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Hatchback

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

The Peugeot 106 is a spirited city car that will put a smile on your face

Used Peugeot 106 Hatchback 1996 - 2004

Small repairs aren't that expensive, but if big stuff starts to go, your bank balance will take a beating. In extreme cases, you could fork out more in repairs than the car cost you.

That's partly because the 106 is so cheap to buy, of course.

Fuel economy is very good - more than 40mpg for the 1.1 and 1.4 petrols, high-30s for the eight-valve 1.6, low-30s for the GTI and 50-plus for the 1.5 diesel - but, you'll pay a bit to insure it, although it's not too bad.

Scheduled servicing won't hurt, either. Expect it to be cheaper than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/arosa/hatchback/used-review/n602">Seat Arosa</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/lupo/hatchback/used-review/n714">Volkswagen Lupo</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/seicento/hatchback/used-review/n333">Fiat Seicento</a>.

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The Peugeot 106 is a spirited city car that will put a smile on your face

The 1.4-litre petrol is a sweet, eager engine and nippy enough without being heavy on fuel. The 1.6-litre eight-valve has more go, but there's a marked dip in economy.

You'll have stacks of choice if you want the 1.1-litre petrol - it's the most common model. It has the same zingy character as the 1.4, but less pace and not much better mpg, so we favour the bigger engine.

Forget the 1.5 diesel. For all its 50mpg potential, it's a grumbly old thing that creates too much din even when it isn't working hard.

Five-door cars are slightly more practical, but if you plan to use the rear seats much, you shouldn't be buying a 106. Which is probably why the majority of 106s are three-doors.

Kit levels are modest, unless you choose Zest 3, Quicksilver or XT trims. Go for a car with power steering - not all have it. Classifieds and independent dealers are the place to buy.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought almost exclusively as first cars or by people with no children – but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.

Small

The 106 wasn't really built to last forever and the suspension may need repairs at any time after 50,000 miles. Pay close attention to knocking noises, look for uneven tyre wear and check the car drives straight and true. According to Warranty Direct, suspension and axles give the biggest trouble.

Coolant and oil leaks aren't unheard of. If the car shows any signs of these - particularly oil trouble - give the car a wide berth. There are plenty to choose from without risking ending up with something that could cost a small fortune.

Clutches can be troublesome, and the problem can be made worse because the 106 is a popular first-time car for young drivers, who often give the clutch a hard time. So check for any slip.

For the same reason, look out for signs of parking knocks, cracked lamp covers and patched-up accident damage. The GTI is a prime candidate for crash repairs.

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The Peugeot 106 is very entertaining for scooting around towns and along country roads. It's nippy (1.5 diesel apart), flexible and easy going, with light and responsive steering, and fluent and sharp handling.

The lively 1.6-litre 16v GTi is even more agile and fun. On narrow twisty roads, its composure and pace through corners can embarrass bigger, dearer hot hatches.

Forget long-distance journeys, though. All 106s hate motorways and don't do refinement. The engines become tiresome at a steady 70mph, there's not much sound deadening and the seats soon feel uncomfortable.

The driving position is badly flawed, too. The pedals are cramped and the steering wheel is fixed, so tall drivers will struggle. And, so will tall passengers, because there's not much space in the front, and the rear seats are really for kids only. The boot's a decent size, although only posher versions have a split-fold rear seat.

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Used Peugeot 106 Hatchback 1996 - 2004 reliability

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Used Peugeot 106 Hatchback 1996 - 2004 review

The 106 wasn't really built to last forever and the suspension may need repairs at any time after 50,000 miles. Pay close attention to knocking noises, look for uneven tyre wear and check the car drives straight and true. According to Warranty Direct, suspension and axles give the biggest trouble.,Coolant and oil leaks aren't unheard of. If the car shows any signs of these - particularly oil trouble - give the car a wide berth. There are plenty to choose from without risking ending up with something that could cost a small fortune.,Clutches can be troublesome, and the problem can be made worse because the 106 is a popular first-time car for young drivers, who often give the clutch a hard time. So check for any slip.For the same reason, look out for signs of parking knocks, cracked lamp covers and patched-up accident damage. The GTI is a prime candidate for crash repairs. 

What to look for when buying a Peugeot 106 1996 - 2004, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Peugeot 106 Hatchback 1996 - 2004 reliability

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