ROAD TEST/Peugeot 206 SW: It's not an estate, it's a Sports Wagon - so says Peugeot. Whatever you call it, the 206SW is a roomy addition to the small car/supermini sector. Michael McAleer hopes it can survive where other marques have failed
Peugeot prefers to see its new 206SW as revolutionary in both design and space dynamics. The French marque is keen to avoid use of terms such as "estate" and favours the abbreviated Sports Wagon moniker. However, Shakespeare long ago highlighted the futile nature of such naming conventions: "a rose by any other name . . ." and so forth.
To be fair, Peugeot is merely following some of the accepted conventions, in this age of careful "word management" and spin doctors. Besides, the naming is immaterial: like it or not, this car serves the functions of an estate for buyers in the supermini category. Only the most naïve would gripe about how it does not match larger family estates.
Peugeot has added an extra 193 mm to the car, with the boot capacity increasing from an average 246 litres, to a maximum 665 litres when the rear seats are folded down.That's a significant increase in a car that falls between the stools of "supermini" and "small car" segments.
This is the realm of mini-MPVs and many suggest the 206SW is the first arrival in what is likely to be a growing sub-segment. Like the new SW, the 206 itself didn't quite fit the grade for supermini status, broaching into the small car segment. Peugoet reckons the hybrid 206SW follows suit.
But it is not entirely unexplored territory. Previous offerings in this category, such as the VW Polo Estate and Seat Cordoba Vario have since been withdrawn amid suggestions that the market for mini-estates was just not strong enough. It is no wonder, then, that Peugeot is wary of any links to small estates.
Thankfully, in its attempt to increase carrying capacity, Peugeot has not fallen foul of the utilitarian brigade, for whom every model, from MINI to Maybach, offers the potential to increase the load with the help of an angle grinder and the rear-end of a small van.
The 206SW offers increased carrying capacity without compromising on the styling of the original model, whose popularity is evident on every Irish road. In fact the SW has advanced the car's design thanks to some adept immitation of the rear door style used by Alfa Romeo. Adding to the more curvaceous tapering towards the rear, the door handles are set into the rear pillars.
As for the mechanics, we found the 1.6 litre engine responsive, offering smooth and efficient power output in keeping with equivalent units on the market.
It accelerates smoothly, with the best got from the engine in the low to middle rev range. However, we would suggest that those considering purchase test-drive the 1.4-litre model. We had a shorter drive in it some weeks ago and were impressed with its performance.
The ride in our 1.6 litre Xsi test car was comfortable, and the suspension was well able to cater for the bumps and potholes we encountered. The power steering has plenty of feel, in keeping with the regular 206 model. The close-to-hand gear lever links a smooth and forgiving transmission that performed well in city traffic. At present there is a five-speed transmission available, and it's likely any future automatic will only be available with the 1.6 litre engine.
One criticism of the 206 has been the small pedal area and this continues to be a problem for SW drivers. The clutch and brake pedals are too close and the steering pillar impedes on footspace, even causing you to catch the toe of your shoe as you move from accelerator to brake. Also the left foot has to come some way off the floor before engaging the clutch. The spring-loaded handle for adjusting driver height inevitably seems to favour straight arms and bent legs.
Rear seats are quite comfortable, and can accommodate two adults without trouble.
But this new entrant is all about rear space. So the real action is in the boot, as expected. The 206 has always had a relatively generous boot for its size, so the SW version had a strong foundation on which to build. As luck would have it, we had the opportunity to put the car's extra space to the test with the arrival of some heavily laden visitors.
The large suitcase and four travelling bags would have been a rucksack-too-far for the standard 206, or many of its competitors. However the SW, in true "estate" form, swallowed the luggage without a struggle.
One unique feature that Peugeot is keen to highlight is the fact the rear window can open independently for easy loading. We were not won over, and still remain unconvinced why anyone would want to open the window and lift their items up through it, rather than simply open the boot. If for no other reason, entering through the boot increases the lifting distance from ground.
There is also a tint on the back window, a boon for concealing items carried in the back from prying eyes - but it takes some time to get used to when reversing or observing rearward traffic.
However, other features were more impressive and eminently functional, such as the multiplicity of hooks to which you can attach the accompanying netting in a wide variety of shapes and positions to either hold down or secure luggage, or keep hyperactive pets secure.
The interior is airy, thanks to the plentiful glass, particularly in the doors. The ergonomics ensure everything is at hand, although the handbrake seems to be located for passenger use rather than driver.
However, the plastic fascia does dazzle in bright sunlight and takes away from the overall quality of the finish. We were also not particularly taken by the upholstery trim in our test car - "merlin grey" - more in keeping with a 1980s Ford Escort than a snappy French motor. That said, four other nicer trims are available.
Overall this is a town saloon, for shopping and school runs. It builds upon a growing interest in spaciousness across the market. Yet it manages to retain the smart lines of the 206, and for all that may be a precursor to a profusion of similarly spacious small cars and superminis.