Peugeot 206 RC
7.2 / 10
Involvement 7.4 / 10
Why 7.2: A small, revvy European hot hatch with real road use, low purchase price and a cult following outside the US.
0 · boulevard trophy Index 7.2 Involvement 7.410 · driver’s tool
Miles actually driven6.8
Bought to drive, not to flip7.4
Track-day sightingscontext · not scored7.2
Handling · small NA French hatch, lift-off attitude7.4
Power-to-weight · sweet spot161 hp/t
Layout
Natural habitat
Ride comfort
Market value
Median asking price, good condition · €22k (2004) → €17k (2026), trending down · illustrative data
The long version
The 206 RC is not the 205 GTI reborn, but it is the 206 generation at its most serious: naturally aspirated two-litre, close-ratio manual, compact footprint and just enough French looseness to stay interesting. Values have moved from cheap-thrash territory into cared-for modern-classic territory, but they are not too precious yet. It earns its page because Europe has a whole layer of driver cars that American DougScore coverage barely touches.