-driver he’s driven".

Increasing popularity

According to Martin Ward, managing director of Australian Peugeot Importer, Inchcape Motors Australia, "These awards can only add to Peugeot's increasing popularity and strengthening retained values."