After an initial brief encounter with the hottest 206 diesel (see previous test) I reckoned that I would much prefer to live with this car rather than the more powerful but also more frenetic petrol-fuelled GTi 180. Having now spent considerably longer in the HDi, I still think this is the case, but I suspect that the margin is smaller than I first thought.There seems to be general agreement that Peugeot overstated the case by including the term GTi in the diesel's title. It's pleasantly quick, certainly, but in performance terms it lags considerably behind the German and Spanish opposition. However, the initial impression is that its handling is sharper than that of any other diesel hot hatch, and the ride is a great deal more compliant than you will find in the GTi 180.That, mind you, is not saying very much, and in day-to-day motoring I still find the HDi rather uncomfortable. That's partly because anyone over six feet tall is bound to find the 206 interior cramped, but in addition to this the tyres and suspension do not put a lot of effort into shielding occupants from the effects of uneven road surfaces.If the HDi were quicker than it is, this might be less of a problem. Although manufacturers should be able to come up with a decent compromise these days, a harsh ride nevertheless seems almost acceptable in a real hot hatch as long as the car provides a fantastic driving experience. The HDi doesn't have enough power to do this - it feels more like a warm hatch performer with a hot hatch ride.Not that it's all about power. I said before that the initial impressions included one about sharp handling, and as long as you're operating well below the car's limits that feeling will remain with you. But it came as a surprise to find - especially considering how stiffly the rear suspension has been set - that applying even a reasonable proportion of the engine's power in mid-corner so easily results in the front end washing out.Of course, any fool with a heavy right foot can create understeer by calling up too much power too soon. The curious thing about the HDi is that even a gentle touch on the accelerator, with the car nicely balanced in the corner, is enough to push the nose away from the apex. An equally gentle lift sends it straight back to the intended line, but mid-corner lifting is usually an emergency measure required when you've gone hammering into the bend far too quickly. I was hoping for neater road behaviour than this, and I only got it by driving in a completely non-GTi manner.For everyday use I would still opt for this car rather than the 180, but I'm also disappointed. I had been looking forward to my week with the HDi, and expecting to find an array of subtle delights as I covered the miles. As things have turned out, the more I drive this car, the less it impresses me. The true Peugeot diesel hot hatch is still some way off. Engine 1560cc, 4 cylinders Power 110bhp Transmission 5-speed manual Fuel/CO2 58.9mpg / 126g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 9.8 seconds Top speed 118mph Price £13,770 Details correct at publication date
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