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Peugeot 206CC
Tanning motion
If you want to be the center of attraction, Carmela Ortiz suggests you retract the power roof. Just don't forget the sunblock
Photography by Richard Garcia
Like most filipinas, I am obsessed with taking care of my skin. I love getting a tan once in a while but I avoid literally baking myself under the harmful rays of the sun. Every day, I try to avoid UV rays and even drive a heavily tinted vehicle. But one scorching day, I was given the task of driving a Peugeot. I was so keyed up-until I heard the word 'convertible.'
Sitting inside the 206cc made me feel like a giant about to go "Fee-fi-foe-fum." For my built and frame (which is not your average Filipina), the seats gave me a really shoulder-squeezing-I-forgot-how-to- breathe time. While exploring and trying to press all the keys-hoping that there wasn't an eject button-I felt completely lost. I wished I had a Peugeot for Dummies book in hand. I felt disoriented and tried to unssuccessfully fumble my way just trying to turn off the lights. That's when I realized: Almost everything is automatic. The car can detect whether you're driving under the pale moonlight or under the scorching heat of the sun. Coolness.
Next, I tried to play with the roof. For a split-second, I thought I was in a Transformers movie. The spectators were staring blankly at me as I changed this tiny two-door vehicle into a lustrous two-door convertible. The 206cc is just like those clothes that you can convert from a casual jeans-and-shirt getup to a stunning formal ensemble in a matter of 15 seconds or even less.
If you spend more than 30 minutes inside this vehicle, you can clearly sense that this is made for a lady. The passenger and the driver both have sun visors with mirrors-perfect for quick touch-ups, although we don't advise that you do this while driving. As for people who are vertically challenged, everything can be easily adjusted to suit your frame-from headlights to the height of your seat, except for the width of the seat. This vehicle is perfect for a woman and, some might say, a woman alone.
Keeping my foot on the accelerator, I tried to squeeze the strength out of this tiny car. When you reach 90-100kph, you can feel a little push as it runs smoothly to 110-120kph. Once you get past 120kph, you can feel another nudge as the speedometer needle goes up, and this can make you feel agitated. For a second there, I wondered that for the weight of this vehicle plus the speed-would I get to achieve a full stop without stumbling over? Luckily, I stopped without a scratch.
After exhausting myself, I decided to take a quick stop. I parked under a big old oak tree and pressed all the buttons right in front of me again. I wondered what button I hadn't pressed yet. I saw the glove compartment and started to wonder what was inside.
Eureka! In front of me was a wonderful creation-two cupholders inside the glove box. The compartment acts as the tray. But I guess it is just useful when you eat while parked. Not exactly that good for women on the go who want everything within reach. And while I was as it, I was surprised to find that there were hardly any compartments or pockets for you to stuff your anik-anik and little knick-knacks in.
Then of course, what a greater way to end your sunny day than to get yourself drenched in liquid sunshine? Good thing I didn't leave the top open. But the 206cc had another surprise for me-the wipers were automatic, too! They can magically detect rainfall. Great, huh?
This is a good car to show off to friends that you can afford a French car, but I personally don't advise this for everyday use. The Peugeot convertible is quite great if you don't use it with the roof down-unless you want to be a candidate for lung cancer due to Manila pollution. It's definitely a car to use for long drives, but make sure that you take it out during the wee hours of the morning. Also, make sure that you have a companion while driving this around with the top down, since you are a great candidate for holdups or a stranger might just jump inside your car and make himself feel comfortable.
| Peugeot 206CC |
| We say: With automatic everything, the only thing you need to manually take care of is putting sunblock on your face. |
Price: P1.750M
Engine: 1.6L DOHC
Power: 110hp
Torque: 147Nm
Transmission: 4-Speed Tiptronic
Layout/Seating: FWD/2+2
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After driving the Peugeot 206cc, I asked myself: Now who would want to drive a convertible around Metro Manila? First, you'll never make it to your destination without having to wipe an inch of smog off your face. Second, even though the roof is fixed on top of you, you can still feel the heat seeping through. Third, there isn't enough room for your shopping bags!
But come to think of it: I would personally want to drive a 206cc around Metro Manila because it grabs the attention of bored passengers when you play with the roof while you're stuck in traffic. Now that's priceless.
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Top Gear Philippines - August 2006
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