Driving Peugeot’s cheeky little 206

Peugeot’s entry-level 206 5-door hatchback is a fun little car that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face even as you approach it in a parking lot. And chances are, you won’t be the only one doing so. Kids from 4 to 84 swivelled their smiling faces towards the bright red 206 whenever it passed by. Which brings me to the downside of celebrity: I’ve never been the subject of so many headlamps behind me switched to "bright" when I’m driving at night. Tailgaters probably wanted a better look at the car or just simply wanted to read the name of the cute little hatchback ahead of them.

But enough about public reactions. How good is the 206 as a serious mode of transportation? Very good, thank you very much. As European cars go, it may not have the same level of overall refinement as German or Swedish cars (French cars are closer to their Italian counterparts in terms of build quality), but then Peugeot does not purport to be a luxury or prestige brand like an Audi or Volvo anyway — even if local pricing moves them a notch or two higher than Japanese cars.

The 206’s 90-hp 1.4-liter engine is relatively smooth and quiet — and it revs willingly, which is good because you’ll need to keep it in the higher rpm range to maximize the engine’s powerband. The clutch takeup is smooth and light although the 5-speed shifter exhibits somewhat long and notchy throws.

The ride/handling equation seems biased to favor ride quality although the car commendably manages to deliver lively handling (despite the narrow 175-65R14 Pirelli P3000 tires) if the driver is in a spirited mood. But just like in all small cars, rough roads bring out the worst in the 206. A short wheelbase coupled with shortish suspension travel can transmit untoward jolts inside the cabin, particularly for backseat passengers.

Inside, you’ll find comfy seats, a well-designed (ergonomically and aesthetically) dashboard with a stereo/CD player and a driver-side airbag and adequate room for four adults (five at a pinch). Perhaps the only shortage of space would apply to the rear seat legroom. Headroom, despite the rakish roofline, is pretty good. Finally, like all things French, there has to be a piece de resistance; in this case the ingenious hideaway compartment under the right front seat — a marvel of French engineering.

All things considered, the P748,000 (P838,000 for the automatic) Peugeot 206 is a worthy car to consider if you’re shopping in its price range. If styling and exclusivity are high priorities, then your choice has already been made for you.

The Good

• knockout styling

• high fuel economy

• surprisingly capacious interior/cargo area

• automatic headlamps/wipers

• ingenious hideaway compartment under the front passenger seat

The Bad

• could use a bit more overall refinement

• some rough road ride choppiness

• feels a little Spartan in some areas

• hard-to-reach power window switches (they’re beside the handbrake)

The Verdict

Solid basic transportation that also happens to be a drop-dead-gorgeous hatchback with snooty French appeal