1999 Peugeot 206 GTi 2.0

Summary:

206? I should have bought a Fiesta Zetec S or another Focus Zetec

Faults:

Engine sounds noisy on start up, but does fade somewhat after a while, and the exhaust brackets snapped off.

Seat are starting wear a little (around the rib cage area).

General Comments:

The 206 is a good looking small car and I consider it to be one of the better looking super-minis available (much better than the modern Peugeot's, even if it is ever so slightly girly).

The interior of the car is quite well laid out; you can adjust the steering wheel rake, but not reach, and you can't adjust the height of the seat either, but it is just adequate. There isn't enough room for your feet really (but that is being a little harsh seeing as this is a relatively small car).

The seats are quite comfortable and supportive (GTI has half leather and alcantara also)... the dash is the main let down; while it isn't ugly, it is just poor quality plastic.

The performance was good, and overtaking was made quite easy due to the 2.0 engine, but it isn't a rocket ship. While I say it was good, any small car with 130bhp should be pokey. It can even be called economical if you keep it below 3500 revs (this is a warm hatch, so I doubt that you'll be doing that often though).

The poorest aspect of the car is the handling. In the dry it is a chuck-able car up to 55mph-ish, but over those speeds it feels a little unstable (the car just feels like it isn't heavy enough) and on a wet road its almost laughable. It wheel spins without any provocation, and under-steers at every corner like the french little piggy that it is.

I do get the impression that the engine isn't the strongest in the world, and after 80 odd thousand miles I'm expecting something to go on it fairly soon... fingers crossed though.

In conclusion, it isn't an awful car, but there are much better packages available, and the thought of paying £14k for a new one seems crazy (I wouldn't have considered a 206 normally, but this one was at a very low price).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th December, 2007

1999 Peugeot 206 d Turbo (meridian) [AC] 1.9 d turbo

Summary:

A fast, economical and a beautiful car

Faults:

Nothing major so far, although I have had to replace the batteries for the keys.

General Comments:

Excellent looks, from the metallic paint to the standard alloys this car is a head turner.

The 1/2 leather seats and the air conditioning add to the comfort of the ride, making the driving more fun.

My average miles per gallon is 45 although many times I have reached over 50. This is excellent compared to many other cars with similar performance.

It is very quick off the mark, it beats many petrol cars in acceleration although top speed is not as good as the ford focus.

The 6cd changer comes as standard and the speakers are very loud, I was considering to buy a sub-woofer and amplifier, but decided not to as there was really no need for them.

It is only insurance group 5, I currently pay £1360 in my sole name (I am 18 and this is my first car. This is a cheap quote as on other cars with similar performance and engine size my insurance was near £3000.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 8th January, 2005

1999 Peugeot 206 GTi 2.0

Summary:

Mutton dressed as lamb

Faults:

Digital display on the climate control failed.

Dashboard lights always very dim.

Digital radio information panel on dashboard impossible to see when lights switched on.

Wheel bearing went at 28000 miles.

General Comments:

The 206 GTI looks fabulous and handles well, but is let down by a seriously floored driving position.

It is almost impossible to find the correct driving position and as a result it is hard to really enjoy the handling, which can feel very nervous.

Interior plastics are awful - way behind its rivals like the Volkswagen Polo. Seats were not supportive enough for the ride, which is too unforgiving for every day use.

The release mechanism to tilt the front seats forward is vicious - it almost took my head off.

Gear box on mine was very clunky.

However, a cheap car to run given its performance which when pushed is excellent, if a little frantic.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th September, 2003

18th Oct 2007, 20:44

So you drove a whopping 2,000 miles, and had all of this to say?

I have a severe stomach condition (not going into) and this is by far better seat comfort than my other cars i.e. Polo, Punto, 106.

Your three main points: dials not lighting up bright enough for you, bearings, and more lights not bright enough for you; is that really that bad for a 30k car? Look to Rover, or earlier Mazda; after 30k basically you need to look at at least a new head gasket or even a new engine rebuild. Are you moaning about a couple of LEDs and some wheel bearings! For a car around £13k new, you cannot get a better car in terms of look, handling, speed & performance. Or maybe a Clio 172 but you need be drunk to be seen driving one, and oh wait, that's illegal! You are right on one thing though. It goes well.

12th Dec 2007, 04:42

How much of a fan boy are you that you can't see the flaws in the 206 GTI? *shakes head*

12th Dec 2007, 07:35

This was an OK hot hatchback from a manufacturer whom everyone knew could produce great ones.

A Clio 172/182 would make it look stupid in any situation.