What to watch out for?
See "Owner's review". Some serious issues are Catalytic converter failure, Roof leak (caused by rubber seal), Power steering pump etc...
As usual, I do not have a car to test. All is not lost, I dished out a "Super test" from GOAUTO Australia AND a series of Owner's review from UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, Korea and Egypt. There are 3 positive and 3 negative owner's review. ENJOY:
Start of GOAUTO Australia's Review:
Supertest: Peugeot 206CC Convertible:
"Overview
FINDING splendour from a cabriolet - one derived from the sumptuous 206 hatch, no less - would not have been difficult for Peugeot. But in manual transmission form, the 206CC (coupe-cabriolet) features a rare union of both sex appeal and spunk from its association with the 206 GTi. Meaty engine performance, solid dynamics and an awful driving position all carry over from the hot little hatch. Yet for better, and also for worse, the CC has its own unique tale to tell.
The Car
REMAINING faithful to the original concept car unveiled at the 1998 Geneva motor show, the 206CC steel-roofed cabriolet is without doubt a member of the sublime 206 stable but also strikes an imposing stance in own right with its sleek 2+2 sportscar styling from the midriff right through to the tail. Highlights include the high, squared-off back-end, ribbed rear bulkhead, aluminium fuel filler cap, chrome tailpipe and, exclusive to the 2.0-litre model shown here, 16-inch alloy wheels and a sports bumper with enlarged air intake.The Car - Seat Plan
AS the 2+2 tag suggests, the 206CC has two seats up front and two in the rear. The front seats are dedicated buckets with height adjustable headrests and seatbelts featuring pretensioners, load limiter and webbing clamps. The upright rear seats are sculpted out of the bulkhead and have fixed-position head restraints and three-point belts. Four airbags are provided for the front occupants, positioned in the dash, steering wheel and each front seat. The seat-mounted airbags are designed to protect the chest and head in the event of a side impact. Storage solutions include a cavernous glovebox, two small bins in each front door and a couple of small open boxes in the centre console.
The Car - Seats
BOTH 206CC models feature heavily bolstered bucket seats for the front occupants, wrapped in cloth and featuring height-adjustable head restraints, full-seat height adjustment for the driver's pew and a useful tilt/slide mechanism with memory on both sides of the car. The front seats are filled with a unique type of foam that lowers the seating position by 25mm compared to the 206 hatch. Cloth also appears on the glovebox panel and door trims. Leather trim - as seen on our test car - is available as an option. The rear has two concave seats and non-adjustable head restraints fitted against the rigid bulkhead.
The Car - Dash
THE sporting theme continues across the 206CC dashboard, which uses charcoal grey as the primary colour, offset by metallic highlights on the instrument faces. Set in a single-hooded binnacle, these instruments carry a contemporary design and include an engine oil temperature and level indicator, as well as the usual gauges. A low-fuel warning light sits alongside the fuel gauge while a small LCD strip displays a service indicator, odometer and (single) trip meter. In the centre of the dash, a larger display shows date, time and outside temperature. Audio and climate settings are left to their respective centre console controls. Did you know?
Unlike most small cars, the 2.0-litre 206CC's speedometer does not grossly overestimate the top speed. Actual top speed in this model is 204km/h, just 16 clicks short of the final 220km/h mark on the arc
The Car - Controls
AH, YES. We must begin with an explanation on how to fold the tin lid. It's simple. A single console-mounted switch controls the opening and the closing, which takes about 20 seconds once the two front catches are manually unlocked. What else? The steering column and driver's seat are height adjustable and a driver's footrest is provided. Two switches suffice for the side glass (two main and two rear quarter panel windows), the wing mirrors are heated and power operated, and the headlight beam height can be adjusted via a switch on the dash. Indicators and lights are on the left-hand stalk of the steering column, with auto-sensing front wipers on the right. Entry to the boot and fuel tank is via hand and key.
Did you know?
No, 20 seconds is not a long time to wait for the lid to close. But there is a further wait to endure - another eight seconds for the movement of the four side windows
The Car - Wheels/tyres
BOTH 206CC models have alloy wheels fitted standard, with the 2.0-litre version shown here using 6.5J x 16 rims with 205/45 ZR16 Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres. The 1.6-litre model runs on a 15-inch wheel and tyre combination. There is no spare wheel in either model. Instead, two anti-puncture aerosol cans are provided in a small polystyrene box that sits on the cargo floor, secured by Velcro straps. A small toolkit is also provided, next to the aerosols.
