Peugeot 206 SW 2.0 HDi XS

The caravan is mainly intended for the family transportation of large amounts of luggage. But if it's a small caravan, things become even more obvious. Thus, we can reasonably believe that, in addition to the owner, at least three more passengers are usually transported in it. Most often it is a wife and two small children. But this is not really the biggest problem.

The bigger one is that the designers and constructors of small vans think so too, and so they design cars that, by their shape, already prove that they are not meant for anything other than meeting the family's needs for a large trunk. Well, with that kind of mindset and attitude towards work, we really can't expect the crowd to be heartbroken over the little van.

Attractive appearance

Well, we got to the point. Even the myth of small caravans began to collapse gradually. And what contributed to this? Nothing but a pretty shape. Well yes, otherwise we have to admit that Peugeot's designers had a good base this time around. Still, a pretty "two hundred and six", which had to add to the live nose only at least such a live ass. If we look at the basic silhouette, we find that no revolutions have been made in this area.

The Peugeot 206 SW is designed like all other vans. Thus, the roof over the heads of the rear passengers, as usual, continues at the same height and then descends steeply to the rear bumper. However, they have enriched everything with details that will bring this little van to life. Not only this! It is because of them that little Pezhoychek became as cute as himself.

One such innovation is the unusually shaped taillights that penetrate deep into the fender below the rear side windows. It could also be written for the huge glass on the tailgate, which is heavily tinted to further enliven the rear, and which can also be opened separately from the door. By the way, for this "comfort" you usually have to pay extra. Even with much larger and more expensive vans! The designers also pressed the rear door handles into the glass frames we've already seen on the Alfa 156 Sportwagon, retained the sporty fuel cap design, and attached black longitudinal roof racks to the base package. Sounds pretty simple, right? This is how it looks.

Already famous interior

The interior, for obvious reasons, has undergone much less changes. The driver's workplace and the space in front of the passenger remained exactly the same as we are used to in the other two hundred and sixth. Nevertheless, some innovations are noticeable. This is especially true of the lever on the steering wheel of the radio, which is not only more ergonomic, but also combines several functions.

Also new is the left lever on the steering wheel, which has a switch labeled "Auto". Press the switch to start automatic connection of the headlights. However, make no mistake, this feature is unfortunately not aligned with our legislation. The automatic headlight activation is controlled by a daylight sensor, which means that the lights turn on and off depending on the ambient light. So if you want to drive within the rules, you still have to turn the lights on and off manually. And do not forget - the sensors also carry novelty. Well, yes, actually, only pointers to them, since the latter are highlighted not in orange at night, but in white.

Otherwise, as already mentioned, the driver's environment remains unchanged. This means that those who are taller than 190 centimeters will not be most satisfied with a sitting position. They are particularly concerned about the position and distance of the steering wheel, as it is only height adjustable. Passenger drivers will have trouble adjusting the driver's seat height as the spring is extremely stiff and requires little force when lowering.

For anyone who loves impeccable mechanics, the slightly inaccurate gearbox and the (too) long gear lever strokes can be blamed. If you ignore it, the feeling in this Pezheycek can be very pleasant. Especially if you enrich its interior with some accessories from the list of extras. For example, with a radio, CD player, automatic air conditioning, CD changer, trip computer, rain sensor ...

What about your back?

Of course, it is completely unreasonable to expect that in the back seat of a car of this class you will find enough room for three adults, even if their safety is well taken care of. On average, tall people will have no headroom, which is not typical for limousines, but they will not have room for legs and elbows. It is the same with the 206 SW that children will be able to drive comfortably from behind.

Well, now we can get to the bottom of what makes this Peugeot so exciting. Box! Compared to the station wagon, there is undoubtedly significantly more space - just under 70 liters. However, it is true that it cannot fully compete with perhaps the most interesting competitor in its class, the Škoda Fabio Combi, since 313 liters compared to 425 liters means 112 liters less space. But don't let that fool you completely.

The roof rack in the 206 SW is almost rectangular in size, which is undoubtedly an advantage, but we must emphasize that its bottom stays flat even when you fold down the rear bench, which can be divided by a third. And if you think about the rear window, which can be opened separately from the door, then we can say that the rear window in the 206 SW can be very helpful. What really worries me is that (also from the extras list) it is impossible to imagine the hole in the back of the rear seat, which is usually used for transporting skis, which means that in this case it is always necessary to sacrifice at least one passenger seat.

Let's hit the road

Which engine in the pallet is the most suitable is not difficult to determine, unless, of course, the decision does not depend on the amount in the bank account. This is usually the largest, strongest, and by far the most expensive. A modern diesel unit with a 2.0 HDi label does not meet all these conditions, since it is not the most powerful, but therefore the largest and one of the most expensive. However, it constantly convinces the driver that it may be the most suitable, even though the 206 SW has a sporty enough look to match one of the more powerful (1.6 16V or 2.0 16V) gasoline units.

But: enough torque to meet all the driver's needs in the work area where the crankshaft normally rotates, very acceptable fuel consumption and quite decent final speed, many drivers can certainly achieve (for a few seconds) better acceleration. Admittedly, despite its large rear end, the Peugeot 206 SW isn't afraid of corners. Like his limousine brother, he enters them sovereignly and impresses with a completely neutral attitude for a long time. It is true, however, that the moment you cross the border with it, a slightly more elaborate steering wheel adjustment is required due to the kinematic rear axle. But it can impress even younger, slightly more athletic enthusiasts.

