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Peugeot 106 Rallye Phase 1: A Rare Hot Hatch Icon from the 90s
January 19, 2025
Classic Cars
Peugeot 106 Rallye S1: The 90's Lightweight Hero
In the realm of hot hatches, the Peugeot 106 Rallye stands as a beacon of simplicity and driving purity. Released in 1993, the Rallye wasn’t about outright power or luxury—it was about capturing the essence of driving fun. For enthusiasts who remember the 1990s as the golden age of analog cars, the Series 1 Rallye is a touchstone of nostalgia and excitement.
Born to Rally
The Peugeot 106 Rallye Phase 1 was designed as a homologation special, allowing Peugeot to compete in Group N rallying. Unlike other hot hatches of its time, which leaned toward comfort and practicality, the Rallye stripped away anything that didn’t serve the purpose of pure driving pleasure.
Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of rally-inspired history
No power steering. No air conditioning. No ABS. The Rallye was a bare-bones machine crafted for enthusiasts who craved a visceral driving experience. Weighing just 810 kg, its lightweight build made the most of the high-revving TU2J2 1.3L engine, which delivered 100 BHP at an exhilarating 7,200 RPM. In the hands of a skilled driver, this combination offered thrills far beyond what its modest output suggested.
Rarity and Exclusivity
For UK buyers, fewer than 1,000 right-hand-drive units were officially imported, making the Rallye a rare and sought-after car on British roads.
Each Peugeot 106 Rallye Phase 1 was designed to exude motorsport heritage. While Banquise White (or Bianca White) was the most iconic and widely recognised color, the Rallye was also available in other shades, including Cherry Red and Black.
Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of rally-inspired history
The car was adorned with rally-inspired decals along the doors, featuring distinctive stripes and branding that emphasized its sporty, competition-inspired ethos. Paired with white steel wheels and its minimalist design, the 106 Rallye became instantly recognizable, both on the road and in motorsport settings.
Buyers could choose from a few select options, including a radio cassette player, a glass sunroof, and an anti-lock braking system (ABS)—a rare nod to comfort and practicality in an otherwise stripped-out machine.
Driving the Dream
The 106 Rallye wasn’t about straight-line speed. It was about the joy of tackling winding country roads, where its razor-sharp handling and perfectly tuned chassis came alive. Owners often speak of the car’s uncanny ability to feel like an extension of the driver—a trait that modern, technology-laden cars struggle to replicate.
Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of rally-inspired history
A 2004 EVO Magazine feature perfectly encapsulated its charm: “It’s as much fun as a car can be. Featherlight, zingy, and endlessly enthusiastic. The 106 Rallye doesn’t just get under your skin—it stays there.”
Read the full Evo article on the Peugeot 106 Rallye here
A Hot Hatch Icon
The Series 1 Rallye holds a unique place in the pantheon of hot hatches. It bridged the gap between Peugeot’s legendary 205 GTI and the more modern 306 GTI-6. For those who missed the golden age of the 1980s but still wanted a slice of that lightweight magic, the 106 Rallye offered a second chance.
Today, these cars are cherished by enthusiasts and collectors alike. Rising values reflect their cult status, with unmodified and well-maintained examples becoming increasingly difficult to find. They represent an era when manufacturers prioritised driving dynamics over creature comforts, making them a perfect time capsule for the nostalgic driver.
Is Now the Time to Own One?
With fewer than 1,000 units imported to the UK and even fewer surviving in original, unmodified condition, the 106 Rallye Phase 1 is a car that is as collectible as it is enjoyable to drive.
Technical Data - 1993-95 Peugeot 106 Rallye (Series 1)
Engine In-line 4-cyl, 1294cc
Max Power 100bhp @ 7200rpm
Max Torque 80lb ft @ 5400rpm
Weight 825kg
Power-to-weight 123bhp/ton
0-60mph 9.3sec
Top speed 118mph
Price when new £9585
Value today £10,000-£15,000
