• the size of an average sedan
• the character and performance of a sports car
• the functionality of a wagon

The 206 SW is Peugeot's answer to the demands of a wide range of drivers, who are looking for a stylish vehicle with a sporty look, offering flexibility of use at an affordable price.

The 206 SW - a sleek and compact car

The dynamic front of the 206 hatch has been retained and the rear harmoniously integrated to make the 206 SW a sleek and compact car. Important features include:

• the rear door handles which have been inset into the pillars, 
• the rear window which has been tinted to increase the appearance of a glazed surface, 
• the door mirrors, front door handles and rear number plate housing which are finished in body colour, 
• the wrap around rear lights which contribute to the dynamic design of the car. 

The 206 SW epitomises the joy of driving

As befits a new member of the 206 'family', the 206 SW handles beautifully, with a distinctive sporty edge to its driving characteristics. It is also complimented by an impressive safety package including ABS with electronic brake force distributor, and 'self-thinking' SMART driver and passenger airbags that respond to the force of an impact.

The 206 SW is a practical car designed to make life easier

Particular attention has been paid to the rear space. The rear seats now have more room, especially head and shoulder room, and the side visibility is almost panoramic. The boot volume under the parcel shelf has been increased by some 28% compared with that of the hatch. The tailgate has an independent rear window that can be opened with the remote control to improve access and facilitate the use of the boot.

The Design

Since its launch in Europe where it is now the best selling model, the design of the 206 has been acknowledged as dynamic and stylish. This impression has remained intact as new shapes have emerged. The 206 CC, though having a very different profile, has also evoked the same sentiments since its launch. Today, the 206 SW is launching a new body style that fully preserves the appeal of the 206 by offering a similarly cheerful appearance, but this time combined with more functions and a greater volume. The general line of the front of the 206 remains identical, but the rear has been redesigned, starting with the rear doors and the roof.

The sporty and distinctive character of the 206 SW are enhanced by an increase of 19 cm in the rear overhang and by the positioning of the side windows which, with the black pillars, extend the lines to create a kind of waist. The roof bars are black and do not have a central support on the roof, which together with the side mouldings emphasise the stylish design of the vehicle. Finally, the rear door panels are smooth, because the inset handles blend in with the black pillars, but they have a grained finish to distinguish them from the body of the car.

The large rear lights function as a rear quarter panel pillar and therefore ensure continuity towards a rear screen integrated in the body. The curved glass of the opening rear window has a concave line from the sides of the vehicle. A black spoiler on the back of the roof supports the third brake light and spans the rear roofline between the two indicator lights. These lights have a large red surface with neat vertical grooves as an added refinement.

Following in the footsteps of Peugeot's latest models, there is a new chromium plated heraldic lion now positioned in the middle of the tailgate panel. The rear screen wiper arm is easy to grip so that when opened, the window can be opened without any problem. The design of the bumper incorporates the reflectors and the rear fog lamp. It also has two black side cappings to protect the corners of the vehicle.

The interior of the 206 SW echoes the general ambience of the hatch with a wide range of equipment. Those sitting in the front seat will not notice much of a difference, however those sitting in the rear will benefit from greater headroom and increased visibility due to the addition of rear quarter windows. An ultra strong mesh net in the boot secures even heavy loads, and a pull-out load area cover is provided, to keep valuable items away from prying eyes.

The Structure

With the overall length increased to 4.03 metres, due to an increase of 19 cm in the rear overhang, the 206 SW has adopted the entire front design of the existing body. It also retains its structure, especially the engine compartment and its chassis mountings with programmed deformation. The numerous cross members that criss-cross between sills and side members, and the scuttle, bulkhead and the front floor are also retained. The 'A' posts have been adopted, as have the 'B/C' posts, but these have been "straightened" by 1 mm to adapt to the new monocoque body sides.

Each of these exterior sides consists of 'A', B/C and C posts, the wing, the rear quarter panel pillar and door openings. At the top, three cross members connect the two body sides and a section serves as the roof cross member. The rear wheel arches have been partly re-designed, whereas the roof is completely new. Right at the back, the boot-opening ring is fully covered and integrates an upper and lower boxed cross member amongst other items.

Since the 2.44 metre wheelbase has been retained, the rear floor only differs from that of the saloon by an extended loading surface in the boot.

The reinforced suspension fixings are common to all the 206 models and, right at the back of the loading floor, a transverse box is provided that contributes to the rigidity of the assembly. The wheel arches and the wing and rear quarter panel linings are special components. The tailgate has an inner panel and stiffeners installed on the upper part of the ring, between the bottom of the opening window and the assembly hinges.

To emphasise the practical aspect of the 206 SW, the boot floor is flat and the loading area is lower than on the hatch (53 cm). The storage volume created by the new boot design is 313 dm3 (+68 dm3). All the new body and structural parts are pre-protected against corrosion and the weight of the body-in-white is around 296 kg, i.e. nearly 19 kg more than a five-door model. The torsion deformation value under a torque of 100 m/daN is 1.1 mrad.

