Peugeot 207 Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Peugeot 207 as a used buy.

Graham Smith reviews the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Peugeot 207 as a used buy. Compact outside and spacious inside, the Peugeot had the angles covered for engine options and body styles. New Thanks to its long-distance rallying successes in the 1950s Peugeot once enjoyed a great reputation in this land,

Peugeot 207 is a small-medium French car from the world’s oldest automotive nameplate.

The 207 replaced the 206 as Peugeot's baby car in 2007, and like many new models tend to do it had grown.

It's all very well presenting punters with a niche model - vive la difference and all that - "rationale'" French brands more or less rely on in this market. The problem for this particular Peugeot is that its "niche'' is getting very crowded.The 207 is an amiable, if not especially engaging, hatchback. With its enhanced size and "offroad-inspired'' grey protective panels, the latest variant - the Outdoor HDI Touring - is a very useful diesel hatch/wagon.It's pretty neat in a Gallic way: distinctive design, full-length sunroof and 438 litres for luggage (1433 back seats down), more than ample for a basket of baguettes and several crates of Cotes du Rhone.DRIVETRAINThe Outdoor's 1.6-litre turbo diesel is a willing 80kW/240Nm but throbbing unit matched to the non-choice of a five-speed manual, a match that would be happier still were its action not so typically Pugly: rubbery and long-throw. There's a four-speed automatic petrol alternative, but it's diesel-addicted, manual-able Euro families for whom this bebe was envisaged. With 5L/100km possible in combined conditions, that's no surprise.DRIVINGThere's little relief in ride and road noise, though handling (via numb steering) is adequate for the type and likely owner's intent. They may be less taken with the tinny sound of its doors shutting, an underwhelming interior (no steering-wheel buttons is a bit '90s in a $30K car) and an ambience the Koreans are surpassing.Yes, the Koreans. At least two are crowding the Outdoor: the closely related Hyundai i30 CW and Kia Soul - both with 1.6-litre diesels, as it happens. And knocking with Germanic assertiveness on the door (even though it's made in Mexico) is Volkswagen's Golf wagon, an expanded version of the class-leading hatch.As singularly, and in some respects endearingly, French as the Pug is (for the faithful, that's the point) these three competitors offer automated transmissions: an old-world but effective four-speed torque converter auto in the case of the Koreans, a state-of-the-art, seven-speed, twin-clutch DSG in the VeeWee.I came to like this 207 over the course of our 400km acquaintance, thought it a decent device for the urban family, but was always conscious that its niche is getting bigger and its competitors cleverer.Outdoor, mini-people mover, urban utility vehicle, soft-roader, compact wagon - call 'em what you will, there's a whole segment derived from hatchbacks. All offer elegant solutions for the urbanite who wants the hatch's fuel economy and ease of manoeuvre, but who needs a little more - whether it's extra seats, a more versatile load space, all-wheel drive or an elevated driving position.Even Mini is getting in on the enhanced-hatch thing with its first four-door version, the Countryman, due 2011.For now, there are hatch-derived people-movers (Citroen C4 Picasso, Renault Grand Scenic, Volkswagen Caddy Life); wagons (Golf, the 207 Outdoor, Hyundai i30 CW, the outgoing Skoda Roomster); shopping trolleys that resemble SUVs (Kia Soul, Toyota Rukus); and an SUV that looks a bit like a wagon (BMW X1).RIVALSKia Soul: from $20,990Hyundai i30cw: from $21,890VW Golf wagon: from $26,990Toyota Rukus: from $27,490VW Caddy Life: $35,990Renault Grand Scenic: $41,990BMW X1: from $45,700Citroen C4 Picasso: $45,990PEUGEOT 207 TOURING OUTDOOR HDiPrice: from $27,990Safety: six airbags, ESP, anti-skid brakesEngines: 1.6-litre petrol or turbodieselOutput: 88kw/160Nm (petrol), 80kw/240Nm (diesel)Economy: 6.4/7.3L/100kmEmissions: 130/173g/km