And the latter is actually intended for the Peugeot 206 SW. To be more precise, it is intended for young couples who like to live actively. The shape given to it by the designers is far from a quiet family life. Vice versa!

Matevž Koroshec

PHOTO: Aleš Pavletič

Peugeot 206 SW 2.0 HDi XS

Basic data

Sales:	Peugeot Slovenia doo
Base model price:	37.389,42 €
Test model cost:	40.429,81 €
Power:	66kW (90 KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h):	13,5 with
Maximum speed:	179 km / h
Mixed flow ECE:	5,3l / 100km
Guarantee:	1 year general warranty unlimited mileage, 12 years rust proof

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Technical information

engine:	4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - direct injection diesel - mounted transversely in front - bore and stroke 85,0 × 88,0 mm - displacement 1997 cm3 - compression ratio 17,6:1 - maximum power 66 kW ( 90 hp) at 4000 / min - average piston speed at maximum power 11,7 m / s - specific power 33,0 kW / l (44,9 hp / l) - maximum torque 205 Nm at 1900 rpm - crankshaft in 5 bearings - 1 camshaft in the head (timing belt) - 2 valves per cylinder - light metal head - common rail fuel injection - exhaust gas turbocharger (Garett), charge air overpressure 1,0 bar - liquid cooling 8,5 l - engine oil 4,5 l - battery 12 V, 55 Ah - alternator 157 A - oxidation catalyst
Energy transfer:	engine drives front wheels - single dry clutch - 5 speed manual transmission - gear ratio I. 3,455 1,839; II. 1,148 hours; III. 0,822 hours; IV. 0,660; v. 3,685; 3,333 reverse – 6 differential – 15J × 195 rims – 55/15 R 1,80 H tires, 1000 m rolling range – speed in 49,0 rpm at XNUMX km/h
Capacity:	top speed 179 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h 13,5 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 6,9 / 4,4 / 5,3 l / 100 km (gasoil)
Transportation and suspension:	van - 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - Cx = 0,33 - front individual suspension, spring struts, triangular cross beams, stabilizer - rear axle shaft, longitudinal guides, torsion bar springs, telescopic shock absorber - two-component. contour brakes, front disc (forced cooling), rear disc (drum cooled) drum, power steering, ABS, mechanical parking brake on rear wheels (lever between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, power steering, 3,1 .XNUMX turns between extreme points
Mass:	empty vehicle 1116 kg - permissible total weight 1611 kg - permissible trailer weight 900 kg, without brake 500 kg - permissible roof load, no data
External dimensions:	length 4028 mm - width 1652 mm - height 1460 mm - wheelbase 2442 mm - front track 1425 mm - rear 1437 mm - minimum ground clearance 110 mm - driving radius 10,2 m
Inner dimensions:	length (dashboard to rear seatback) 1530 mm - width (at the knees) front 1380 mm, rear 1360 mm - height above the seat front 870-970 mm, rear 970 mm - longitudinal front seat 860-1070 mm, rear seat 770 -560 mm - front seat length 500 mm, rear seat 460 mm - steering wheel diameter 370 mm - fuel tank 50 l
Box:	normally 313-1136 liters

Our measurements

T = 25 °C - p = 1014 mbar - rel. vl. = 53% - Mileage status: 797 km - Tires: Continental PremiumContact
Acceleration 0-100km:	12,5s
1000m from the city:	34,4 years ( 151 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h:	10,5 (IV.) S
Flexibility 80-120km / h:	13,5 (W) p
Maximum speed:	183km / h (V.)
Minimum consumption:	6,6l / 100km
Maximum consumption:	7,6l / 100km
test consumption:	7,4 l / 100km
Braking distance at 130 km / h:	69,9m
Braking distance at 100 km / h:	41,0m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear	60dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear	60dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear	60dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear	67dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear	64dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear	64dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear	70dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear	69dB
Test errors:	unmistakable

Overall rating (315/420)

• The Peugeot 206 SW is without a doubt the freshest and most interesting car in its class. A car that completely dispels the myth of small vans designed primarily for families on a tight budget. Namely, he is also addressed by young people who, perhaps, still have not thought about vans at all.

• Exterior (12/15)

  The 206 SW is cute and by far the freshest of the caravans. The workmanship is solid on average, so at higher speeds the trunks cut through the air quite loudly.

• Interior (104/140)

  The interior fully meets the needs of two adults, the equipment too, a little more attention could be paid only to the final finish.

• Engine, transmission (30
  
  
  / 40)

  The engine matches the character of this Peugeot perfectly, and the transmission, which offers (too) long travel and only average precision, deserves some outrage.

• Driving performance (74
  
  
  / 95)

  The position, handling and communicative mechanics are commendable, and for more enjoyment you should plan more carefully the driver's seat (installing the steering wheel ...).

• Performance (26/35)

  The two-liter turbodiesel impresses with torque, top speed and medium solid acceleration.

• Security (34/45)

  It has a lot (including a rain and daylight sensor - automatic headlights), but not all. For example, there is an extra charge for the side airbag.

• Economy

  The base price of the Peugeot 206 SW 2.0 HDi is quite tempting, as is the fuel consumption. It's not just about the warranty.

We praise and reproach

lively youthful form

separate tailgate opening

roof side members are already included as standard

rectangular luggage compartment

flat trunk floor even with the rear seat folded down

position on the road

steering position

slightly inaccurate gearbox

(too) long gear lever strokes

medium finish in the interior

legroom and elbow room on the back bench

there is no opening in the rear of the rear seat for transporting longer items