The Engines

The 206 SW range is available with the six engines that are already fitted to the 206 range. These are four petrol engines with a capacity between 1.1l and 2.0l and two HDi 1-4l and 2l direct injection diesel engines. At this stage the engine choices for the Australian market are still under consideration. 

The Transmission

Naturally, the 206 SW accommodates the five speed mechanical gearboxes already used with the hatch with equivalent engines. These are the MA 5 with 1.1l, 1.4l, 1.6l petrol and 1.4l HDi diesel, and BE4-5 with the 2.0l petrol and HDi diesel.

The 1.6l TU5 JP4 petrol version will also accommodate an AL4 type automatic gearbox with four auto-adaptive speeds. The reduction ratios of these gearboxes are defined as a function of the engine characteristics in order to improve both the efficiency and pleasure of use. The clutch plate, whose mechanism is controlled by cable, has a play-free adjustment and a diameter ranging between 180 mm and 228 mm, depending on the version.

Suspension and Wheels

For the suspension and wheels, the 206 SW has benefited from the experience gained with the 206 since its launch in Europe in September 1998. A judicious choice of the settings of the suspension has allowed us to obtain a road handling with sporty tendency, regardless of the quality of the surface, while at the same time maintaining a pleasant level of comfort.

The independent four-wheel suspension includes:

• A pseudo McPherson strut type front suspension with disconnected anti-roll bar and hydraulic shock absorbers pressurised at 3 bar. 
• The rear suspension arms are connected to a cross piece, two torsion bars, an anti-roll bar and two hydraulic shock absorbers. To adapt to the increased inertia caused by increasing the rear overhang of the 206 SW (by 19 cm), the suspension has two ties connecting the suspension arms to a light alloy plate connected to the cross piece. This reduces any changes in tracking under a transverse load. 

Like the entire 206 range, the front suspension now has the following specification:

• an anti-roll bar with a diameter increased by 1 mm - 2 mm, depending on the engine, 
• strengthened connecting shims between wishbone and sub-frame, 
• firmer damping characteristics, 
• bump stops that are7mm longer to accommodate the anti-roll function on theTUi, TU3, TU5 and DV4 versions as well (the models accommodating the EW1o J4 and DW1o TD already have this). 

The rear suspension of the entire 206 range will also be modified as follows:

• a counter-camber increased by 30'to assist the work of the tyres under all conditions;
• like at the front, shock absorbers with firmer characteristic; 
• stronger connecting shims (4) between the suspension and the body, with the two rear shims aligned with the vehicle axis (b), the two front shims remaining at an angle of z5°towards the inside; 
• an anti-roll bar, whose diameter has been increased by 1 mm, except on the z litre petrol version; 
• two torsion bars with the diameter increased by o.5 mm (0 19.5 mm and 0 20 mm, depending on the engine); 
• two additional tie bars on the 206 SW. 

The steering has constant hydraulic assistance, except for the 2-litre petrol and diesel engines, when it is modulated as a function of engine speed. For the driver's comfort, a lever-operated system adjusts the height of the steering wheel over 35 mm for all versions.

The tried and tested braking system of the 206 saloon has been carried over unchanged to the 206 SW. Depending on the engine version, it is provided by discs, ventilated or not, at the front, and solid discs or drums at the back (see the attached table for the distribution). All the models are equipped as standard with a (TEVES) ITT anti-lock brake system with four MK 20 sensors, electronic brake force distributor to distribute the pressure between the front and back and between right and left at the back.

The parking brake, operated with the lever located between the front seats, acts on the rear wheels and is adjusted by a compensator under the central console.

The Exterior Equipment

Following in the 206 spirit, numerous special design and functional features have forged the personality of the 206 SW. This applies to the bumper, the spoiler, roof bars, the rear lights, and also the ingenious tailgate.

The rear bumper contributes to the dynamic design of the vehicle and performs the dual role of protecting the bodywork and the access to the boot. It consists of a beam coated with a polypropylene skin 3.3 mm thick.

Two black cappings are built on to the bumper, each defining a contact zone. As on the hatch, the lower part of the body-coloured skirt accommodates the rear fog light (anti-shock treated) and, in a form specific to the 206 SW, the access flap to the towing system and also the reflectors. The upper horizontal part, with a grained black finish, allows baggage to be loaded without fear of scratching the paintwork. Situated near the reinforcement beam, this zone will withstand a vertical load of 100 kg without major damage.

The roof bars (every model) also contribute to the design of the 206 SW. They extend the line and allow it to deal with all situations. They are one metre long and consist of extruded aluminium sections with a grained mat black finish.

They can accommodate transverse bars, available as an accessory which will carry up to 75 kg of baggage.

The tailgate integrates a large number of clever ideas both in terms of practicality and safety. Its opening reveals a well dimensioned boot with an unobtrusive low threshold. The tailgate assembly consists of a metal door panel and a window which can be opened independently of each other.

The bottom part, the metal door, is enhanced by the Peugeot and 206 SW badges on either side and also a chromium plated lion. The lion overhangs the body coloured rear licence plate housing. A smooth plastic single-piece spoiler, painted black, is located at the top and this forms the link between the top ends of the rear lights. This spoiler incorporates the third LED brake light, and also the screen wash jet.

