Peugeot 207 Tested Mar 2006

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Environment Rating Sub 120g/km figures for the 1.4 and 1.6 HDI diesel engines are very good and there is an Economique version with under 100 g/km of CO2. The range average is harmed somewhat by the vast array of body styles. The heavier estate and, especially, convertible versions inevitably harm the overall score. Overall Rating Average. The spirited 205 was replaced by the slightly duller 206, and now we have the yet duller 207. Only the styling identifies it as a Peugeot.

Summary

The 207 had a tough act to follow - the 206 that it replaced was one of the most successful superminis of its generation. The 207 is bigger, better made and has some of the traditional styling cues of Peugeot superminis .

The air of being a more grown-up car continues inside with decent plastics, well-placed switchgear and chrome-ringed instrument dials giving a classy look. 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 a reasonable drive, too. A long wheelbase means that it's able to effectively smooth out progress over lumpy, bumpy roads. The new electrical power steering system is pretty good, 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. The entry-level 1.4 litre 8 valve engine musters a reasonable 75 bhp, but the more powerful 1.4 litre 16 valve (with 95 bhp) is the most fun to use, revving enthusiastically and offering keen mid-range response. The more powerful 1.6 litre moto+D177 HDI turbodiesels, although the more powerful 110 bhp 1.6 HDi turbodiesel misses the shove we'd expect.

The 207 feels like a car designed by management committee - they took a list of all the faults of the 206 and tried to address them. They succeeded is removing the negatives, but did not really give us any positive reasons to buy a 207, apart from the styling and residual affection for small Peugeots. A Fiesta is far more fun to drive - a fact that would horrify the design team of the original 205.

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