The Peugeot 206 is a popular small car in the Peoples Republic of China, despite it being an ‘older’ car that has since been improved in Europe in the guise of the newer 207 model, the 206 continues to sell well in China.
The Chinese 206 is to be given a facelift to look more like the 207, but not actually become the 207. Let us explain further: The Brazillian automobile market also received the 206, but in May 2008, Peugeot Brazil decided to bring the 206’s design inline with the European 207. This was mainly a re-engineered front end, slight upgrades to the dash and alterations to the suspension design. The Chinese 206 already has a 3cm higher ride height than the previous European 206, so we are unsure if there will be a change to the forthcoming Chinese 206/7.
Rumors are also afloat that Dongfeng Peugeot 206 will introduce a 206 sedan to compete with the recently introduced Mazda 2 sedan which is selling very well. The 206 sedan is already on sale in Iran
Why is it that French and German manufacturers insist on giving China all their old models?
Or just plain odd models?
In Brazil, the so called 206 and half, which Peugeot decided to name as 207 is basicly and insertion of the front style of the 207 with some small adjustments inside and behind the cars. These models were already introduced in Brazil, despite they will be available for selling just as from the end of August.
The stange fact is that in Brazil Peugeot came with the argument that the Project of the European 207 could not be introduced in Brazil because the level of technology do not allow them to have a competitive price on the market (?!).
Case you need photos, just let me know.
Best regards,
Jorge Irineu Hosang
Car Specialist / Brazil
Jorge,
Thanks for the update on that 206.5, it sounds interesting. Is the ride height also higher on the Brazillian model as it is on the Chinese one?