2001 Peugeot 206 5-door |
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PEUGEOT EXTENDS POPULAR 206 RANGE WITH TWO NEW MODELS |
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We were more than impressed with Peugeots 206 GTi which we tested shortly after it's launch last year. (click here for road test) It's radical styling, performance, sure-footedness and value upped the ante in the hot small hatch stakes and demand continues to outstrip supply. This success has prompted McCarthy Peugeot to make two five door models available with 1400cc and 1600cc engines to cater for the more budget conscious and small family buyers. Labeled 140 XR and 160 XT respectively, |
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two new models aim to bring similar values in terms of luxury and safety
to the lower end of the small hatch market. Having had the opportunity to
drive both models at the launch in Kwazulu-Natal recently, initial
impressions are extremely favourable. Both models exhibit the same poise
and refinement that their two litre sibling has become famous for and even
the bottom end 1400 is nippy enough to make driving it a whole lot of fun.
NVH levels are excellent for this class of vehicle and like the GTi, the
cars feel far bigger than they actually are.
The
design of the 206 incorporates a rigid integral structure containing
energy absorption zones with programmed deformation, all designed to
protect occupants in the event of impact. The monocoque type structure is
made of drawn steel sheets, while high elastic-strength steel sheets are
used for components that are subjected to particularly high levels of
stress. |
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| Both models feature driver and passenger airbags, side impact beams, new generation seat belt tensioners, and kneepads attached to the steering column, power steering, a height adjustable steering wheel, height-adjustable driver’s seat and split rear seats. A number of practical features are also present like lighting and six securing rings in the luggage compartment. The glove compartment has various recesses for storing items such as a pen, credit cards, sunglasses, coins, and also sports two cup holders. |
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Further equipment includes remote central locking, electrically operated front windows, air conditioning with a pollen filter, an audio system with four speakers and stalk control on the steering column, a clock and tinted windows. The rear windscreen is fitted with a defrosting system on both models, and can be washed by means of a wiper and a water jet incorporated into the center stoplight. In
addition to equipment found on the XR, the 160 XT boasts additional
features such as electric body coloured mirrors, 14” alloy wheels, rear
headrests, and front and rear foglamps. The audio system in the XT is CD
compatible and also has an offset frequency display window, allowing you
to see what radio station you are listening to. Like the Peugeot 206 GTi,
the XT also has a rain sensor in the windscreen wiper system,
automatically adjusting the cleaning rate according to the intensity of
the downpour. |
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140 XR is powered by a a 1360cm³ multipoint injection petrol
four-cylinder single overhead camshaft engine producing 55kW at 5500rpm
and 111Nm of torque at 3400rpm and is claimed to propel the car to 100km/h
in 13,2 seconds, and to a top speed of 170km/h. Fuel consumption is
claimed to average out at 6,6 litres per 100km in a combination of city
and out of town driving conditions. The 1,6-litre used in the 160 XT 206
is a 16-valve, double overhead-camshaft engine, capable of 80kW at 5800rpm
and maximum torque of 147Nm at as little as 4000rpm. |
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Drive
is transferred to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission on
both the XR and XT. The transmission, mounted onto the end of the
transverse engine, incorporates the differential and also accommodates
some features that are designed to increase efficiency and ease of use.
The gear and final drive ratios are adapted to the torque and power
characteristics of each engine. Reliability
of these engines will be further boosted by Peugeot’s multiplexing
technology. McCarthy Peugeot’s workshops have live connections to
Peugeot in France and England, which will allow vehicle problems to be
rectified online. In some instances, the local technician will not even
work on the car, as this technology allows engineers in France to
completely solve many problems via the Internet. The new 140 XR and 160 XT Peugeot 206 will be available at all of Peugeot’s dealers countrywide priced at R87 500 and R102 700 respectively. They are warranted for 1 year with unlimited mileage including AA-membership, which provides a host of benefits like roadside assistance and emergency services |
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