Peugeot 206 GTi HDi110
Most Hot Hatches Only Appeal To The Max Power Brigade. Heres One With Broader Appeal. By Andy Enright
If youre the wrong side of thirty, most of todays GTi hatchbacks probably wont appeal. Youll look about as sensible in them as you would wearing a pair of Nike Shox and nodding your head to Happy Hardcore. The exceptions tend to cost both an arm and a leg, thus negating the appeal of a hot hatch in the first place. After all, werent these cars always supposed to be about practical and affordable performance?
Peugeot think they still should be and may have the solution in the still-pert shape of the 206GTi in HDi110 guise.
The name might be as snappy as something drawn up by a superannuated civil servant but the car itself is a good deal more interesting. Peugeot have developed a reputation for building some of the best diesel engines in the business as well as some of the biggest selling GTi hatches, so it was only a matter of time before an oil burner found its way beneath the bonnet of a 206 GTi. When they take a break from running things up flagpoles and touching bases, management types like to refer to this as a synergy. It works for us.
| Build |
 |
| Comfort |
|
| Depreciation |
 |
| Economy |
 |
| Equipment |
|
| Handling |
|
| Insurance |
|
| Performance |
|
| Styling |
|
| Value |
|
Weve had 206 diesels before and theyve been a lot of fun. The 2.0-litre HDi debuted in 1999 and although it could only muster 90bhp, it had the torque to give the little
Peugeot an almighty midrange wallop. The more sophisticated 1.
4-litre HDi unit that followed may not have been as quick but was so light it endowed the 206 with a sweet handling balance that escapes many diesel superminis. The 1.6-litre HDi engine the 206 GTi HDi110 uses is cut from the same cloth. Itll hustle the car to 60mph in 9.
8 seconds and on to a top speed of 118mph whilst at the same time feeling pleasantly light on its feet. With 110bhp of peak power and a chunky 180lb/ft of torque more than the range-topping 206GTi 180, note it feels a good deal quicker than the on-paper figures suggest. An overboost facility cuts in during hard acceleration, boosting the peak torque up to 195 lb/ft for a short period.
"This 206 feels a good deal quicker than the on-paper figures suggest"
It also generates some scarcely credible emissions and economy figures. Compliant with strict Euro IV emissions regulations, this diesel engine sidesteps the three per cent benefit in kind taxation penalty normally levied on business users. It also features a particulate emission filter (FAP). Particulates are the tiny specks of dust caused by inefficient burning of diesel fuel.
They have been singled out as being one of the most notorious man-made carcinogens once released into the atmosphere. In the 206GTi HDi 110, Peugeot have fitted a filter which traps these particulates and incinerates them every 4-500km by introducing a cerine compound to the diesel fuel. This filter regeneration only takes two to three minutes and goes unnoticed by the driver. It serves to give the HDi engine a key ecological advantage over its rivals, eliminating the clouds of soot associated with most diesel engines.
Fuel economy is pegged at 58.9mpg on the combined cycle which, whilst bad news for those saving up their fuel tokens for an attractive crystal decanter or sandwich toaster, is excellent news for the rest of us depressed by inexorably soaring fuel prices. The 206GTi HDi 110 rewards a more relaxed style of driving. Whereas many GTIs require you to wring their necks to extract meaningful performance, this diesel 206 surfs along on a beefy swell of torque at speeds which are often deceptive.
It also has what it takes in the twisty bits, the 307-derived electro-hydraulic variably assisted power steering removing a lot of the nervousness and kickback from the 206s helm. With ESP dynamic stability control and emergency brake assist fitted as standard, theres a decent amount of electronic back up should your enthusiasm overtake your talent. The 206 GTi range has been treated to a mild facelift of late, which runs to the tune of a honeycomb grille, the obligatory clear headlight lenses and a bigger chromed Peugeot lion badge on the back. Uniform coloured rear light lenses are also introduced as well as body coloured side rubbing strips and bumper inserts.
Its a pretty subtle job. Indoors, it's the same story. Only metal-framed instruments, drilled bare metal pedals and an aluminium gear knob serve to remind you of your car's GTi status. You also get sports seats, a chunky three-spoke steering wheel and a four-speaker RDS stereo. The diesel model can be identified by keen eyed spotters by the red i part of the badge. Otherwise your diesel secret is safe.
You may have thought youd grown out of a GTi but didnt relish the alternatives. Peugeots 206GTi HDi 110 proves that you can indeed have your cake and eat it too. Whats more, a pair of fluorescent Nike Shox and Happy Hardcore on the stereo are, fortunately, optional.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Peugeot 206 GTi HDi110
PRICE: £13,770 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 14
CO2 EMISSIONS: 126g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 9.8s / Max Speed 118mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 58.9mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags / ABS with brake assist, ESP dynamic stability control
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 3835/1900/1432
<< Back to Peugeot car reviews
<< Back to car reviews homepage
Find New & Used Cars in the UK |
New & Used Peugeot Cars For Sale UK
