Used Peugeot 206 Hatchback 1998 - 2009 review

If you like the Peugeot 206's looks, you'll forgive it almost anything. If not, you'll find that there's not a lot to be terribly happy about.

The number one complaint is the dreadful driving position. The seat itself is short of support, which is bad enough, but it also seems impossible to avoid an uncomfortable straight-armed, bent-kneed position. Taller drivers especially will find themselves in cramped discomfort.

The cabin is also something of a disappointment, less attractive than both the 206's exterior and several of the car's rivals. To make matters worse, the space it provides is no more than reasonable. At least the boot's a decent size and shape, though.

The 206 is certainly not the best supermini to drive, but it's far from bad. The ride is generally supple, and the handling can be entertaining, if not a match for the class-leading Ford Fiesta.

Its smart looks ensure healthy residual values, so it's not the cheapest supermini. But, the high sales as a new car mean there are plenty of models up for sale, and every chance of negotiating a good deal.

Fuel economy is generally good, with almost all the mainstream petrols capable of at least 40mpg. Even the flagship 180bhp 2.0 GTi is quoted as returning over 30mpg.

The diesels provide better fuel economy, and the more modern HDi engines are the best. 2.0-litres should top more than 50mpg, while the later 1.4s return over 60mpg.

Everyday servicing costs are good, and insurance costs are reasonably good on mainstream models, although none falls into the very lowest groups. However, expect these costs to rise sharply if you choose a hotter model, especially the GTi.

Of the many engines, the 1.1 and 1.4 petrols provide the best balance between cost and capability. Both are willing, and cope well in and out of town. The smaller engine is marginally better because it's not much slower, but has lower running expenses.

There are also some fine diesels. However, we'd recommend you stretch to one of the HDis that have been gradually added to the range since late-1999 - they're much stronger and more refined than the 1.9 D that was fitted to the first 206s.

As with so many superminis, it's also worth avoiding the poorly equipped base trims (Style on the first 206s) in favour of the next step up - LX or, on later models, S.

Stepping further up the range is a question of deciding whether you want something luxury or sporty - GLX and SE providing the former, XSi and Sport the latter.

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