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Peugeot 207 (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)
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Peugeot 207
4:26pm Thursday 12th November 2009
Overall
rating: 4 stars
The 207 has a tough act to follow - the 206 that it replaces was one of the most successful superminis of recent years. Bigger and better than its predecessor, the 207 combines strong design with excellent practicality.
The handsome styling incorporates design cues from both the 206 and 307, with a broad radiator grille and swept back headlamps. Inside, decent plastics and well-placed switchgear give the cabin an sensation of quality, with the chrome-ringed instrument dials having a classy look to them. It's impressively spacious, too - with the 206's ache-inducing driving position banished and plenty of adjustment for both seat and steering wheel. Impressive boot space underlines the 207's claim to be the grown-up supermini, with one of the biggest luggage compartments in the segment.
It's pretty good to drive, too. A long wheelbase means that it's able to effectively smooth out progress over lumpy, bumpy roads, with the handling combining nimbleness and adjustability. The new electrical power steering system is particularly impressive, serving up just enough feel for keen drivers while remaining nice and light around town and when parking.
207 buyers will be able to choose between three petrol and three diesel engines from launch, with other powerplants coming later. The entry-level 1.4 litre 8 valve engine musters a healthy 75 bhp, but the more powerful 1.4 litre 16 valve (with 90 bhp) is the most fun to use, revving enthusiastically and offering keen mid-range response. The more powerful 1.6 litre motor makes more noise but feels barely quicker. Many buyers will opt for one of the three refined HDI turbodiesels, although the more powerful 110 bhp 1.6 HDi turbodiesel misses the shove we'd expect.
Peugeot's pricing is cheek by jowl alongside its rivals, so the extra space the 207 offers looks good value next to most competitors and it should hold its value as well as the 206 did.
What's to like
1) Generous space all round.
2) Solid build quality.
3) Nimble handling.
What's not to like
1) Styling could be bolder.
2) Engines short on zest.
3) 1.6-litre petrol's poor refinement.
Your sayYour Cirencester
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Peugeot 207
Peugeot 207
Peugeot 207
Peugeot 207
See also
Environment
rating: 3 stars
Emission figures down in the 120g/km region for the 1.4 and 1.6 HDI diesel engines earn the range five stars and exemption from the London Congestion Charge under new rules. Fuel economy is also good and even the 1.6 turbo petrol engines don't stray to far over 150g/km. Sporty models like the GTI and CC offer two of the best environmental choices if you're after a racy hatch.
Styling
rating: 4 stars
The 207 looks just like a 206 that's been slightly over-inflated - or a 307 that's had some of the air let out - handsome but familiar.
Handling
rating: 4 stars
Keener pilots will enjoy a surprisingly responsive driving experience in the 207. The steering wheel offers good sensitivity and there's reasonable grip, although the rear wheel can be coaxed out of line in slippery corners.
Comfort
rating: 4 stars
In the 207, Peugeot has laid to rest the awful driving position of the 206. There's plenty of space in the rear seats for two adults' heads and legs.
Quality
rating: 4 stars
Good paintwork, tight shutlines and a weighty
Performance
rating: 3 stars
All but the most basic 1.4 8v petrol engine do a decent job. The 1.4 16v is the big seller and also the most willing engine in the range. Performance versions will come later.
Roominess
rating: 5 stars
Peugeot has supersized the 207 and it provides loads of space for passengers and luggage. Even so, it's still compact enough to be easy to slot into tight car park spaces.
Costs
rating: 4 stars
Good fuel economy applies just as readily to the petrol engines as it does to the diesels. The extra cost of buying a diesel-powered 207 will only be balanced out if you cover many miles, but servicing and insurance costs are low for all models.
Value
rating: 4 stars
All 207s come with plenty of standard safety equipment, while niceties such as a CD player and electric front windows are included on all models.
Stereo
rating: 3 stars
The standard stereo sounds fine, though the fiddly control buttons should be easier to work. Optional satnav works well.
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