Review: Puegeot 206 160i XT
Peugeot’s newly launched 206 160i XT is just the business for those bent on having a little fun while they run. Four cylinders, 16 valves, 1 587cc, 80kW at 5800, 147Nm at 4000rpm. Top speed a tad under 200kph and the ability to hit 100kph from a standing start in about 10,5 seconds mean that the little Peugeot is a true pocket rocket.
The five-door Peugeot is a small car, so space at the back is rather restricted, but those up front will find plenty to be pleased about. The R108 445 car comes standard with power steering, driver’s and passenger’s airbags, electric windows front and rear, remote central locking, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel, aircon, a radio/tape with a steering-stalk control and a huge desire to please.
On the road the little French car thrives on being driven hard. The needle whips around to the 6 300rpm red line and beyond, until the rev limiter chips in, and acceleration is impressive throughout the range. Apart from a rather imprecise gear change we found little to spoil a thrilling driving experience. MacPherson struts with steel wishbones and anti-roll bars keep the handling honest up front, while a rear axle with trailing arms and anti-roll bar do the same at the rear, giving the car go-kart-like handling.
The new Peugeot offers very good performance and comfort in a charismatic package, at what can be considered a fair price by today’s standards.