Peugeot 206 Review & Road Test: The most wanted car

Drivers
The Peugeot 206 has petrol engines ranging in size from 1.1 to 2.0 litres. The 16-valve variants of the 1.6 and 2.0 litre engines power the sportier XSi and GTi models. The diesel and turbodiesel are some of the best engines in this class and deliver polished and forceful performances. The Peugeot 206 had a lot to live up to in this category and almost manages to match the performance of its predecessor - the 205. It has a well-tuned chassis and more powerful models are very receptive to the driver. The 137bhp GTi has a tendency to wheel-spin, particularly in the wet, but delivers plenty of acceleration when required. The Peugeot's driving performance is a little let down by a long gear change and limited driver feedback through the power steering. However, the biggest issue with the Peugeot 206 is its poor driving position - the steering has no reach adjustment and the driver's seat seems a little high. Parking the 206 is a simple affair although rear visibility is little obstructed by the high window-line.

Passengers
The Peugeot 206 offers good interior space - although larger rivals can make it feel a little small. Wind and tyre noise combined with a raucous air conditioning system do not make for a quiet journey. Out of town smaller engined cars add to this issue, however the diesels deliver a much quieter performance.

Practicality
The 206 provides good storage space in the boot and glove box and LX and GLX models have a large storage compartment under the front passenger seat cushion.

Equipment
Power steering, electric windows, passenger and driver's airbag is standard on all Peugeot 206's with higher specification cars getting CD multi-changers and climate control. Lower specification models have very limited equipment - Style and Look models don't even get split rear seats. The stereo sounds good and has a separate display to deter theft.

Safety & Security
In common with its rivals, the Peugeot 206 scored well in NCAP crash tests and all models now have both drivers and passenger airbags. Side airbags are optional as is ABS.

Quality & Reliability
The Peugeot 206 has a well proven set of mechanicals and comes with a three-year, 60,000 mile warranty, however the interior quality is suspect and as well as being poorly presented.

Owning
Engines are fairly economical and with service intervals set at 20,000 miles, the 206 should be cheap to run. Residual values also hold up well for what is proving to be a very popular supermini.

Review ©2006 New-car-reviews.co.uk