SuperminiIntroduced: 1998
Bodystyles: Three- and five-door hatchback, CC coupé-convertible, SW estate
Prices: from £2000; GTi from £4500, 2.0 HDI 90 from £4500, 1.4 HDI from £7000
4car rating: 
The Peugeot 206 is: British-built, and the best-selling car in the UK among private retail customers. Distinctively and attractively styled, it comes in hatchback, compact estate (SW) and cabriolet form, the latter with a Mercedes SLK-style metal folding roof, a unique proposition in this class until Ford launches its StreetKa. The 206 is bought by people of all ages, and has the same classless appeal as its long-running predecessor, the popular 205. It isn't quite the same driver's car as the 205 was, even in GTi form, but it is a lot more solid and safe, and the range now includes the latest-technology, ultra-economical HDi diesel engines, which are much more refined than previous Peugeot diesels but just as tough. Anecdotal evidence suggests that early cars have had some minor cabin quality problems and general glitches, but these should have been ironed out by now. The Coupé-Cabriolet has suffered problems with its electric folding roof.
For: Attractive design, good ride, huge variety to choose from, useful SW estate, fashionable image, HDi diesel engines
Against: Awkward driving position, dodgy plastics in cabin
Sum-up: An appealing all-rounder that scores on the style front.
Model rundown and historyEarly L models have power steering and a driver's airbag, with optional passenger airbag; Eco and Style models have power steering, driver and passenger airbags, central locking, electric windows, split-folding rear seats and a radio/cassette. All 206s from December 2001 have multiplex wiring, enabling more complex electronic functions and uprated audio equipment, plus standard driver and passenger airbags. Cars from December 2001 were offered with optional Supagard package - extra paint sealant, and fabric, plastic, carpet and vinyl protection. All models from May 2002 have electric front windows, a split-folding rear seat, three rear head restraints and three rear three-point seatbelts. LX versions have different trim and more options, but you have to step up to the GLX models to get standard ABS anti-lock brakes (optional for the first few years on sale), air conditioning, an alarm, alloy wheels, electric mirrors and a CD player. Sporty Quiksilver models with silver metallic paint have all the kit (from May 2002, earlier versions just have the silver paint) minus standard alloys, and Rapier versions have a fully colour-coded exterior, six airbags, ABS, alloys and a CD player. The 'warm hatch' model is the 1.6 XSi three-door, which has side airbags, alloys and ABS, and the GTis are similarly equipped. The luxury 206 is the 1.6 Roland Garros, a five-door with a full-length electrically-operated glass sunroof and leather seats. 206 CC models are badged S and SE - both well-equipped, but no standard alloys on the S - and the SW estates are XL, XT and XSI (XL and XT roughly similar to LX and GLX spec).
206s to buy: Whichever model you choose, pick something with nice bright metallic paint and a decent specification. GLX versions with lots of kit and ABS; the diesels. The HDi engines are preferred, but the old 1.9 D isn't too bad, if you want a cheaper option. The 137bhp GTi isn't an all-out road rocket like the old 205 GTi, but it's pleasantly quick (and the new GTi 180 should fill the need for a proper hot hatch). XSi models are a good balance between sporty looks and affordable insurance. The newly-launched 206 SW won't make it onto the second-hand market for some time, but when it does, it's a well-priced, practical and fun small family car, if a little bouncy to ride in. The 206 CC coupé-cabriolet is also popular, and remains expensive, though its star may fade a little once the StreetKa and other new small soft-tops make their debut. Want one now, or would you rather save up for a Beetle or MINI cabriolet, due out soon enough?
206s to avoid: All of them, if you have large feet and/or long legs - the driving position is cramped and awkward, and the pedals set far too close together. Roland Garros models are a bit superfluous and generally overpriced. Misfiring 1.1-litre models - ignition trouble and damaged catalytic converters are known faults - and 1.4-litre petrol models with sudden power losses (throttle sensor trouble). Be wary of cars with a patchy history - Peugeot only offered a one-year warranty at first, so some maintenance and servicing could have been skipped.
Buying the best 206: Peugeot dealers still have the best stock, though there are lots of good one-owner/low-mileage cars up for sale privately as well. As the 206 has been more of a retail purchase than a car sold to fleets, there aren't that many at the independents and car supermarkets, and those that are at these outlets tend to be higher-mileage, very low-spec or generally scruffy.
Engines and performance:1.1i (60bhp): 98mph, 0-60 16.5 sec, 45.6mpg
1.4i (75bhp): 106mph, 0-60 14.4 sec, 42.8mpg
1.6i (90bhp): 115mph, 0-60 12.5 sec, 40.4mpg
1.6i 16v (110bhp): 122mph, 0-60 9.5 sec, 39.8mpg
GTi 2.0i 16v (138bhp): 131mph, 0-60 8.4 sec, 36.7mpg
GTi 180 (180bhp): n/a
Diesels:1.4 HDi (68bhp): 104mph, 0-60 15 sec, 65.7mpg
1.9 D (70bhp): 100mph, 0-60 17.2 sec, 51.4mpg
1.9 D turbo (90bhp): 100mph, 0-60 16.1 sec, 49.6mpg
2.0 HDI 90 (90bhp): 112mph, 0-60 11.6 sec, 56.5mpg
