Peugeot 206 VAN RANGE
Peugeot's British-Built 206 Van Makes Strong Sense If Youre After A Small Light Commercial Carrier. Jonathan Crouch Checks It Out...
Once upon a time, Britain produced vans that carried goods across the world. Now, very few are made here but one of those few is Peugeots 206 van, screwed together at Ryton near Coventry.
This of course is the light commercial version of the hugely successful 206 supermini. The 1867cc diesel unit producing 69bhp, is one of the biggest engines youll find in this class of vehicle. Top speed is 102mph, but more impressive is likely to be the eager pulling power through the gears for acceleration when you need it most. Theres also a 1.
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4 HDi model available; this 1398 cc unit produces 68 bhp with a top speed of 104 mph. Though cabin space isnt one of the normal 206s strongest selling points, this van version should offer enough to satisfy most commercial users. Theres a payload of 515kg in the 1.9-litre model or 526kg in the 1.
4HDi (exceeding most other vans in the class) and a load volume of just over 1.13 cubic metres. The load area itself should be versatile too and is longer than it looks at first glance (1280mm in length). Useful touches include the usual strengthened load space bulkhead and a concealed passenger
seat storage area.
Behind the wheel, this van feels pretty much like any ordinary 206 and its reasonably well equipped. Power steering, a radio/cd player with clever remote controls, electric windows, remote control central locking, a height adjustable steering column, a pollen filter, height adjustable front seatbelts and tinted glass are all included. So are bodyside protection mouldings, tinted glass, an intermittent rear wash/wipe, a high level third rear brake light and a distance to next service indicator. The only real key item missing is security-orientated - an alarm with deadlocks: this is available at extra cost. Other extra items include a full height grille bulkhead (at no extra cost) and a load cover. The 206 van is also the only car-derived van to offer satellite navigation as an option: for drivers making complicated drops, thats an extra that could pay for itself very quickly in terms of reduced on the road time. Safety was another of Peugeots development priorities for this van. So of course it meets all the latest European Directives for frontal and side impact: side impact absorbers, beams and reinforced centre pillars are standard. And, as you would expect, a drivers airbag is included in the standard spec, with the option of a passenger front airbag with deactivation switch as an option.
Peugeot also however, make much of their approach to active safety. Certainly, the 206 van has benefited from their chassis, suspension and brake expertise meaning that this is one of the very best handling light commercial vehicles you can buy.
Hopefully, this should provide a much greater chance of driving out of dangerous situations.
"Practicality and value in a stylish package"
Which leaves only that styling: certainly, this model is a lot more eye-catching than most commercial carriers. Our only issue is that the top of the tailgate is so low that it slightly cuts into the interior mirror's field of view. we'd also add, however, that the stylish nose looks just great bearing down on you from behind. On the road as already suggested, it's much as you might expect, given the impressive abilities of other cars from the company's stable. Class-leading attributes include the slick gearchange and the absorbent suspension. However, the power steering is a little light and the body roll a little too pronounced for handling perfection. Having said that, traction is excellent and it's possible to get into a fast, fluid driving rhythm that few other small vans could sustain. Verdict Like its predecessor, the 106 van, this 206 is a strong sales success for Peugeot. Its practical and offers decent value too, virtues that are wrapped up in a stylish overall package. Small businesses might well want to make a small investment in British workmanship.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
VAN: Peugeot 206 van PAYLOAD: 515kg (1.9D) - 526kg (1.4HDi) LOAD VOLUME: 1.13 cubic metre
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