My 207 SX test car has a front bumper section that features a shark-like protruding nose that mimics sportier racing Peugeots. But never fear, if you think this front end looks a bit too ‘lad-ish’ you can get a version with a friendlier looking nose.
Built on the same platform as the niche-selling Peugeot 1007 the 207 is one of the largest small hatchbacks you can buy and also one of the safest in terms of crash protection. 207 scored 5 stars in Euro NCAP crash tests and 4 stars for occupant safety.
207’s exterior is an evolution rather than revolution in styling. It’s as curvy as the much loved 206 and there are 3 and 5-door body styles to choose from. Peugeot has decided to continue to sell the 206 alongside the 207 for the next year or so and only then assess its future. The size difference allows this as overall the 207 looks more grown up and sophisticated.
The cabin features improved materials and ergonomics. There is space for five and the driving position is comfortable. The steering adjusts for reach and rake and the driving position good. My only criticism concerns the pedal layout that could be more accommodating to my size ten feet.
The 207 handles well on twisty roads, thanks mainly to the car’s larger footprint. Compared to its rivals the Pug has a nice, tight and slightly firm suspension set up. The cabin is reasonably quiet too with only slight wind/road noise audible. The 207’s boot holds 270 litres and can swallow a decent amount of cargo. For bigger transport jobs 923 litres of space is available when the rear seats are folded down.
€19,195 is the price tag on my 1.4 litre, 16 valve, 90bhp, 5-door. This four cylinder petrol engine is to quote Goldilocks “just right”. Delivering on average 44mpg/6.4 L/100km the 207 still has enough power to allow the driver enjoy the motorway.
An entry level 8 valve 75bhp 1.4 litre engine (the smallest available) is coming this November. Sadly for younger drivers the 1.1 litre engine found in the 206 range will not be offered. In reality a 1.1 litre wouldn’t be much use in this far heavier car. The only other petrol engine in the range is the hot 150bhp 1.6 litre turbo (again available from November). Three diesels are in the range – after all this is a French car. The smallest is a 1.4 litre HDi that pushes out 70bhp and 160nm, next up is a 90bhp/215nm 1.6 litre 16 valve HDi. The oil burning range topper is the 110bhp/260nm 1.6 litre 16 valve HDi.
Prices start at €15,595 (207 S 3dr) and rise to the dizzy heights of €26,395 (207 GT HDi 5dr). Peugeot is developing with BMW an interesting new 1.6 litre engine that will be available later in the year that will also feature in the MINI.
The 207 is a tidy, smart looking car that should improve on the legendary 206’s popularity.
Michael Sheridan
