Peugeot 106
by Robert Garvey
When you first look at the 106, you think, 'Wow, this car looks gorgeous.' Its front is modern and attractive with those almost evil-looking large front headlights, while the rear end is crisp and has both class and practicality, with that big third brake light.
Moving inside you realise just how small this car is. It has been around for some time now and is struggling to keep up with its rivals from VW, Ford and Japan. Everything is well laid out, though, and it has clear, easy-to-read instruments on a centre console that doesn't look too boring. Standard equipment isn't exactly generous, with no power steering or electric windows except for the top-of-the-range Zest 3 and GTI but, on my mid-range XL (now called Zest 2), you do get a driver's airbag, remote central locking and a manual sunroof. The driving position is OK, if a little cramped, and the car would benefit from a rev-counter to make driving a bit more involving.
Performance isn't anything to write home about, especially in my 1.5 diesel, but it has a lot of torque and can get up steep gradients without too much trouble - certainly a lot better than the 1.1 petrol. And fuel economy is excellent: it returns a pretty impressive 53 mpg on the combined cycle.
Overall, the 106 1.5d looks fab, has a frugal engine and is more practical than you would imagine. I would give it four out of five.
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