Peugeot's Low-Cost 206+ Confirmed for Geneva

The Geneva Auto Show is not only about all new high-performance, supercars and hybrid models but also about low-cost vehicles specifically addressed to an economic crisis-hit market. Peugeot for instance plans the showcase at the upcoming show the new 206+, a low-cost version of the popular 206 five-door hatchback exclusively aimed at European markets. According to Autonews Europe citing Peugeot Managing Director Jean-Philippe Collin, the 206+ will be priced below 207 but above the 107.

"The idea is to have a whole range of small cars, for all uses, from the 107 to the 207, with the 1007 and the 206+ in between," Collin said. "This way we cover the whole segment."

In case you're wondering what are the elements to differentiate the 206 and the 206+, you should probably know the low-cost version comes with slightly modified external styling including a reshaped hood, new grille and restyled headlights. Interiors have been modified with new minor dashboard and decorative elements, according to the aforementioned source.

The 206+ will be manufactured by PSA/Peugeot-Citroen's Mulhouse factory in eastern France and will be powered by several engine configurations, each of them particularly optimized for reduced emissions and enhanced fuel economy.

For instance, the 1.1-liter gasoline engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and delivers a maximum power of 60 hp. Maximum speed is rated at 155 km/h while the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration is done in 16.1 seconds. In terms of fuel consumption, this version achieves 8.0 l/100 km in urban cycle and 4.5 l/100km in highway driving, with 135 g/km CO2 emissions.