Peugeot 406 1996-2004 [2.0 HDi 110 bhp | ECU Remap | Chiptuning ]

POSTED: 15 May / 2015 / 15:00

PAUL ANDERSON, UNITED KINGDOM

I'd been toying with the idea of having my 406 HDi 2.2 chip tuned for a while.  Not in any way a slow or underpowered car, I always had an idea that more was available.  The prospect of using those silly 'turn-the-screw' boxes was one I dismissed right away. Various tuning specialists never gave me the comfort in their methods. So I dropped the idea and resigned it to the fantasy file.

Research, however, continued.  I stumbled opon Celtic Tuning's website. Celtic Tuning offers a service badged as custom re-mapping - the latest incarnation of ECU tuning available.

Afer a lengthy discussion with Graham of Celtic Tuning who is incredibly knowledgeable, personable and entertaining at exactly the same time, I placed the order, with only a self induced hint of trepidation.  As you'll see, even that minor caution was unfounded.

Graham arrived on Saturday and duly went about his task with truly professional aclarity. Starting with a test drive of the car in standard factory tune he then proceeded to work his sorcery - an elegant but curiously mundane process that doesn't even involve lifting the bonnet of the car! If you're looking for oily rags then go elsewhere!

A couple of hours later, and I'm invited to take up station in the drivers' seat of my own car. It starts the same; it idles the same; and it sounds exactly like it always did - these are all GOOD THINGS! Read on.....

After 20 or so minutes sensible driving along a free road to allow things to reach operating temperature it's time to 'explore the opportunities'. Down goes the old boot - at 35mph in third (well under 2000rpm).

I'll omit the expletives at this point (those interested can email me for an exhaustive list).

Suddenly 60mph is a merely subliminal experience as we charge through the range. Fourth; same urgency with 100mph approaching too quickly. Clearly, I'm admitting to nothing and I advise you to abide by the speed limits. Even if you do just that, the sheer immediacy of response to the go pedal is stunning - Celtic Tuning has successfully transformed my capable and lively car into something that is truly sensational. ' Fast' just doesn't describe it, obscene is a better adjective. All this with a temperment as docile as a car in bog ordinary factory tune. Motorway overtaking is accomplished just by gently squeezing you right toes onto the pedal, no need to drop a gear. Of course, you can drop to 4th if you must. But you won't, there's no need. The midrange grunt is of a magnitude that worries MGF and Boxster drivers.

As for fuel economy, I've covered about 500 miles since the upgrade and have actually measured and verified improved economy, despite playing with the car on Devon 's by-ways and undertakig a motorway trip at license losing speeds. This is down to CT's ability to maximise the efficiency of an engine, something they've more than proven to me. I'm genuinely impressed.

If you want my opinion, (you're gonna get it anyway) I suggest that you engage Celtic Tuning without hesitation and place your order.  You're wasting your car's true potential without it.