THE Peugeot 206 van has finally gone on sale in the UK, just a year after the model was first previewed at Fleet Show 1999. Offering what Peugeot describes as a 'stylish yet practical' package, the van comes with just one engine option, the 1.9-litre normally aspirated diesel powerplant offering 70bhp at 4,600rpm and a top speed of 100mph.

At £8,000 ex-VAT, the 206 is almost head-on in price with the new Fiesta TDdi at £7,990 and Vauxhall Corsavan at £7,910, while undercutting the Renault Clio van at £8,275. Fiat's Puntovan TD comes in at a bargain basement £7,416. The new van is based on the 3dr Peugeot 206 car, with steel side panels in place of windows. Loadspace is one cubic metre and payload is 525kg.