Peugeot 206 Cabriolet

If you’re a stereotypical bloke, the Peugeot 206 Cabriolet might leave you feeling a little self-conscious. While undoubtedly it’s great-looking and fun to drive, in truth it doesn’t do anything for your masculinity. Peugeot 206 Cabriolet has, after all, long been recognised as a girly car – Peugeot itself describes the 206 shape as “feline”.

Add to this the recent ‘gay car of the year’ accolade handed to it by an automobile club and you become more convinced than ever that this motor is one for the hairdressers.
There were a number of times I found myself slightly embarrassed at being behind the wheel of the 206 Coupe Cabriolet SE 2.0.

The best example of this happened when I was spotted queuing at traffic lights by a mate who then proceeded, at the top of his voice, to ask what I was doing in a tart’s car!
A big plus-point is the electrically-operated metal roof which folds into the boot at the touch of a button.

During my latest road test of the model, everything worked very smoothly.
The driving position, however, is somewhat awkward. No matter how much I moved the driving seat, I couldn’t get really comfortable. Handling is good though, steering responsive, and gear-changing slick. For less than pounds 17,000 the car is, in the main, good value for money. If you’re a bloke though, whether you can get over the girly car thing is another matter.

Facts and figures

Make: Peugeot
Model: 206 Coupe Cabriolet SE 2.0 16V
Price: pounds 16,200
Mechanical: 1,997cc 4 cyl petrol engine.
0-62mph: 8.9 seconds
Combined mpg: 35.3
Insurance group: 14
Warranty: 3 years/ 60,000 miles