Peugeot 206 (98-09) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 22 May 2009
Thanks to its stylish lines and youthful image the 206 has proved a big hit. Easy to drive with light controls, it is ideal for tackling urban routes and although some of the engines are a little lethargic, it's happy pottering along the motorway too. However it's desperately showing it's age - especially compared to the newer 207 and the awkward driving position, cramped rear and lack of refinement are only half the story. The scratchy plastics on the dash and flimsy build quality do it few favours either. But the 206 remains a good used buy - it's cheap to run, mechanically sound and the styling still looks good even after ten years on sale.
3 out of 5

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3 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£7,595 - £15,665

Used price range:

£464 - £6,989

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High levels of equipment, neatly styled, fun handling

Build quality issues, awkward pedals and poor driving position, slack gearchange

Thanks to its stylish lines and youthful image the 206 has proved a big hit. Easy to drive with light controls, it is ideal for tackling urban routes and although some of the engines are a little lethargic, it's happy pottering along the motorway too. However it's desperately showing it's age - especially compared to the newer 207 and the awkward driving position, cramped rear and lack of refinement are only half the story. The scratchy plastics on the dash and flimsy build quality do it few favours either. But the 206 remains a good used buy - it's cheap to run, mechanically sound and the styling still looks good even after ten years on sale.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    3 out of 5

    "There's a decent choice of engines in the 206 range starting with the entry-level 1.1-litre petrol..."

  • Handling

    3 out of 5

    "The 206 is safe and easy to drive with light controls. This has its disadvantages on more demanding..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    2.5 out of 5

    "Most of the engines in the 206 are loud, not helped by the obvious lack of noise insulation while..."

  • Practicality

    3.5 out of 5

    "With 237 litres of luggage space the 206 is average compared to other small cars - although the Ford..."

  • Equipment

    3.5 out of 5

    "There have bee so many trim levels and special editions of the 206 over the years that it's..."

  • Behind the wheel

    2 out of 5

    "While the exterior styling has aged well, the same cannot be said of the interior. The layout is..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    4 out of 5

    "The little Peugeot enjoys long service intervals, competitive insurance and a frugal range of..."

  • Green credentials

    4 out of 5

    "The 206 is a fairly environmentally-friendly model and with an average of 143g/km of CO2 across the..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    3.5 out of 5

    "A strong bodyshell helped the 206 gain a four-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. There's a driver’s..."

  • Reliability

    3 out of 5

    "The 206 tends to be mechanically durable and old Peugeots have a reputation for lasting well, but it..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    2.5 out of 5

    "The 206 is seen as the budget version of the newer (and hugely superior 207) and as a result there's..."

  • Buying used

    4 out of 5

    "The sheer number of 206s on the market combined with the introduction of the 207 (effectively its..."

  • Selling

    3 out of 5

    "It's an ever popular used buy which means the 206 should be easy to sell on, especially well looked..."

Gallery

  • Interior Peugeot 206 (98-09)
  • Exterior Peugeot 206 (98-09)
  • Exterior Peugeot 206 (98-09)
  • Exterior Peugeot 206 (98-09)

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