Little big car

Peugeot has a strong track record when it comes to superminis. The 205 started it all off in 1983 and things got even better fifteen years later with the 206, a car that was to sell over five million units worldwide. In 2006, the onus fell on the model we’re looking at here, the 207, now improved with what Peugeot promise is a range of small but significant detail enhancements.

The design of this car is based around the family face that’s now common across the Peugeot range with the large grille and elongated front light clusters creating a front end that grins manically. The striking and sporty look, which was designed in-house by Peugeot’s own stylists, has divided opinion but you can’t accuse Peugeot of treading a conservative path.

Peugeot is offering a choice of five petrol and three diesel engines. The petrol models offered are a 1.4-litre 8-valve unit producing 75bhp, a 1.4-litre VTi variable valve timing unit with 95bhp, a 1.6-litre VTi giving out 120bhp, plus 150 and 175bhp 1.6-litre turbo options. The diesel offerings are all second generation common-rail high-pressure direct injection powerplants and start with a 1.4-litre HDi producing 70bhp. This is followed by a 1.6-litre HDi 16-valve delivering 90bhp and a range-topping version of the same engine with a variable geometry turbocharger producing 112bhp.

The 207 is a hefty vehicle tipping the scales at nearly 1,300kg. In the 1.4-litre VTi car, the 0-60mph sprint takes 12.8s and the top speed is 115mph. By contrast, the MINI which uses the same engine weighs 1,135kg and can get to 60mph in 10.9s, evidence of the impact that less weight can have. The advantage of the Peugeot’s mass is its composure and that all important big car feel out on the road. It’s an unhurried, comfortable car to drive that’s great on longer journeys and takes to twisty back roads with relish thanks to its well-judged suspension. As long as you don’t expect too much pace from the overworked smaller engines, the 5-speed gearbox is the only real drawback the best bet is to avoid it and choose a 207 with the more modern 6-speed ‘box.

The 207 represented a big improvement for Peugeot in terms of perceived quality and the latest versions aim to enhance that reputation. The materials in the cabin look and feel sturdy with no obvious flaws in terms of the way they all fit together. The lower specification models lack some of the fancy detailing you get as you ascend the range but the interior of a 207 is generally a pleasant place to be. The latest cars benefit from revised instrument panels designed to give a more modern feel and some upgraded trim materials. Rear legroom is not as good as in some rivals, although there’s compensation in the shape of a 310-litre boot capacity.

The styling themes that have gradually rolled out across the Peugeot model range are nothing if not distinctive and as with anything so wilfully out of the ordinary, the look of the 207 may not be to everyone’s taste. For the uninitiated, the 207’s main distinguishing features are those elongated headlamps that stretch back from the nose into the front wings and the huge grinning grille below, its teeth braced by a dark central bumper. The current models have slight revisions to the front end the most obvious being the relocation of the fog lights, on models which have them, to independent slots cut into the bumper. They were previously mounted on the side of the grille. Around the back, things are less extrovert but the overall look has real purpose about it. The LED rear light clusters could be the highlight and from any angle, it’s immediately obvious you’re looking at a Peugeot 207.

Equipment levels? Well, the options range from the basic Urban model through S and Sport to the plush SE premium, the green Economique and the pacey GT and GTi models. Buyers can choose from 3-door and 5-door hatchbacks, SW estates and CC convertibles with an SW Outdoor model also offered that looks a bit like a 4x4. Air-conditioning is available in two specifications, dual zone manual or automatic. In addition, the car can be equipped with a fragrance diffuser which is discreetly incorporated into the fascia panel and dispenses one of seven selectable fragrances to keep the interior of your 207 smelling sweetly. This is a reassuringly high-tech car and even the lower-spec derivatives come well equipped. Recent additions to the range include remote controlled window closure, one-touch indicators and the Peugeot Connect entertainment system with a USB interface and Bluetooth compatibility.

Safety has been designed into the 207 from the outset. The car’s front end contains two impact absorption structures borrowed from the 407 that distribute impact energy more efficiently in the event of a collision. Sill reinforcements and tubular bars in the doors aid structural rigidity. Numerous airbags are installed in the 207 and the front two ‘adaptive’ airbags have a dual-generator function that can vary their pressures according to the severity of the impact. Side airbags and curtain airbags also feature as standard or as an option, depending on the model level. All 207s are fitted with two 3-point Isofix mountings in the rear outer seats, each of which can accommodate a child’s Isofix car safety seat.

Running a 207 is unlikely to cost the earth, thanks to its array of advanced engine technology. Impressively, all the diesel engines score better than 60mpg on the combined cycle. That includes the punchy 112bhp 1.6HDI. The two less powerful oil-burners also manage an admirable 117g/km of CO2 emissions and there’s the Economique model which gets over 74mpg. The 175bhp engine from the GTi is the least environmentally sound but 39mpg and 171g/km is hardly an ecological disaster.

Today’s models feature a gear change indicator light which prompts the driver to change gear at the most efficient times. There are also a number of modifications that have been made to boost aerodynamic performance and reduce rolling resistance. All 207 models come with Peugeot’s 3-year/60,000-mile warranty and Peugeot assistance breakdown cover, a fairly standard package in the modern marketplace.

As a capable supermini all-rounder covering all the important bases, the Peugeot 207 looks good but with the smaller-engined cars, you do find yourself wishing for a bit more power to make the most of what is a highly accomplished chassis. The sloppy gearbox and ‘distinctive’ frontal styling notwithstanding, the Peugeot is hard to fault and it makes a great choice for buyers seeking a safe, well-equipped and affordable supermini. One of the more powerful diesel engines is probably the ideal pick.

Overall, Peugeot’s 207 supermini continues to combine striking looks, enhanced on the latest cars, with high levels of comfort and refinement. It’s a substantial vehicle and a good option for buyers who need their supermini to perform a varied role. The most recent changes won’t make much difference to its sales appeal but they’ll provide a reason to get customers behind the wheel. Once there, this French contender’s in with a good chance.