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Two Cars for The Price of One
http://www.peugeot-id.com/articles/21/1/Two-Cars-for-The-Price-of-One/Page1.html
Yunita Dery
 
By Yunita Dery
Published on 04/23/2008
 

 
The first in its class, the 206CC is an attractive three-door hatchback with a metal folding roof. The popular 1.6-litre HDi diesel engine was added to the mix for a very appealing combination. Whether cruising with the top up or down the 206cc delivers an excellent ride. The 206 CC’s goodlooks are very
appealing and still greatly resembles the 206 even with the addition of a flat rear deck. The car looks like a very attractive coupe but can be changed into an equally attractive cabriolet in a matter of seconds.

The roof requires the release of two hatches and the press of a button. The Peugeot 206 CC roof design cuts down on cabin space, the cabin has been shortened and the rear deck has been extended. The rear seats do not provide good passenger space and should only be used occasionally. The boot is a good size though, but when the roof is folded boot space is limited. The Peugeot 206cc 1.6-litre HDi engine provides a quiet and smooth ridewith impressive performance, even with the top down. Despite the increased weight of the CC the engine still supplies ample power. The engine also provides good fuel economy making the cabriolet very economical. The CC boasts respectable ride quality and excellent handling.


The CC is a fun car to drive. The diesel engine provides plenty of power and the car’s steering is sharp. The suspension is firm and delivers good grip, and the car delivers a smooth but lively ride. Buyers will enjoy the ride and all the fun on offer. The Peugeot 206cc standard audio system includes a JBL system, with eight speakers and an in-the-boot bass box. The systems out put has been increased to 240 watts. The sound quality is good and the extra output helps to maintain sound quality with the top down.


The 206CC offers excellent performance and economy

 

There's a lot to be said for a convertible with a folding metal top. Compared with conventional soft-tops
with folding canvas hoods, the increasingly popular folding metal top has some important advantages.

It might be one of the swishest lookers in Peugeot's 206 line-up (roof down, at least) but the CC model
was the least sporty to drive. The extra strengthening needed to enable it to operate properly as a
convertible, plus the mechanisms and motors to operate the folding top, added about 100 kilograms to the
weight of the basic car.

To counter that, Peugeot fitted it with the same engine (as an option, anyway) as it fitted to its 206
GTi hot-hatch. It could be hammered along, making full use of the revvy power of the 2.0-litre engine, but
you had to work at it a lot harder for a similar result. The relatively high power and torque peaks in the
100 kW motor didn't bother the manic little GTi hatch but they didn't suit the CC nearly so well.


The need to keep the engine above about 3500 rpm for meaningful thrust to be available meant the gearbox got a good workout. That wouldn't have been such a problem if the five-speed shifter wasn't notchy and vague. Also, keeping the revs high also ensured ample engine noise was included in the overall ambience.

Even less performance was available from the base-model, with had an 80 kW 1.6-litre engine, initially available only with a four-speed automatic for really yawn-inducing progress. Frankly, only the 2.0-litre (which was manual-only) should come into your reckoning.

The 206CC should be one of most inexpensive convertibles available. The car comes with a reasonable purchase price and good fuel economy. Servicing should be routine but insurance will be slightly high. The Peugeot 206CC controls and dials are straightforward and easy to use. Leather covers the steeringwheel and gearknob. The car’s instrumentation is easy to read and functional. Everything is logically located and within the driver’s reach. The Peugeot 206 CC cabin is very comfortable for front seat passengers the seats are supportive and will be comfortable even on longer trips. The rear seats are not as comfortable and limited leg space in the rear provides comfort for short periods of time. The 206CC provides good accessibility to the front seats, and with the top down accessibility is good all-round. Rear seat passengers will have a more difficult time with access. The car’s boot is easily accessible and shouldn’t pose any problems.

The Peugeot 206 CC is too expensive for most first time buyers. The car’s insurance rates are reasonable, but first time buyers will probably be more likely to buy the hatchback than the cabriolet. The 206CC exterior boasts exceptional style and will be very appealing to buyers. The interior boasts a unique and
pleasant design. The folding top is as good quality as any top name badge on the market.

206CC Allure models come fitted with leather trim and a choice of seven exterior and three interior colours. The cabin’s dashboard is black with light leather and the glovebox is also covered with leather giving the cabin an overall classy look and feel