The Car - Luggage
WITH the steel roof in place, the 206CC offers 410 litres of luggage space. When the roof is retracted and folded into the boot, size is reduced to 175 litres - enough, according to Peugeot, for an average sized suitcase. Depth of the cargo floor is 715mm from tailgate to bulkhead, with usable width 1030mm. Maximum height depends on whether the roof is in place or not - without it, 555mm can be found; with the roof down, a retractable blind must be in place (and not intruded upon) and allows 215mm of height. Four luggage tie-down hooks are provided. There are no storage boxes. Did you know?
Two mechanically assembled steel flaps form the bootlid. When locked, they form a traditional bootlid that opens vertically from back to front to give access to the boot space
The Car - Stand out features
WHERE its small convertible rivals continue with the traditional cloth top, the 206CC introduces a folding steel roof, which in an instant makes it an appealing proposition. The GTi association with the manual transmission version - it shares elements such as wheelbase and track, drivetrain and forward floorpan - also puts it in good stead. Indeed, where others rely solely on chic value, the CC throws strong performance (with the 2.0-litre version, at least) and solid road manners into the mix. Did you know?
The folding steel roof can be operated at speeds of up to 10km/h, negating the need to come to a complete stop to open or close the roof
The Car - Climate control
SINGLE-ZONE automatic climate control air-conditioning and a pollen filter are fitted to both 206CC models. Adjustment of the temperature system is an all-button affair, with the air-con on/off and recirculation buttons close at hand for the driver. All controls are clustered together, including the oft-separated rear demist button. Two large vents are provided on top of the centre console, plus one at each end of the dashboard. For obvious reasons, there is no rear windscreen wiper - though the fact that it is glass does enable rear demister wiring to be included.The Car - Sound system
A FACTORY-FITTED six-speaker Clarion stereo with AM/FM radio and single-slot CD is standard to all 206CC models. The small cabin means access to the controls are unproblematic, but further assistance is provided with a wand attached to the steering column. The speakers are in the doors, rear quarter trim and front pillars. The aerial is mounted above the windscreen to avoid complications when the steel roof is folded. Did you know?
The 206CC's subframe was reinforced in several areas to provide a level of rigidity claimed to be equivalent to that of the hatch
The Car - Security
ONE obvious advantage the 206CC has over its ragtop rivals is the greater deterrent its steel roof provides against theft. Other measures include the provision of remote central locking, deadlocks, rolling code engine immobiliser, visible VIN number, an independent boot lock and locks on the glovebox and fuel filler cap. Audible warnings are provided at the start and finish of the roof retraction process and when a door or the bootlid is left ajar.We like (+ve): Head-turning appearance, strong and smooth engine, value for money
We don't(-ve): Cabin creaks and groans, crook driving position, poor rear seat accommodation
Our Opinion (GOAuto's opinion)
By TERRY MARTIN 31/01/2002
PEUGEOT need not have endowed its auto-erotic 206CC lop-top with performance and handling properties akin to its surefooted GTi compact to ensure it gets noticed.
In most cases, manufacturers of "affordable" convertibles are content to let appearance do the talking.
But combining sex appeal with spunk from the warmed-up hatch's 2.0-litre engine, basic suspension hardware and aggressive front-end treatment is a union certain to appeal to both the beautiful and the bold.
For the former, the heritage and big heart will not be as relevant as the hip looks brought with the sumptuous 206 face blended with a 2+2 cabriolet shape and a foldable tin lid.
What's more, garish leather can be splattered across the cockpit (for an additional fee) and the list of standard features runs to climate control air-conditioning, a six-speaker CD stereo, four airbags, remote locking, heated wing mirrors and a wonderful set of stoppers backed with anti-lock brakes and electronic brake-force distribution.
Toasted seats and perhaps cruise control are about all that's missing for those intent on keeping a high profile.
For people who like to drive, more pressing matters relate to just how well the 206 has coped with the conversion from three-door hatch to steel-roofed cabriolet.
Most obvious is the fact that the transformation has added 120kg to the overall weight and, despite considerable amounts of reinforcement (and spin from the Peugeot marketing machine), lopping the roof off has weakened the structure.
Claimed acceleration figures indicate the CC needs close to another second more than the GTi hatch to reach 100km/h (9.3 seconds) from standstill, but out on the road the smooth, strong and clean-revving characteristics of the 100kW, 2.0-litre engine remain at the fore.
Great strength in the nether regions and through the mid-range ensures the engine overcomes the weight burden, and the cabriolet simply refuses to drag its heels when gears are either intermediate or high.
But it never feels quick and exploring the upper reaches of the rev range does not bring rewards - a response - like we might have expected. The engine's taste for PULP increases at times like this as well.
It soon becomes clear that certain disagreeable aspects of the hatch have not improved with the cabriolet.
The five-speed manual gearshift is notchy and has a long throw between cogs, while the ever-present danger of clipping the brake pedal when heading for the clutch is a distraction most drivers could do without.
