Used Peugeot 206 SW 1998 - 2009 review

What's the used Peugeot 206 like?

The main reason the 206 hatchback proved so popular was its chic look, but unfortunately, the same can't be said of the Peugeot 206 SW. The cute appearance has been lost in the transition to estate car, but sadly, most of the hatchback's shortcomings weren't.

The worst thing is the driving position. Many drivers will find it totally impossible to get comfy because of the odd positioning of the driver's seat relative to the steering wheel. The cabin isn't particularly spacious, either, and the interior design is dowdy compared to some rivals.

Overview

The Peugeot 206 SW is a capable mini-estate, but it shares the hatchback's shortcomings, especially the driving position

Pros

• It's got a big, well-shaped boot and more rear headroom than the hatchback version

Cons

• The driving position is dodgy, the gearshift notchy and the interior tacky

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Peugeot 206 SW

1.6 HDi Verve 5dr

£1,250

Peugeot 206 SW

1.4 Verve 5dr

£1,569

Peugeot 206 SW

1.4 HDi XT 5dr

£3,690

Peugeot 206 SW

2.0 HDi S 5dr (a/c)

£3,990

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Then again, it isn't all doom and gloom. As well as providing a well-shaped boot, the estate also provides better headroom for rear passengers. It's cheap to buy, too, and if you pick the right engine it's cheap to run.

On top of that, the chassis is nimble and still manages to provide a supple ride at all but low speeds. However, there's too much road noise and the smaller engines aren't refined enough at speed.

Our recommendations

Which used Peugeot 206 should I buy?

You're best off with the 110bhp 1.6 HDi engine, which is powerful and punchy. However, this appeared only in later cars.

If you're considering an earlier model then plump for the 2.0 HDi. You only get 90bhp, but that's better than you'll get from most of the petrol engines in the range, and it's enough to make decent progress while still giving good fuel economy.

Don't bother with the 1.1 or 1.4 petrol engines - they're just too slow. The 1.6 and 2.0 petrols are much better, but the diesel gives more low-down punch and better running costs. There's also a 1.4 diesel - it's not bad, but you'll enjoy yourself more with the bigger diesel.

Low-spec models don't get that much in the way of kit, especially in early cars, but XT trim will give you all you need.

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