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    Peugeot 206
    supermini

    Peugeot 206

    by Peugeot

    "The little French car that became a global icon"

    86%

    Rating

    4.3/5

    Discontinued
    Community

    Overview

    The Peugeot 206, a supermini that defined an era for the French automaker, hit the roads in September 1998 as the successor to the beloved 205. Born under the codename T1, it was Peugeot's answer to the B-segment, and it quickly became a best-seller. The initial hatchback was soon joined by a coupé cabriolet (206 CC) in 2000, a station wagon (206 SW) in 2001, and a sedan (206 SD) in 2005, the latter built and sold exclusively in Iran. By the time the 207 arrived in April 2006, the 206 had already etched its name into Peugeot's history.

    The 206's life didn't end with the 207's debut. A facelifted version, marketed as the 207 Compact in South America and China, and as the 206+ in Europe, kept the model rolling. Production in Argentina and Brazil continued until 2017, and in China, it was sold under the 207 nameplate alongside a Citroën variant. With over 8.3 million units sold by 2012, the 206 remains Peugeot's best-selling model ever, a testament to its broad appeal. In 2020, Autocar magazine even ranked it among the thirty most long-lived single-generation cars. Iranian sales finally ended in 2024, closing a remarkable 26-year chapter.

    Key Features

    • Retractable hardtop on the 206 CC
    • Wide range of efficient petrol and diesel engines
    • Sharp handling and strong brakes
    • Iconic feline-inspired design
    • Cheap and easily replaceable parts
    • Available in hatchback, coupé cabriolet, SW, and sedan body styles

    Specifications

    Body styleHatchback, coupé cabriolet, station wagon, sedan
    Engine options1.1L to 2.0L petrol, 1.4L to 2.0L diesel
    Transmission5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
    Wheelbase2442 mm
    Length3835 mm (hatchback)
    Width1652 mm
    Height1426 mm (hatchback)
    Curb weight935-1165 kg

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • • Stylish and timeless design
    • • Excellent driving dynamics
    • • Fuel-efficient engines
    • • Affordable to buy and maintain
    • • Spacious interior for its class

    Cons

    • • Electrical gremlins reported by some owners
    • • Rust can be an issue on older models
    • • Interior plastics feel cheap
    • • Automatic transmission not as refined

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does a Peugeot 206 cost?
    Prices vary dramatically by market, condition, and year. In Europe, well-used examples from the 2000s can be found for a few hundred to a few thousand euros, while low-mileage, well-maintained late-model 206+ or 207 Compact versions command higher prices. Classic car platforms list financing from around $49 per month, reflecting the car's affordability.
    Is the Peugeot 206 reliable?
    The 206 has a mixed reputation. Many owners report genuine reliability with cheap and easily replaceable parts, while others cite electrical issues and minor problems as common frustrations. Overall, the car is considered dependable if properly maintained, with the petrol engines generally being more robust than some of the earlier diesel units.
    What is the difference between the Peugeot 206 and the Peugeot 207?
    The 207, launched in April 2006, is larger, more powerful, and more modern than the 206. The 206+ facelift was created to bridge the gap, taking styling cues from the 207 while remaining based on the older platform. The 207 eventually replaced the 206 in Europe, while the 206 continued as a budget option in developing markets under the 207 Compact name.
    What are the Peugeot 206's specifications?
    The 206 was offered with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, from small 1.1-liter economy units to sportier 2.0-liter versions. The 206 CC featured a retractable hardtop, and the 206 WRC was a turbocharged rally weapon. Fuel consumption is generally good, and the car is praised for its sharp handling and strong brakes.
    When was the Peugeot 206 released and when did production end?
    The Peugeot 206 was released in September 1998 for the 1999 model year. Production ended in Europe in 2006 with the arrival of the 207, but continued elsewhere: in Argentina and Brazil until 2017, and in Iran until 2024, marking a 26-year production run.

    Keywords

    Peugeot 206superminihatchback206 CC206 SW206 SD207 CompactPeugeot 206 WRCrally carFrench car

    Sources

    WikipediaClassic.comAutoEvolutionHotCarsThe Autopian

    Product Info

    Brand
    Peugeot
    Category
    supermini
    Released
    1998-09-01
    Availability
    Discontinued
    Manufacturer
    Peugeot
    Production years
    1998-2024
    Total produced
    Over 8.3 million by 2012
    Predecessor
    Peugeot 205
    Successor
    Peugeot 207

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