Indeed, pedal placement is an issue continuing to dog all those bearing the 206 name. Bunched up in a shallow footwell, the small clutch, brake and throttle pedals are awful to use.
More than that, a comfortable position behind the wheel continues to elude most drivers. Despite a simple-to-use height adjustment lever and a new seat construction that lowers the CC driver 25mm compared with the 206 hatch, the driving position is still upright - and downright awkward - for people of various shapes and sizes. Reach adjustment for the steering column would make a world of difference.
In the hatchback, the impact these drawbacks have on the driver can be dulled to an extent when the endearing chassis dynamics are taken in account.
But with the cabriolet, things are not so clear-cut.
There is still a lot to offer keen drivers, with loads of roadholding, grip and confidence to be gleaned from the low-profile 16-inch rubber and the proficient GTi-based (though more compliant) suspension. The steering also impresses as an accurate and well-weighted instrument unconcerned by mid-corner road irregularities.
Yet for all the reinforcements made to the cabriolet's structure, our test car came with a collection of creaks and groans. A rattle in the passenger's door was a constant feature with the roof on or off and creaks in the seals where the glass (front and on both sides) meets the roof were always apparent across roughcast roads.
The sun visors also gave a horrible chatter over bumps - and the Goodyears made a din on all but glass-smooth bitumen.
From the coupe position, less than a minute is required for the roof to be opened, a task requiring a retractable blind in the boot to be put in place, two latches in the cabin unfastened and a single switch pressed into action. Yep, it can even be performed on the run - just so long as the speed does not exceed 10km/h.
Luggage space with the roof on is generous but the restrictions imposed when the lid goes down leaves just enough space for a small suitcase or a couple of small bags. The dimensions are as follows: 715mm floor depth x 215mm height x 1030mm width, the latter taking up some additional room with the tool bag and puncture repair kit resting on the luggage floor. (There's no spare wheel.)
We should add that there is a fair bit of room behind the front seats for stuffing bags, coats and other items. But bodies? Afraid not. Despite the inclusion of two rear seats sculpted out of the bulkhead and a couple of lap-sash seatbelts, there is not enough room for adults and children alike. We even attempted to install a child restraint, after noting the anchorage point behind each (fixed) head restraint.
It was a mistake.
A mistake to trump up the benefits of seating four when rear seat passengers will be forced to sit bolt upright with head stooped (when the roof is on) and legs splayed. And that's when the occupier of the seat in front is suffering as well.
Still, positive aspects can be found amid the tight squeeze. Centre console controls, all of which are simple to operate, are never far from hand; the steering wheel is thick-rimmed, wrapped in leather and a delight to hold; the stereo has satellite controls on the steering column; the front seats offer excellent support; the metallic-backed instruments are attractive and simple to view at a glance; stereo sound comes in loud and clear; and there is a lock on the glovebox to secure small items when the car is left topless and unattended.
Take a step back, look at the car from a respectful distance and the positive vibes come gushing back. Like the hatch from which it sprang, the 206CC deserves the attention it gets - from onlookers, and from us.
It's no GTi, but it still represents good value.
Mechanical - Plan views
IN true French car fashion, the 206CC employs a transverse engine driving the front wheels only. In the case of the automatic version, it's a 1.6-litre four-cylinder. The 2.0-litre 206CC is manual-only.
Mechanical - Engine
TWO engines are offered with the 206CC - a 2.0-litre engine mated to the five-speed manual transmission and, for those preferring a self-shifter, a 1.6-litre engine. Both are DOHC, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder engines, with the 1.6 producing 80kW at 5800rpm and 147Nm at 4000rpm and the 2.0 increasing maximum power to 100kW at 6000rpm and torque to 194Nm at the same point in the rev range. The 1.6 is a revised version of the TU5JP eight-valve engine originally used in the 206 XT, while the EW10J4 2.0-litre is the same as the one used in the 406 range. Claimed acceleration from rest to 100km/h is 9.3 seconds in the 2.0 manual, or 3.2 seconds slower in the 1.6 auto. Fuel consumption is in favour of the smaller engine, although the official city cycle figures indicate it could return 7.8L/100km compared to the larger engine's 8.0L/100km. Both take PULP.Mechanical - Suspension
THE 206CC shares the hatch's basic elements, including suspension. The design therefore is a familiar one, with triangulated pseudo MacPherson struts with lower wishbones up front and transverse torsion bars with trailing arms at the rear. The rear torsion bars have been specially designed, with flexibility at the wheel of 56mm/100kg (in the GTi it is 50mm/100kg). A 20mm diameter independently linked anti-rollbar is used at the front end and a 19mm bar at the rear. The front shock absorbers are valved to suit either the 1.6 or 2.0-litre engine option. Did you know?
