Faults:

Owned the car a year now, and have had the following:

- Rear bearings failure (replaced the whole rear axle with a scrap one).

- Speedometer failure (live with it isn't an MoT failure).

- ABS sensors; rear ones replaced (rust maybe?).

- Indicator stayed on. Took the steering column apart and blew it :)

- Goes through front tyres like Lady Gaga's outfits...

- Rattling exhaust manifold (live with it, keeps me awake in the mornings).

General Comments:

Fast and torquey in the mid range, but the low end power is poo.

I've not much experience with other GTi's to be fair, but I would say that value for money on a hot hatch, you can't go wrong. Just be prepared for a little DIY.

I think on high revs it will start beating other 8 valve cars, but the low end lets it down to be fair.

My advice: If you do get a 206 GTi, check the rear wheels for play, and listen carefully to the engine when running.

As for comfort; driving on motorways is painful!!

Faults:

Not a lot really, just one front tyre wore down quicker than the rest at 20.000miles.

The rain sensitive wipers can get a bit carried away if you have them on for along time. Have never replaced the sensor though.

General Comments:

It's a fun car to drive.

It looks good with either men or women driving it.

Its cheap to run.

Very comfortable.

Faults:

When I bought the car, it looked really nice, the body work and paintwork were in immaculate condition, the engine was all in one piece unlike my old 206, but things I had issues with were as follows:-

The central locking mechanism on the passengers side decided to die for no reason.

The alarm system worked as far as protecting the car against a break in, but if someone were to be able to get in and unlock it, it wouldn't work, the ultrasonic had packed up.

Its only 6 years old, and only has 71,0000 miles on the clock so this shouldn't be an issue.

General Comments:

It handles really well, but could do with a better braking system, the car seems over powered for its underpowered brakes, it could also do with ABS to control the skid when the wheels lock up.

It has excellent mpg, better than the non turbo 1.9 version

Faults:

Engine management problem upon delivery from dealer, took a week to resolve, mean while I got a 1.4 dirty courtesy car, not a good first impression from my dealer.

Suspension rattles when cornering.

Build quality is not the best, squeaks and rattles from engine bay and interior trim are very annoying. I have not managed to trace them all yet.

Engine generally noisy and unrefined.

Poor take up when re-applying accelerator at speed, engine seems to back off before providing any power.

Clutch very heavy, and gearbox not very smooth, I lost count of the number of times my foot beat my hand due to an poor gear change.

Very strange driving position, I couldn't get comfortable at all. Found myself constantly changing my seat position.

General Comments:

Not all bad! climate control is very good, never had to touch the settings come winter or summer, this shows that it can maintain a set temperature.

This car is quick! even if it rattles! for a 138BHP unit it definitely cuts the mustard, saw plenty off plenty of rivals.

Faults:

Front wiper blades snapped (my own fault).

General Comments:

Looks fantastic.

Handles well, very nimble and great fun.

Visibility reduced by front windscreen supports.

Good speed and power for a 1.4 and is good for cruising at 80 to 90mph on the motorway.

Can get a bit loud in the cabin when at these speeds though.

Gear changes can feel a bit labored and clunky.

Fuel economy more like a 1.6, and if anything worse than a 1.6 on the motorway.

Low tax and insurance.

After driving 3 hours on the motorway I did find myself in a bit of discomfort due to the seat.