Review: Peugeot T1 206 (1999-07)

Review: Peugeot T1.I 206 (1999-01)

Overview

Released in September 1999, the Peugeot T1 Phase I (T1.I) 206 was available as a three or five door hatchback. Manufactured in France, the front-wheel drive 206 range consisted of three the entry-level XR, better-equipped XT and sporty GTi variants.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to its 205 predecessor, the 206 was 130 mm longer (at 3835 mm), 63 mm wider (1652 mm), 77 mm taller (1432 mm) and had a 22 mm longer wheelbase (2442 mm). Furthermore, the 206 had pseudo-MacPherson strut front suspension with wishbones and independent rear suspension with trailing arms and transverse torsion bars.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the 206 XR included a driver’s airbag, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters and anti-submarining front seats; the 206 XT was further equipped with a front passenger’s airbag, while the GTi added front side airbags.

From October 2000, the GTi was also fitted with ABS.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a Peugeot 206 with a 1.3-litre petrol engine – and equipped with dual front airbags as per the XR variant – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 25. In the offset impact test, the front passenger experienced high chest loads, the hard knee impact area could potentially cause knee and upper leg injuries and the brake pedal – which moved rearwards – increased the risk of injury to the driver’s feet.

Features

Standard features for the 206 XR included a four speaker sound system with a CD player, remote central locking, power steering, front power windows, a height adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser. From October 2000, the XR was fitted with air conditioning as standard.

The 206 XT was further equipped with air conditioning, front fog lamps and rain-sensing wipers.

The 206 GTi was distinguished by its 15-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, body kit and leather steering wheel. From October 2000, the GTi was fitted with a six speaker sound system.

Review: Peugeot T1.II 206 (2001-03)

Overview

Released in December 2001, the T1 Phase II (T1.II) 206 introduced a revised line-up, improved equipment levels and multiplexing (electronic control units managed by a central computer). The T1.II 206 range also included ‘S’ editions of the XR and XT variants, and a 1.4-litre XR was introduced in March 2002.

Safety equipment

As a result of multiplexing, the T1.II 206 had ‘SMART’ airbags which responded according to the force of an impact, automatically unlocking doors in the event of an accident, a ‘door ajar’ warning light on the dashboard and rapidly flashing brake lights in emergency braking situations.

Features

Standard features for the T1.II 206 were extended to include a six speaker sound system, trip computer and radio-stalk controls; the XT and GTi variants were also fitted with automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers. For the XR and XT variants, the S editions added 15-inch alloy wheels.

Peugeot GTi Rallye

In November 2002, a Rallye edition of the GTi was released; it was distinguished by its body-coloured rear roof spoiler, flared wheel arches, Rallye floor mats and sports exhaust with a large diameter chrome tailpipe; the Rallye was also sold with a Sony Playstation2, ‘WRC 2’ game and Logitech steering wheel.

Review: Peugeot T1.III 206 (2003-07)

Overview

Released in August 2003, the T1 Phase III (T1.III) 206 could be identified by its honeycomb front grille, clear headlights lenses, uniform rear lenses, rear chrome Peugeot lion badge and body-coloured number plate housing. The T1.III 206 range also introduced new variants with the GTi 180 released in October 2003 and the 206 C in 2005.

Peugeot T1.III 206 specifications Body Variant/ Edition Years Engine Trans. Peak power Peak torque 3dr hatch XR 2006-07 1.4-litre petrol I4 5sp man. 55 kW at 5500 rpm 120 Nm at 2800 rpm 2003-05 1.6-litre petrol I4 4sp auto, 5sp man. 82 kW at 5750 rpm 147 Nm at 4000 rpm XR S 2003-04 1.6-litre petrol I4 4sp auto, 5sp man. 82 kW at 5750 rpm 147 Nm at 4000 rpm GTi 2003-07 2.0-litre petrol I4 5sp man. 102 kW at 6000 rpm 194 Nm at 4100 rpm GTi 180 2003-05 2.0-litre petrol I4 5sp man. 130 kW at 7000 rpm 202 Nm at 4750 rpm 5dr hatch XR 2003-07 1.4-litre petrol I4 4sp auto, 5sp man 55 kW at 5500 rpm 120 Nm at 2800 rpm XT 2003-07 1.6-litre petrol I4 4sp auto, 5sp man 82 kW at 5750 rpm 147 Nm at 4000 rpm C 2005-07 1.6-litre petrol I4 4sp auto, 5sp man 82 kW at 5750 rpm 147 Nm at 4000 rpm Safety equipment Safety equipment for the T1.III 206 was improved with dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist fitted as standard across the range. Furthermore, the GTi and GTi 180 were fitted with electronic stability control, traction control and full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants). Features As part of the T1.III 206 update, the XT received a leather steering wheel, ‘flaked charcoal’ style central instrument cluster surround, body-coloured exterior door handles, and aluminium-finished interior door handles, handbrake button and air vent sides. The GTi was fitted with a revised instrument cluster with black background and chrome surround, and body-coloured front bumpers and side protection strips. Peugeot GTi 180 In October 2003, the GTi 180 was released. Compared to the GTi, it included as standard safety equipment electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control and traction control. Standard features included 17-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, full body-coloured exterior fittings, twin chromed exhaust pipe, stiffer suspension and racing-style sports seats. Peugeot 206 C Released in 2005, the 206 ‘C’ variant was based on the XT, but distinguished by its full-length heat-reflecting glass roof. Inside, the roof could be covered by a fully-lined electric shutter. Features: January 2006 updates From January 2006, the XT was fitted with ‘Katla’ trim, sports seats, sports bumper, chrome exhaust, aluminium fuel cap, body-coloured bumpers and side protection strips, drilled aluminium pedals and a chrome gearshift knob for manual models. Related links Wikipedia.org: Peugeot 206 Related Articles to this model Videos: Peugeot T1 206 (1999-07) Images: Peugeot T1 206 (1999-07) Recalls & faults: Peugeot T1 206 (1999-07) Stephen Tomlinson http://AustralianCar.Reviews More Articles Review: Holden VF Commodore (2013-17) 19/03/2021 Review: Kia Mentor and Shuma (1996-01) 08/03/2021 Review: Kia MG Magentis (2006-09) 08/03/2021 Back To Top