| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1968 |
| Production Years: | 1968 - 1977 discontinued in 1977 |
The Peugeot 204 Break, produced between 1968 and 1977, is a compact and practical station wagon belonging to the first generation of the Peugeot 204 lineup. As Peugeot's response to the growing demand for functional family vehicles in the late 1960s, the 204 Break combined the economy and maneuverability of a compact car with the added cargo space and versatility of a station wagon. Available throughout a production period spanning nearly a decade, the 204 Break featured dimensions tailored to urban and suburban use. The vehicle was known for its compact footprint, making it easy to handle and park, especially in tight European city environments. While exact dimension values vary slightly by model year, typical measurements for the Peugeot 204 Break placed it at approximately 4,080 millimeters (160.6 inches) in length, about 1,520 millimeters (59.8 inches) in width, and around 1,380 millimeters (54.3 inches) in height. The design focused on maximizing interior space and luggage capacity without compromising the car's agile character. Its practical tailgate and extended roofline allowed for ample cargo volume, often making the 204 Break a favored choice among families and business owners alike. Under the hood, the 204 Break generally shared the powertrain and mechanical components of the standard Peugeot 204 sedan, facilitating ease of maintenance and reliability. The lightweight construction and modest engine output contributed positively to fuel efficiency, a valued trait during the period it was released. Overall, the Peugeot 204 Break remains a historically significant station wagon, illustrating Peugeot's early approach to combining compactness with utility. Its balanced proportions, efficient use of space, and distinctive European styling continue to appeal to classic car enthusiasts and those interested in vintage practical vehicles.
Discover the standout features that make the 1968 Peugeot 204 Break a leader in its class
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The Peugeot 204 Break, produced between 1968 and 1977, is a compact station wagon with a length of approximately 4,280 mm (168.5 inches), a width of around 1,610 mm (63.4 inches) without mirrors, and a height close to 1,420 mm (55.9 inches). These dimensions make it suitable for maneuvering in urban environments while providing the added space typically desired in station wagons. The design optimized interior space without making the vehicle excessively large, striking a balance between practicality and manageable size.
The cargo capacity of the Peugeot 204 Break was one of its selling points during its production from 1968 to 1977. While exact trunk volume figures can vary slightly depending on interior configuration, the Break version of the 204 offered ample space for luggage and daily haul, making it well-suited for families and practical use. Compared to other station wagons of its time, the 204 Break provided a competitive balance of cargo space without incurring penalties in overall vehicle size or weight, making it an efficient choice for a compact family wagon.
The Peugeot 204 Break weighs roughly around 900 to 950 kg (1,984 to 2,094 pounds), depending on specific trims and equipment levels available during its 1968-1977 production period. This relatively light weight contributed positively to its fuel efficiency and handling characteristics. The modest weight also helped the car maintain reasonable performance levels despite its modest engine sizes. The light curb weight aligned well with the car's original design intentions: an economical, practical, and reliable vehicle suitable for daily driving and family use.
Yes, the Peugeot 204 Break is compact enough to fit comfortably within a standard residential garage. Typical residential garages usually measure at least 6 meters (approximately 19.7 feet) in length and 3 meters (approximately 9.8 feet) in width, which easily accommodates the 204 Break's length of 4.28 meters (168.5 inches) and width of 1.61 meters (63.4 inches). Additionally, its height of about 1.42 meters (55.9 inches) ensures that vertical clearance is generally not an issue even with garage storage racks or lighting fixtures overhead.
The Peugeot 204 Break offers more versatile interior space compared to the 204 sedan, chiefly because it was designed as a station wagon to accommodate more cargo flexibility. While both vehicles share the same wheelbase and front cabin layout, the Break’s extended roofline and rear door configuration allow for greater rear passenger headroom and a larger, more accessible cargo area. This makes the Break particularly advantageous for families or users who require frequent transportation of larger items, making it a practical alternative to the sedan.
The Peugeot 204 Break, introduced in 1968 as a variant of the original 204 model, evolved primarily to meet the demands for more utility and space while preserving the compact characteristics of the original hatchback/sedan. Though the base 204 had a focus on efficiency and practicality, the Break added a station wagon body style that increased cargo and passenger space without dramatically altering the car's footprint. This evolution enhanced the model’s appeal to families and commercial users seeking a versatile vehicle without wanting to move up to a larger or less economical vehicle.
The Peugeot 204 Break measures approximately 1,610 mm (63.4 inches) in width, which classifies it as a relatively narrow vehicle by modern standards. This narrow width enhances driving comfort on tight or narrow roads, common in European towns and countryside areas where the vehicle was mostly used. The compact width allows the driver to navigate urban traffic, narrow lanes, and parking with ease, contributing to the car’s reputation for maneuverability and user-friendly driving dynamics in constrained spaces.
Dimensionally, the Peugeot 204 Break was competitive within its segment of compact station wagons in the late 1960s and 1970s. With a length of 4,280 mm (168.5 inches), a width of 1,610 mm (63.4 inches), and a height of 1,420 mm (55.9 inches), it was slightly smaller or similar in size to contemporaries like the Citroën Ami Break or Renault 6 Break. While slightly more compact than some medium-sized wagons of the era, it provided a good balance of interior space and urban-friendly dimensions making it a practical alternative that prioritized handling and economy.
The Peugeot 204 Break typically features a ground clearance of about 140 mm (5.5 inches), which is moderate for a compact station wagon of its time. This clearance allows the vehicle to drive reasonably well on mildly rough or uneven roads commonly found in suburban or rural areas in Europe, without risking underbody damage under normal driving conditions. While not intended for off-road use, the clearance supports comfortable daily driving and occasional rough patch navigation, enhancing the car's versatility.
The Peugeot 204 Break holds an important place in automotive history as Peugeot’s first front-wheel-drive model and a pioneer in its segment during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Produced from 1968 to 1977, this station wagon version was praised for its practical design, reliable mechanical components, and efficient use of space. It helped Peugeot capture the growing market demand for economical, family-oriented vehicles with the versatility of a wagon body style. Its engineering, especially the adoption of front-wheel drive with a transverse engine, set new standards for European compact cars and influenced Peugeot's future models significantly.
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