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<p dir="ltr">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.</p>

<p dir="ltr">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.</p>

<p dir="ltr">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.</p>

<p dir="ltr">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.</p>


PEUGEOT

<p>The Peugeot 206 has some major flaws, but with these looks, you might just forgive it</p>


Used Peugeot 206 Hatchback 1998 - 2009

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

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The Peugeot 206 has some major flaws, but with these looks, you might just forgive it

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

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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>

<p dir="ltr">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.</p>

Small

<p>If the 206 has an Achilles heel, it's quality - that much is demonstrated by the results in the JD Power survey, when it finished only just outside the bottom 10. Its mechanical reliability was rated as below average, and the interior quality poor, with the seats and ventilation system particular areas of concern.</p>

<p>On the other hand, figures from Warranty Direct don't paint <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/peugeot">Peugeot</a> or the 206 in such a bad light. In recent reliability surveys, they put the manufacturer well ahead of its French rivals, for example, while the 206 has a good reliability record. Almost half of its problems are generated by the electrics - the central locking is a particular weakness - but when things do go wrong, they're generally quick and quite cheap to fix.</p>

<p>Mechanically, the 206 seems sound, but you should check for excessive brake and suspension wear on XSi, GTi and turbodiesel models.</p>

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<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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 <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>.</p>

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Used Peugeot 206 Hatchback 1998 - 2009 reliability

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Used Peugeot 206 Hatchback 1998 - 2009 review

If the 206 has an Achilles heel, it's quality - that much is demonstrated by the results in the JD Power survey, when it finished only just outside the bottom 10. Its mechanical reliability was rated as below average, and the interior quality poor, with the seats and ventilation system particular areas of concern.,On the other hand, figures from Warranty Direct don't paint Peugeot or the 206 in such a bad light. In recent reliability surveys, they put the manufacturer well ahead of its French rivals, for example, while the 206 has a good reliability record. Almost half of its problems are generated by the electrics - the central locking is a particular weakness - but when things do go wrong, they're generally quick and quite cheap to fix.,Mechanically, the 206 seems sound, but you should check for excessive brake and suspension wear on XSi, GTi and turbodiesel models. 

What to look for when buying a Peugeot 206 1998 - 2009, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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