Peugeot 206+ 1.4 HDi 70 CV, test drive (Part II)

We continue with the test drive of the Peugeot 206+ equipped with the only diesel engine available in the range, the 1.4 HDi 70 CV. Now that we have already seen how it behaves, what fuel consumption that engine delivers and its performance, as is customary we move on to the design of the Peugeot 206+, both the exterior design (where it is basically a 206 with some exterior touch-ups) and its interior design (also a familiar face for the most part).

As for the exterior design, some of our Latin American readers will surely know this 206+ better by another name, namely the 207 Compact, a restyling of the 206 launched for Latin America and for which Peugeot found a niche in the European market now that low-cost models were in fashion. But the truth is that they have achieved an exterior design that is quite attractive and a car with a fairly modest price which is one of the key features of the Peugeot 206+.

Exterior design

If we review its exterior, we see that the base is clearly a 206 but with elongated headlights taken from the 207, a rear with redesigned light clusters that now have a more current and modern look, as well as touch-ups to the front bumper with a new design featuring the typical wide grille of the lion brand and a rear bumper that is slightly higher than on the previous 206. In addition, the modifications to the bumpers and wheel arches make the 206+ a few centimetres longer than the previous 206 (specifically 36 mm longer).

To this we can add some further aesthetic details such as the fuel filler cap in an aluminium-look finish or the wheels, which feature a newer, more contemporary design. The 206+ comes as standard with 14-inch wheels, but our unit had an optional extra (available in a pack) and was fitted with 15-inch wheels. Overall, the exterior appearance, despite being based on an already veteran model, has a fresh and youthful tone thanks to the touch-ups it has received. And its size remains very useful for navigating narrow streets or parking in cities and allows us to move with considerable agility, especially when combined with the power of the HDi engine.

Interior design and space

Moving inside, we continue with parts from the 207, since the upper part of the dashboard is taken from the 207 and the lower part is from the previous 206, as is the climate control, which is a familiar component across the Peugeot and Citroën ranges. Another part coming from the 207 is the instrument panel, which is considerably more complete and modern than the 206’s. The upper part of the dashboard is of quite good quality and, although the centre console has quite a few hard plastics, overall the quality is fairly good, especially if we compare the 206+ with other competing models of similar size and price.

At first you will take a little while to find the driving position, but after getting used to it, it is correct. It is neither a saloon nor a spacious MPV, but during the test and the time we spent driving the 206+ on the motorway it proved comfortable, the only drawback of the seats being their limited lateral support, but that is normal in a compact. Moreover, from the driver’s seat you will have practically everything to hand, and I particularly like the solution of the controls on the steering wheel (or rather behind it) for operating the radio and the cruise control and speed limiter; they are very practical.

One detail I did not like is the aluminium pedals, because although they come as standard along with the gear lever knob (an old acquaintance by now) and the leather steering wheel, I find them impractical because on a rainy day they slip quite easily, and during the test we hit several days of heavy rain and the aluminium pedals did not prove very practical for driving.

In the rear seats, two adults rather than three is best, because although it is homologated for five people, three would be very cramped. Otherwise it has sufficient headroom and a correct legroom, at least for a city car. The visibility is good from every angle, including rear visibility, which is appreciated especially for getting around the city.

Turning to storage spaces, the 206+ has a good glovebox and quite large door pockets, even with room for a half-litre bottle, and also a space in the centre tunnel that can house a portable ashtray (which are now commonplace) and another rear central cup holder. As for the boot, it is a city car, and it has a rather tight boot with 285 litres (even though it increases the capacity of the previous 206 by 40 litres), but at least it has regular shapes and can be used well; even if nobody is sitting in the rear seats, they can be folded down to gain some extra space.

That said, I got an unpleasant surprise when I opened the boot and saw a practical puncture repair kit strapped to one side with a rubber band, because the previous 206 had a spare wheel under the boot floor (underneath the car), and I cannot understand why the 206+ has not been fitted with one. But it seems that this would initially be only on some units, because I know people who have recently bought the 206+ and are having one fitted. I do not know whether Peugeot reconsidered or whether it is a courtesy from the dealership, but it seems a necessary thing to me.

Overall, there are settings that are clearly improvable or equipment that does not make much sense (we will discuss that in the third part), but it is illogical that in a closed pack it fits a light sensor yet cannot fit an MP3 radio, and not just a CD radio (which is also an extra), or the case of the aluminium pedals, which are not very practical, even though they come as standard, as well as the gear lever knob, which with use one ends up preferring in plastic rather than that metal, or even how it is fitted on the 3008, covered in leather.

In the third part of the test we will tell you about the 206+ equipment, general assessment and prices (one of its best assets). Regarding equipment, there are certain nuances, such as ESP or the MP3 radio, that are worth bearing in mind if you are going to buy a 206+, and we will also tell you about the packs, because the 206+ has fewer options than its predecessor and a more closed equipment offering.

Photos | David Taboada