Small cars are abundant in Europe, the streets teeming with compact automobiles that seem to have gone forth and multiplied. Volkswagens, Renaults, even Mercedes-Benzes-everything has taken a turn for the tinier, and their sharp, diminutive forms zipping around Europe’s roads add lively color and style against the backdrop of the historic streets and buildings.
Whenever there’s plenty of competition, the fight for survival is bound to be fierce. You can’t just produce an attractive small car in Europe; you have to produce one that’s stylish, quick, agile, roomy, and cheap-all at the same time.
In such an environment, the Peugeot 206 is not exactly a pushover. Its chassis is one of the most agile front-wheel drivers around, and its looks are striking. Even that, though, is not enough. Peugeot’s engineers must have racked their brains as to how to make their offering even more distinctive. Their solution was not original, but nevertheless brilliant. How about a dash of SLK with your basic French hatchback?
Add one metal roof, or more accurately, make it retractable, and suddenly the 206 is a unique proposition: coupe and cabriolet in one. Unhook a latch on either side of the headliner, hold down the large button in between the front seats, and enjoy the show. The windows wind down; the trunk opens up like a giant clam, and, in one smooth motion, the roof folds into the trunk. Do this in public, and be prepared for a gathering of spectators. Even if no one else is around, an audience of one is sufficient: you’ll pray for sunny weather just to have the chance to lower the top.
The 206 looks like it was born to be a cabriolet. All around, there are neat styling cues such as a ribbed trunk with tie-down loops. This functional throwback to yesteryears’ convertibles is allegedly to augment the meager luggage space. With the roof folded down, there’s just enough trunk space left for a couple of flat bags. The waterproof Louis Vuittons can then go on the trunk-if you dare. There’s also a racing-styled fuel filler cap, and it’s the real thing, not just a sticker on a flat metal piece.
Peugeot could have stopped its engineering efforts right there, and the 206CC would still have flown out the showrooms-looks carry most of the weight in this niche. Thankfully, the 206CC doesn’t have to rely on its styling alone. This car began life as a supermini, meaning large interior space shoehorned into a compact body. Front leg room is indeed spacious and everything’s within easy reach. The front seats are snug and supportive. Most of the plastics are black and hard, but there are swathes of bright blue to help uplift the cabin’s atmosphere. As for seating, this is a 2+2; that is, two persons and two pieces of luggage.
The CC is not a mere poser; it also has the power to back up its invitation to drive. The engine is a 2.0 liter inline-4, generating a respectable 137 bhp and 140 lb. ft. of torque. The raspy little unit is eager to spin to redline, as long as you keep it above 2000 rpm. The front wheels do a good job of putting the torque to the pavement, wiggling in consternation only if you do a drag-race start from standstill. The gear throws are suitably short, the shift action notchy but positive.
When the roof is folded down, there’s still a small section of roof left behind the A-pillar. Extend it a bit more and the 206 would be a targa top. This extension doesn’t obstruct your view of the sky, but it does pay dividends when it comes to cabin quietness. Wind noise is not excessive, and a normal conversation is possible even at 180 km/h. There’s some shake of the A-pillar at 180 km/h and on badly torn-up roads, but otherwise, the structure is rigid. Of course, with the top up, the 206 feels as secure and weatherproof as any fixed-roof coupe.
When it comes to slowing it down, the brakes are powerful and easily modulated. The steering is precise and lively, as befits a car of this size and temperament. The CC feels stable and confident even at sustained speeds of 200 km/h. (Not just legal, but advisable on the leftmost lane of the Autobahn.) The only one to pay a heavy fine will be your hairdo.
Peugeot has been churning out hit cars lately, at least at the smaller end of the range, and the 206CC is the biggest chart-topper. It’s the only Peugeot to have a waiting list in most countries: 16 months in Germany! The coupe-cabriolet concept is set to expand within the family, the 307 the next to feature an even faster-folding metal top. Top up or down, the 206CC is opening up a whole new market for its brand of affordable all-weather entertainment.
motioncars.com would like to thank Mr. Jürgen Frey for arranging this test drive.
By Jason Ang | Photos By Jason Ang
Originally Published in the November 2002 Issue
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