Faults:

Overheating and broken hoses due to problems with the thermostat, water pump, fans, or head gasket.

Failures in the general electrical system. There are also problems with the steering column switch.

The clutch wore out at approximately 180,000 kilometers due to wear, so it had to be replaced. This caused problems when shifting gears, especially reverse.

The rear axle is a known weak point. The suspension, bushings, and tie rods must be checked to ensure the car runs smoothly without causing unusual axle noises.

General Comments:

The car has a beautiful design that still makes it attractive today. The design is somewhat more creative at the front than at the rear. Very sharp headlights that unashamedly extend into the side, a huge air intake below the bumper, and a sloping windshield that follows the line of the hood.

Due to the different planes and ribs of the body, along with the air intakes on the hood and other accessories, the XS appears overloaded, to which is added the original sunroof system that slides externally.

The driving position is more than comfortable. The steering wheel and seat are height-adjustable, the controls are within easy reach and functionally designed, with a satellite radio and a power window button in a critical location between the two seats.

The seats offer good support and generous cushioning compared to some of its competitors. The pedals are slightly reclined to the right, allowing for easy heel/toe operation. The gear selector is close to the steering wheel and therefore within easy reach of the right hand, a very pleasant and comfortable experience that makes shifting gears more efficient.

The XS features air conditioning, dual airbags, ABS, and an electric sunroof. Quite a lot for a 2000-model hatchback.

The 1.6-liter engine is very agile and quick for a lightweight car like this. Its performance in the city is smooth and elastic from 1,500 rpm in high gears, and somewhat noisy on the highway at speeds close to 5,000 rpm. Its peak acceleration time is between 4,000 and 5,800 rpm.

For a first car, I recommend using it carefully without demanding too much from it because it is quite powerful for its size and accelerates quite quickly, so if you are a beginner with a car of these characteristics, you should drive it responsibly.

I also add that because it is a fairly old gasoline engine, its consumption is very moderate, in the city it does not exceed 10 liters while on the highway it is 7.3 liters, a value that drops to 6.8 liters on conventional routes.

If you still see 206s on the road, it's because they're a simple, easy-to-maintain, and reliable car, as my experience can confirm.

Faults:

Broke the gear knob.

The car lives his own life (window wipers).

General Comments:

It's the perfect car for a driver who want a cheap, comfortable and sporty car. The comfort is so good and relaxing for this price class, that I'll be driving this for a long time.

I like a fast sprint or good reaction on the pedal, and the XS does so.

In my opinion, even better than a 206 GTI. Only the RC version of 206 is faster than the XS. BUT you lose the comfort and the car is really noisy; perfect for short roads or town sprints, but annoying for long drives on the highway... That's why I prefer the 206 XS as the best buy, if you want a comfortable buddy who drives you fast from A to B.

Faults:

Owned the car a year now, and have had the following:

- Rear bearings failure (replaced the whole rear axle with a scrap one).

- Speedometer failure (live with it isn't an MoT failure).

- ABS sensors; rear ones replaced (rust maybe?).

- Indicator stayed on. Took the steering column apart and blew it :)

- Goes through front tyres like Lady Gaga's outfits...

- Rattling exhaust manifold (live with it, keeps me awake in the mornings).

General Comments:

Fast and torquey in the mid range, but the low end power is poo.

I've not much experience with other GTi's to be fair, but I would say that value for money on a hot hatch, you can't go wrong. Just be prepared for a little DIY.

I think on high revs it will start beating other 8 valve cars, but the low end lets it down to be fair.

My advice: If you do get a 206 GTi, check the rear wheels for play, and listen carefully to the engine when running.

As for comfort; driving on motorways is painful!!