Released at the time when the whole of France was celebrating its first world championship title, the 206 also became one and conquered the mores. This car is a favourite with young drivers, the first car of everyone, even the car in which you did your driving hours. In 15 years, the 206 has evolved a lot with several styles, versions and special editions to make this car even more cult. So that's the subject of this article, but we'll focus on the sporty and interesting versions. Let's go for a little ride in our favorite lioness.

Existing engines :

Gasoline engines :

1.1 ph1, ph2+ : 1124 cc, 60 cv, couple : 94 N m (1999 – 2013)

1.4 ph1, ph2+ : 1360 cc, 75 cv, couple : 120 N m (1999 – 2013)

1.4 ph2+ : 1360 cc, 90 cv, couple : 133 N m (2003 – 2009)

1.6 ph1 : 1587 cc, 90 cv, couple : 135 N m (1999 – 2002)

1.6 ph1, ph2+ : 1587 cc, 110 cv, couple : 147 N m (2001 – 2009)

2.0 ph1/ph2 : 1997 cc, 137 cv, couple : 190 N m (1999 – 2013)

2.0 ph1/ph2 : 1997 cc, 177 cv, couple : 202 N m (2002 – 2013)

Diesel engines :

1.9 D ph1, ph2+ : 1868 cc, 70 cv, couple : 125 N m (1998 – 2002)

1.4 HDi ph2+: 1398 cc, 70 hp, torque: 160 N m (2001 - 2014)

2.0 HDi ph1, ph2+ : 1997 cc, 90 cv, couple : 205 N m (1998 – 2002)

1.6 HDi ph2 : 1560 cc, 110 cv, couple : 240 N m (2004 – 2009)

The different phases :

Our 206 ranks first in the ranking of the best-selling French cars in the world, ahead of the Renault 4. But its production time was only 15 years against 3 decades for the 4L. This short duration did not prevent it from having some modifications with the passing of time, in particular for its radiator grill, the back of the vehicle as well as the interior. These modifications will be applied on all the models, in particular on the 206 sports cars that we will see.

Let's talk sports:

The 206 was derived in a sports car like any successful car, so like the car of the previous generation: the 205 GTi. The 206 knew the same way with 3 different sporty models: the 206 S16, the 206 GT and the 206 RC. We can also add the 206 WRC, the 206 Super 1600 and the 206 XS Volant for lower category rallies.

Peugeot 206 S16 (1999 - 2007) - A GTi not so GTi

Let's start with the 206 S16, the heir of the 205 GTi. It is called S16 in France but everywhere abroad it is called 206 GTi. Of course, it is not the most radical Peugeot sports car produced by the Lion brand, but when you take a closer look at its performance and capabilities, you realize that it has nothing to envy to other Peugeot sports cars. Being produced between 1999 and 2007, the S16 will be entitled to the changes made in 2003 between phase 1 and phase 2.

Distinctive features: Only the 15-inch "lightning" wheels are exclusive, but only between 1999 and 2001 (optional until 2003). The black lacquered mirrors are also reserved to the S16, but also to the GT and the limited series Griffe. Finally, the painted handles and this "Iceland grey" color were reserved for it before being extended to the other 206.

Available engines: in petrol: the 1587 cc of 110 hp or the 1997 cc of 137 hp; in diesel: the 1560 cc of 110 hp

Peugeot 206 GT (1999) - Limited edition or WRC pass

This special limited edition produced in 1999 with 4000 copies is in fact a car created to allow Peugeot to participate in WRC. Indeed, the WRC imposes a minimum length of 4 meters while the 206 was 3 meters 84. It was necessary to find 16 centimeters more. So Peugeot said to itself "What if we added huge bumpers?". To do this, they based themselves on the Peugeot 206 S16.

Distinctive features: obviously, the two bumpers, the spoiler, the black lacquered mirrors (as on the S16) and the metallic gray. As for the wheels, it benefits from the "hurricane" 16-inch wheels and the arrival of the gray meter bottoms too. Finally, the last different element: the presence of a "GT" plate indicating the number of the copy owned among the 4000 existing.

Engine available : gasoline engine, 1997 cc of 137 hp

Number of copies : 4000

Peugeot 206 RC (2003 - 2007) - The next generation finally assured

The S16 being judged too sober and far from the lineage of the 205 GTi, Peugeot reacts and produces a new engine and thus a new sports edition which will come to ensure the torch of the GTi with the denomination RC here.

Distinctive features: On the outside, the presence of a spoiler, even larger rims: the "atlantis" of 17 inches and "imitation carbon" mirrors. Inside, the RC benefits from bucket seats, only 2 seats in the back against 3 before, and the central console still marked by the "imitation carbon" aspect.

Engine available : gasoline engine, 1997 cc, 177 hp

Number of copies : 13 436

Peugeot 206 WRC (1999 - 2003) - A great track record

Inspired by the 206 GT (created to allow Peugeot to enter a 206), the 206 WRC has a style you can't miss.

Distinctive features: maybe a special paint, a little bit big spoiler and some modifications in various places. And anyway it is fast as Jacques Lafitte would say (it's Jacques Villeneuve in reality but it didn't rhyme...), so you won't have time to notice the other changes.

Engine available : a 1997 cc developing 325 hp with a torque to tear off trees (535 N m). All this for only 1230 kg

Prize list: World Rally Champion in 2000, 2001 and 2002, it is the first Peugeot to win the manufacturer's classification since the 205 Turbo 16 in 1986 and it is still the last one in 2021. As for the drivers, they won with this lioness in 2000 and 2002.

Common problems on a 206 :

This car sold on a very large scale is considered as a robust, reliable and puncture-proof car. But it has been produced so much that we have a lot of information about its reliability, and of course, it is not perfect.

• The most known problem is the rear axle: quite tricky, many are those who lost it by coming too fast in a curve. Sometimes it breaks down due to the ageing of the bearings after 200,000 kilometers.
• Another problem, related to the previous two, is that the wheels can start to lean inward.
• The engine can sometimes be quite worn and have covered many kilometers, it is necessary to ensure its good health because some like to take advantage of the torque of our beautiful 206...
• Finally, the clutch can also age quickly depending on the use that has been made of it, with a life span that can go from 100,000 to 200,000 kilometers.
• Let's not forget the too easy tuning of this car that can be reached with bad taste.

How much to buy a 206 sports car?

Count between 3000 € and 5000 € for a 206 S16 in a good condition.

Count between 6000 € and 8000 € for a 206 RC in a good condition.

Count between 4000 € and 6000 € for one of the 4000 206 GT in a good condition.

And finally, for a 206 WRC count between 200 000 € and 300 000 €.

Conclusion :

If you want a sporty 206, with a good face and a rather discreet style hiding an engine with a good recovery and which will surprise more than one when they will see a 206 coming in their left mirror, it's on Benzin.

Then you too : vendez votre 206 sportive sur Benzin