Used Peugeot 206 Hatchback 1998 - 2009 review

What's the used Peugeot 206 like?

If you like the Peugeot 206's looks, you'll forgive it almost anything. If not, you'll find that there's not a lot to be terribly happy about.

The number one complaint is the dreadful driving position. The seat itself is short of support, which is bad enough, but it also seems impossible to avoid an uncomfortable straight-armed, bent-kneed position. Taller drivers especially will find themselves in cramped discomfort.

Overview

The Peugeot 206 has some major flaws, but with these looks, you might just forgive it

Pros

• It's one of the smartest superminis and comes with a wide range of engines and trims

Cons

• The driving position is dreadful, the interior's not as smart as the exterior and it's rather cramped too

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Peugeot 206

1.1 LX 3dr

£699

Peugeot 206

1.4 8v S 5dr (a/c)

£749

Peugeot 206

1.4 8v Zest 3 5dr (a/c)

£850

Peugeot 206

1.4 Urban 3dr

£975

Peugeot 206

1.4 8v Zest 2 3dr

£990

Peugeot 206

1.4 HDi Verve 5dr

£1,100

Peugeot 206

1.6 Allure 5dr (a/c)

£1,195

Peugeot 206

1.4 HDi LX 5dr (a/c)

£1,200

Peugeot 206

1.1 Zest 3 3dr

£1,495

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The cabin is also something of a disappointment, less attractive than both the 206's exterior and several of the car's rivals. To make matters worse, the space it provides is no more than reasonable. At least the boot's a decent size and shape, though.

The 206 is certainly not the best supermini to drive, but it's far from bad. The ride is generally supple, and the handling can be entertaining, if not a match for the class-leading Ford Fiesta.

Our recommendations

Which used Peugeot 206 should I buy?

Of the many engines, the 1.1 and 1.4 petrols provide the best balance between cost and capability. Both are willing, and cope well in and out of town. The smaller engine is marginally better because it's not much slower, but has lower running expenses.

There are also some fine diesels. However, we'd recommend you stretch to one of the HDis that have been gradually added to the range since late-1999 - they're much stronger and more refined than the 1.9 D that was fitted to the first 206s.

As with so many superminis, it's also worth avoiding the poorly equipped base trims (Style on the first 206s) in favour of the next step up - LX or, on later models, S.

Stepping further up the range is a question of deciding whether you want something luxury or sporty - GLX and SE providing the former, XSi and Sport the latter.

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