The 206CC has the same diameter stabiliser bar up front as the 206 GTi, however the 19mm rear bar is 2mm smaller in diameter than the hot hatch
Mechanical - Electronic system
LIKE other 206s, the CC convertible uses multiplexing technology that provides for all electronic functions in the car to be managed by a central computer. This reduces the amount of wiring needed, without reducing functionality. It also enables additional electronic features to be added at a later date, without the need for complicated rewiring. The theory is that fewer individual connections lead to increased reliability, while the removal of wiring brings a reduction in the car's overall weight.
Did you know?
The 206CC is based on the Two-0-Heart concept first shown at the 1998 Geneva motor show
Mechanical - Transmission
WITH automatic transmissions not as popular in Europe as Australia, it comes as little surprise that the 2.0-litre engine is mated exclusively with a five-speed manual and that a four-speed automatic is only available with a smaller-capacity (1.6-litre) engine. The manual gearbox is identical to the one used in the 206 GTi model and has a final drive ratio of 3.79:1. The automatic is an electronically controlled adaptive shift unit with a final drive of 3.47:1.
Mechanical - Brakes
BRAKE specification is identical on both 206CC models, comprising 266mm diameter ventilated discs up front and 247mm diameter solid discs at the rear. A TEVES Mk20 four-channel, four-sensor, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force
distribution is fitted standard.
Mechanical - Steering
THE 206CC uses rack and pinion steering with power assistance variable according to engine speed. The steering has built-in hydraulic assistance with a reduction ratio of 1/18. The steering-assistance pump, with aluminium SAGINAW vane, provides a constant output. A pressure-sensor implanted in the steering-assistance circuit allows regulated slowing-down of the engine during a manoeuvre such as parking. The movement of the rack is slightly reduced compared with that in other 206 models, and this gives a turning circle of 10.85m between walls and 10.5m between pavements. The thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel requires 3.3 turns lock to lock.
Safety
THE 206CC driver and front passenger are well catered for with standard provision of frontal and seat-mounted head/chest airbags. Further side-impact protection is made through the use of absorbent door padding. The absence of a centre pillar means the top portion of the seatbelt cannot be adjusted for height, but the front seatbelts do include weblocks, pretensioners and force limiters. The two rear seats also use three-point seatbelts, however the head restraints cannot be adjusted for height. Four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution are included in the package.
SPECIFICATIONS:
ENGINE: 2.0L (M) AND (1.6L (A) in bracket)
* 1.997-litre front-mounted transverse DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder (manual)
(* 1587cc Front wheel drive, DOHC 16-valve, inline four cylinder (auto))
* Power: 100kW @ 6000rpm (80kw@5800rpm)
* Torque: 194Nm @ 4000rpm (147Nm@4000rpm)
* Compression ratio: 10.8:1 (11:1)
* Bore x stroke: 85mm x 88mm (78.5x82mm)
TRANSMISSION:
* 5 speed Manual (* Four-speed automatic)
SUSPENSION:
* Front: independent by MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-rollbar
* Rear: transverse torsion bar, coil spring, anti-rollbar
STEERING:
* Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
* Turning circle: 10.5 metres
* Turns lock to lock: 3.3
BRAKES:
BRAKE specification is identical on both 206CC models, comprising 266mm diameter ventilated discs up front and 247mm diameter solid discs at the rear. A TEVES Mk20 four-channel, four-sensor, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force
distribution is fitted standard.
DIMENSIONS:
* Length: 3835mm
* Width: 1673mm
* Height: 1373mm
* Wheelbase: 2442mm
* Front track: 1437mm
* Rear track: 1425mm
* Kerb weight: 1152kg
* Fuel tank capacity: 50L
Performance:
Maximum speed: 197km/h (180km/h.)
0-100km/h 9.3secs (-NA-) (Anyone can contribute?)
FUEL CONSUMPTION: -NA- (Anyone can contribute?)
STANDARD EQUIPMENT:
* Dual front and side airbags
* ABS with electronic brake force distribution
* Rolling code transponder immobiliser
* Power steering
* Remote locking
* Electric mirrors, windows
* Six-speaker CD stereo
* Climate control air-conditioning
* Leather-bound steering wheel
* Driver's seat height adjustment
* Electrically retractable steel roof
* Alloy wheels
* Front and rear foglights
Owner’s review (Source: www.carsurvey.org:
DELETED: DUE TO COPYRIGHT ISSUES by the above website.
END OF Owner's review.
That's all folks, thanks for having the patience to read this.
References:
1) www.goauto.com.au/
2) www.carsurvey.org
3) Auto International (Malaysian) car magazine (2003 buyer's guide) for some specifications.
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