The 5 mm thick window is tinted. It can be opened independently of the tailgate and allows ingenious loading, even when tightly parked. It also allows long items to be transported occasionally.

The rear screen wiper (arm and motor) is connected to the window. This facilitates access to the loading space when the window is open.

Two separate electric opening controls, taken from the 307, are concealed under the licence plate trim. Each operates an opening process (complete tailgate or window only) and is controlled by the built-in systems interface (BSI), which also allows the instrument panel to display whether the tailgate or the window is open, like all the other doors and windows.

The window is half opened by holding down the HF remote control button. All that has to be done then is to open it by hand by means of an armature housed in the screen wipe section so that the window actuators energise the relay and open it completely.

The "boomerang" shape of the rear lights reinforces the sleek, dynamic design of the 206 SW. Seen from the back, they are drawn up vertically to a height of 500 mm and, with a 400 mm wrap-round, they are a visible part of the side view. They have a vertically grooved ruby-coloured lens and house the different functions, the original shapes of which help to identify the 206 SW at night.

Although most of the lamps used are of the "long life" type, two flaps are nevertheless included in the side fittings to provide access to the lights without any tool other than a simple coin.

The radio aerial is equipped with an amplified short cable. It is located on the back of the roof of all the versions and serves the GPS and GSM functions associated with satellite navigation system.

The black rear door handles are recessed in the door pillars. Their colour blends in with that of the door and they are an original design feature. Depending on the model, the black finish can be grained or bright. The way they are installed and the fact that they are easy to grip makes them particularly ergonomic.

The rear screen-wipe is positioned horizontally on the window and has an intermittent function. Its 156° sweep angle ensures good rear vision and is an important safety factor.

The Interior Equipment

a vehicle designed with all its occupants in mind

The original silhouette of the 206 SW takes the sentiments engendered by the 206 range into new territory, but satisfies the expectations of our clientele.

Like the 206 hatch, the 206 SW has been designed around its occupants, and optimises a functional and organised compartment to create a natural dynamism which reinforces the feeling of a leisure vehicle with a thousand uses.

The rear compartment, which is entirely new, offers practical devices for many uses.

An accommodating rear volume...
With the rear bench seat installed, and up to the height of the seat backrests, the architecture of this new 206 offers a loading volume of 313 d m3, i.e. another 68 dm3 or 28% compared with the hatch. This volume is increased to 480 dm3 if the space up to the roof is used.

This fully trimmed rear compartment fits the metal walls in order to make full use of the space available.

To be able to use all the space in complete safety, there is an ultra-strong mesh net to secure tall loads. Its variable length means that it can be anchored to the structure on the back of the front seats or the rear seats using two hooks on the floor and two hooks concealed behind the side fittings.

... easy to hide...
A light-coloured tonneau cover to match the fittings is provided on all the versions. It consists of a metal bar containing a flexible blind. The blind has a rigid strip at the bottom with an opening that is used to pull it out and fix it in position. The strip is curved to match the tailgate to provide a perfect cover for the boot. It is also cleverly fitted with stops which help to keep it horizontal when the blind is pulled out.

... easy to load...
The boot has a low access threshold which is protected by a grooved moulding. The loading floor has a carpet onto which seven slide bars have been welded. This carpet is backed by foam which increases its strength and a partition is provided to damp the rolling noise.

Organised storage, compatible with dynamic driving
Passengers' baggage or other items can be stowed in the 206 SW to utilise the qualities of the vehicle without having to worry about any accidental movements.

A net can be installed on numerous versions, either horizontally to the bottom of the boot or vertically, or to the rear seat backrests using the eight stowage rings provided.

Either side of the boot, at the back of the wheel arches, there are facilities for securing objects including rigid mesh nets suspended from a flexible strap. They may contain a first-aid kit, for example (unless there is a CD changer on the left). Further forward, broad elastic straps can be used to hold a can, bottle, etc. The side fittings right and left integrate two hooks which can be used to take supermarket bags. A key clipped on the right gives access to the spare wheel.

The tailgate is completed trimmed. It includes a recess to house the warning triangle (obligatory in certain countries) and a moulded handle for easy closing.

You are in a 206 ...

The impressions felt in the front seats of a 206 SW are similar to those of the hatch, both in terms of room and light.

But there are differences for passengers in the back seats. The architecture is exactly the same, but the new quarter lights allow an increased level of light, which is reinforced by the slightly bigger side windows in the newly designed door. There is also more headroom thanks to the new design of the roof, which "finishes" further back.

This redistribution of the interior volumes has resulted in a modification of the interior lighting. An interior light located vertically to the rear seats allows passengers to read more easily and to illuminate the rear compartment if the blind is down.

Three handles are provided with clothes hooks. The four receptacles for the net used to secure tall loads can also accommodate a strap.

Australian Specification and Availability

The 206 SW will go on sale in Australia in mid 2003, with pricing and specifications announced in due course.

Expected standard features will include driver and passenger airbags, ABS with EBFD, remote central locking, electric windows and mirrors, Radio/CD player, Air conditioning and Automatic Headlights and Windscreen Wipers.