Peugeot 207 SWOf all the many models to grace the Peugeot range, it’s those prefixed with the magic ’20…’ that seem to epitomise the core brand values: driving pleasure and value for money. The 207 is the latest model in this mid-sized range, which was first launched in 2007 and restyled two years later, and here we’re looking at the SW variant. You and I might refer to it as the estate car, and though Peugeot can’t be persuaded to say the ‘SW’ letters stand for anything, they might at a pinch settle for ‘Sport Wagon’.So you’ve got a car that drives as well as the 207 hatch (check out our test of that to see the full story), but does it deliver the goods in terms of practicality? Well, the boot dimensions before folding the rear seats are 104cm wide by around 75cm long and a height of 50 under the parcel shelf. Since the sides are not precisely straight the real world volume is 325 litres (rather than the 390 you get by simply multiplying together the three dimensions), or 11.5 cubic feet, which is pretty good for a car of this size. However, the real plus points are found when you increase the load volume by folding the rear seats, for although the cushion doesn’t fold, you still end up with a flat floor, and the folding process is as easy as it gets. You then have a luggage volume of 1258 litres (44.5 cubic feet), and that’s going to satisfy virtually all your B&Q trips.Alongside their reputation for providing great roadholding, Peugeot also bask in the glow of endless plaudits for their seat comfort and ride quality. I’m often asked whether this is a national trait, and to a large extent I reckon it is. Although it’s something of a generalisation, French manufacturers do specialise in a softer seat than do the Germans who favour the harder, no-frills, seat-of-your-pants approach. Other nations seem to fit somewhere between the two. Having said which, the latest Peugeots seem to be a touch firmer in the seat department than their forbears, though that impression could of course be down to the age and tiredness of my own 9-yr-old 206.The SW is for the most part easy to drive, though the cluttered rear quarters and rear window that’s only just big enough necessitate extra care when parking. Our test car had the 112PS version of the 1.6 HDi engine, so low-down torque provided all the urge necessary to keep up with the traffic, yet return excellent fuel figures. Some drivers will be pleased to see the gear change indicator (manual gearbox models) which could encourage them to drive in a more environmentally efficient way. The official combined consumption is 61.3mpg, but the test car’s computer reckoned we were doing about 3 better, and that without trying particularly hard. Car computers are of course notoriously optimistic with their eco measurements, but the slow decline of the fuel gauge indicated that this one could certainly get the official figure if its driver was prepared to go thoughtfully.Interior of the SW is smart, if rather ordinary. You get the dark grey effect that’s lightened with bright elements scattered around the facia, and welcome chrome effect surrounds to the gauges. You might be disappointed with the size of the glove box, which will struggle to take any more than your gloves, but against that there are quite a few useful cubby holes dotted around the cabin, and fair sized door pockets too. Rear seat passengers get loads of head room, and reasonable leg room provided the front seat occupants are understanding types.Unlike many load luggers, the SW is an attractive car – well I think so – and it’s well equipped too. Standard on all models are air con, electric mirrors/front windows, remote locking with deadlocks, computer, and four airbags. The SW hasn’t been specifically tested by EuroNCAP, but the hatchback scored five stars for front/side impact, three for pedestrian protection, and four for child protection, so you can reckon the SW will mimic those results.Size:4.15m x 1.92m (inc mirrors)Engine: Petrol: 1.4 & 1.6 litresDiesel: 1.6 litres – 92 & 112PSGearbox: 5/6-speed FWDBest Consumption: 92 PS Diesel - 64.2mpgPrice at Nov’10: £13,335 to £17,185Full details of the 207 SW are available on the manufacturer’s website: www.peugeot.co.ukPeter Cracknell - Nov 2010
Peugeot 207 SW
Of all the many models to grace the Peugeot range,
it’s those prefixed with the magic ’20…’ that seem to
epitomise the core brand values: driving pleasure and
value for money. The 207 is the latest model in this
mid-sized range, which was first launched in 2007
and restyled two years later, and here we’re looking at
the SW variant. You and I might refer to it as the
estate car, and though Peugeot can’t be persuaded to
say the ‘SW’ letters stand
for anything, they might at
a pinch settle for ‘Sport
Wagon’.
So you’ve got a car that
drives as well as the 207
hatch (check out our test of
that to see the full story),
but does it deliver the
goods in terms of
practicality? Well, the boot
dimensions before folding
the rear seats are 104cm
wide by around 75cm long
and a height of 50 under
the parcel shelf. Since the
sides are not precisely
straight the real world
volume is 325 litres (rather
than the 390 you get by simply multiplying together
the three dimensions), or 11.5 cubic feet, which is
pretty good for a car of this size. However, the real
plus points are found when you increase the load
volume by folding the rear seats, for although the
cushion doesn’t fold, you still end up with a flat floor,
and the folding process is as easy as it gets. You then
have a luggage volume of 1258 litres (44.5 cubic
feet), and that’s going to satisfy virtually all your B&Q
trips.
Alongside their reputation for providing great
roadholding, Peugeot also bask in the glow of endless
plaudits for their seat comfort and ride quality. I’m
often asked whether this is a national trait, and to a
large extent I reckon it is. Although it’s something of a
generalisation, French manufacturers do specialise in
a softer seat than do the Germans who favour the
harder, no-frills, seat-of-your-pants approach. Other
nations seem to fit somewhere between the two.
Having said which, the latest Peugeots seem to be a
touch firmer in the seat department than their
forbears, though that impression could of course be
down to the age and tiredness of my own 9-yr-old
206.
The SW is for the most part easy to drive, though the
cluttered rear quarters and rear window that’s only
just big enough necessitate extra care when parking.
Our test car had the 112PS version of the 1.6 HDi
engine, so low-down torque provided all the urge
necessary to keep up with the traffic, yet return
excellent fuel figures. Some drivers will be pleased to
see the gear change indicator (manual gearbox
models) which could encourage them to drive in a
more environmentally efficient way. The official
combined consumption is 61.3mpg, but the test car’s
computer reckoned we were doing about 3 better, and
that without trying particularly hard. Car computers are
of course notoriously optimistic with their eco
measurements, but the slow decline of the fuel gauge
indicated that this one could certainly get the official
figure if its driver was prepared to go thoughtfully.
Interior of the SW is
smart, if rather ordinary.
You get the dark grey
effect that’s lightened
with bright elements
scattered around the
facia, and welcome
chrome effect surrounds
to the gauges. You
might be disappointed
with the size of the glove
box, which will struggle
to take any more than
your gloves, but against
that there are quite a
few useful cubby holes
dotted around the cabin,
and fair sized door
pockets too. Rear seat
passengers get loads of head room, and reasonable leg
room provided the front seat occupants are
understanding types.
Unlike many load luggers, the SW is an attractive car –
well I think so – and it’s well equipped too. Standard on
all models are air con, electric mirrors/front windows,
remote locking with deadlocks, computer, and four
airbags. The SW hasn’t been specifically tested by
EuroNCAP, but the hatchback scored five stars for
front/side impact, three for pedestrian protection, and
four for child protection, so you can reckon the SW will
mimic those results.
Size:
4.15m x 1.92m (inc mirrors)
Engine:
Petrol: 1.4 & 1.6 litres
Diesel: 1.6 litres – 92 & 112PS
Gearbox:
5/6-speed FWD
Best Consumption:
92 PS Diesel - 64.2mpg
Price at Nov’10:
£13,335 to £17,185
Full details of the 207 SW are available on the
manufacturer’s website: www.peugeot.co.uk
Peter Cracknell - Nov 2010
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