Peugeot 207You could be forgiven for thinking that the launch of the 207 hatchback in June 2006 would have killed off the 206, but that slightly smaller hatch remains on the books, in 1.4HDi format, for a little while yet. The 207 – some 20cm longer than the 206 – has the same attractive front, which has been the significant USP of both ranges; it’s a timeless design that attracts young and old alike, and the car’s continuing appeal is the reason we’ve slotted a test in here.The model we tested was the 207 Verve – a special edition, but apart from the fairly high level of equipment, it’s not materially different to any of the other models now on offer, many of which are powered by the same 1.4 HDi engine. When you get into a small Pug, you know what life is going to be like until you get out at the other end: comfortable seating, smooth ride, and a smart well-finished interior. The 207 does indeed have that lot, and though most of it could be found in the 206 as well, there are significant uplifts on what that car offers. Perhaps most importantly the driving position is streets ahead of the old car. For all its benefits, the 206 had a driving position that suggested its buyers must have parted with their cash before they got behind the wheel; many normal-sized British folk are hard pressed to get comfortable. The 207 principally answers that criticism by providing reach adjustment for the steering, so taller drivers can slide the seat back and still manage to get hold of the wheel.At just over four metres long the 207 will for many families be seen as a second car, but smaller families could promote it to being their sole transport if the children are not too old. Room in the rear seat isn’t great for adults, but shorter legged occupants will be quite happy, and there’s plenty of head room. Boot space (it measures 103cm wide by 72cm long) will be enough for all but the longest holidays, and of course the rear seats can be folded down to increase what’s on offer to a maximum 1195 litres.Engine choice for the 207 is a wide one, with five petrol and three diesel units. Our 1.4 HDi is one of the more popular choices, and with a combined consumption figure of 64.1mpg it’s easy to see why. If performance is a more pressing concern, then the petrol GT model will do the business; 0-60 in under nine seconds and a top whack of 131mph is all you need, and indeed rather more than you can expect to use on UK roads today.On the road it’s an easy car to drive, with light controls and a responsive chassis, and though the diesel version – presumably thanks to the extra weight up front – doesn’t have quite the precision of the best petrol versions, it’s nimble enough to provide a fun drive. Smart gauges, lit with a comforting orange glow at night, provide all the info you need, and all versions are equipped with a trip computer that amongst its many tasks enables you to check how near you’re getting to that impressive official consumption. Other equipment includes front and side airbags (all bar the base model actually have curtain bags too), seat height adjustment for driver and passenger (that’s unusual), CD player, split folding rear seat, electric front windows and remote locking. There are five trim levels, so it’s easy to find the one that carries all the gizmos you feel prepared to pay for.Ask owners what they think of the 206 or 207, and the likely response will be that it does everything they want it to, not spectacularly well, but well enough, and it really looks good; all of which might not sound too enthusiastic, but it does cover what most owners want. Reliability is fairly good, comfort is good, and engines are very good – the 207 was the first car to get the BMW/PSA petrol units that are winning many friends amongst public and press alike.The 207 is a noticeable step up from the 206, which itself was Europe’s best seller from 2001 to 2003. Compare it with offerings from the east, and you might think it looks a tad pricey, but the car’s looks will for many buyers be enough to convince them it’s worth paying the extra.Size: 4.03 x 1.72mEngines: Petrol: 1.4 litre – 75 & 95PS 1.6 litre – 110, 120, 150 & 175PS Diesel: 1.4 litre – 68PS 1.6 litre – 90 & 110PSGearbox: 5-speed front driveBest consumption: 1.4 diesel – 64.1mpgPrice at April ’09: £9,995 – £16,485Full details of the 207 available on the manufacturer’s website: www.peugeot.co.ukPeter Cracknell - April 2009
Peugeot 207
You could be forgiven for thinking that the launch of the
207 hatchback in June 2006 would have killed off the
206, but that slightly smaller hatch remains on the books,
in 1.4HDi format, for a little while yet. The 207 – some
20cm longer than the 206 – has the same attractive front,
which has been the significant USP of both ranges; it’s a
timeless design that attracts young and old alike, and the
car’s continuing appeal is the reason we’ve slotted a test
in here.
The model we tested was the 207 Verve – a special
edition, but apart from the fairly high level of equipment,
it’s not materially different to any of the other models now
on offer, many of which are powered by the same 1.4 HDi
engine. When you get into a small Pug, you know what
life is going to be like
until you get out at the
other end: comfortable
seating, smooth ride,
and a smart well-finished
interior. The 207 does
indeed have that lot, and
though most of it could
be found in the 206 as
well, there are significant
uplifts on what that car
offers. Perhaps most
importantly the driving
position is streets ahead
of the old car. For all its
benefits, the 206 had a
driving position that
suggested its buyers must have parted with their cash
before they got behind the wheel; many normal-sized
British folk are hard pressed to get comfortable. The 207
principally answers that criticism by providing reach
adjustment for the steering, so taller drivers can slide the
seat back and still manage to get hold of the wheel.
At just over four metres long the 207 will for many
families be seen as a second car, but smaller families
could promote it to being their sole transport if the
children are not too old. Room in the rear seat isn’t great
for adults, but shorter legged occupants will be quite
happy, and there’s plenty of head room. Boot space (it
measures 103cm wide by 72cm long) will be enough for
all but the longest holidays, and of course the rear seats
can be folded down to increase what’s on offer to a
maximum 1195 litres.
Engine choice for the 207 is a wide one, with five petrol
and three diesel units. Our 1.4 HDi is one of the more
popular choices, and with a combined consumption figure
of 64.1mpg it’s easy to see why. If performance is a more
pressing concern, then the petrol GT model will do the
business; 0-60 in under nine seconds and a top whack of
131mph is all you need, and indeed rather more than you
can expect to use on UK roads today.
On the road it’s an easy car to drive, with light controls
and a responsive chassis, and though the diesel version
– presumably thanks to the extra weight up front –
doesn’t have quite the precision of the best petrol
versions, it’s nimble enough to provide a fun drive. Smart
gauges, lit with a comforting orange glow at night, provide
all the info you need, and all versions are equipped with
a trip computer that amongst its many tasks enables you
to check how near you’re getting to that impressive
official consumption. Other equipment includes front and
side airbags (all bar the base model actually have
curtain bags too), seat height adjustment for driver and
passenger (that’s unusual), CD player, split folding rear
seat, electric front windows and remote locking. There
are five trim levels, so it’s easy to find the one that
carries all the gizmos you feel prepared to pay for.
Ask owners what they think of the 206 or 207, and the
likely response will be that it does everything they want it
to, not spectacularly well, but well enough, and it really
looks good; all of which might not sound too
enthusiastic, but it does
cover what most owners
want. Reliability is fairly
good, comfort is good,
and engines are very
good – the 207 was the
first car to get the
BMW/PSA petrol units that
are winning many friends
amongst public and press
alike.
The 207 is a noticeable
step up from the 206,
which itself was Europe’s
best seller from 2001 to
2003. Compare it with
offerings from the east,
and you might think it looks a tad pricey, but the car’s
looks will for many buyers be enough to convince them
it’s worth paying the extra.
Size: 4.03 x 1.72m
Engines: Petrol: 1.4 litre – 75 & 95PS
1.6 litre – 110, 120,
150 & 175PS
Diesel: 1.4 litre – 68PS
1.6 litre – 90 & 110PS
Gearbox: 5-speed front drive
Best consumption: 1.4 diesel – 64.1mpg
Price at April ’09: £9,995 – £16,485
Full details of the 207 available on the manufacturer’s
website: www.peugeot.co.uk
Peter Cracknell - April 2009
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