Few people would be aware that Peugeot's 207 GTi is powered by the same engine as the Mini Cooper S. Even though it's a heavier car it's just as quick as the Cooper, but costs $6500 less. That's something to crow about.A replacement for the previous 206 GTi 180, the hot hatch joins the line-up at a price of $33,490, $2000 more than the existing GT.The Peugeot misses out on the Mini's styling, but that's about the only concession it makes. A gorgeous four-seat hatch in its own right, our shiny red test car had no trouble turning heads.The shared 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the product of co-operation between PSA Peugeot, Citroen and the BMW Group, which markets the Mini.For comparative purposes, the 207 could in fact be called the 207 GTi 175. That's because it actually produces slightly less power than its 2.0-litre predecessor, but stacks more torque. Power output is a healthy 128kW (175hp) at 6000rpm, with 240Nm of torque produced from a low 1600rpm.The latter hits 260Nm briefly and under hard acceleration, thanks to over-boost in third, fourth and fifth gears, it provided revs less than 5200rpm.The 207 is a much bigger car than the 206, with a 98mm longer wheelbase and up to 41mm wider track. It's also much heavier at 1325kg, versus 1100kg (1130kg for the Cooper). The difference between the 207 and the Cooper narrows to 93kg with figures adjusted to the same standard.But somehow the GTi manages to shrug off the extra weight, because both it and Cooper S manage to post the exactly the same 7.1 seconds for the 0-100km/h dash.This could only be attributed to the car's different gearing and software mapping because it is here that the two cars part company.While the 207 makes do with a five-speed manual, the Cooper gets a six-speed unit. Having said that, there's nothing wrong with the way the five-speed box performs. However, it remains fairly busy even in top gear, turning over 3250rpm at 110km/h cruising along the motorway.Fuel consumption figures show the 207 is a bit thirstier than the Cooper at 7.2 litres/100km, versus 6.9 litres/100km. Well, that's it for the figures. In the real world where it counts, the GTi feels lively and sure-footed thanks to its larger footprint.It lacks the Cooper's go-kart, glued to the road feel, but delivers high levels of grip at the same time. Making sure it stays put is electronic stability control along with a new system called steering stability program.The GTi cuts a dashing figure perched on 17 inch alloy rims, fitted with Bridgestone Potenza 205/45 tyres. The look is enhanced by a wing over the rear window, chunky twin tailpipes and blacked out windows. Large chromed exterior mirrors fold inwards when the car is locked.Rather than roaring away from the lights, the GTi is at its best sitting in third gear, drawing on plentiful reserves of torque while it threads its way from corner to corner.Stability control can be switched off but we found it more of a help than a hindrance and suggest it be left alone. Drivers can feel the electronic systems come into play carrying too much speed into a corner.More braking power is applied to the wheels with good grip and in anticipation, more torque to the steering to help the driver achieve optimal directional control. The system is also said to reduce braking distances by 4 to 10 per cent while still guaranteeing vehicle stability in a straight line.The GTi seats four with large, winged sports seats for the driver and front passenger. Although they provide plenty of lateral support, they do make getting in and out of the car more difficult. It is difficult to find a comfortable driving position and the cabin can be quite noisy.With six airbags the GTi scores a five-star safety rating. Standard equipment includes rear parking sensor, speed limiter coupled with a cruise control, automatic headlamps and wipers, dual zone climate control air conditioning, tyre under-inflation sensors and an auto dimming rear-view mirror. 

As the sun makes a comeback, it's out with the woolly winter wear and in with the skimpy summer skirts and shorts. And with spring just around the corner, it's the perfect time to buy some big Paris Hilton sunglasses, let your hair down and jump into a convertible.With most drop-tops that come through our garage, it's fists up to reinforce your claims for a drive. But, not surprisingly last week, the keys were practically thrown at me.That's because we had a Peugeot 207 CC. And it's not because it's a bad car, in fact the Pug convertible proved to be a lot of fun to drive.The fact is I got the keys because of its looks.The 207 CC is undoubtedly a girly car, with its off-centre cabin, long, shiny lights, and perky rear end. You either love it or hate it. It is fashionable, but still peculiar looking.Kath and Kim would say: “It's noyce, it's different, it's unusual”.And they would have it right on the money with its distinctive design.The hard-top convertible is available in two 1.6-litre engines; we hit the town in the turbo version, available only with a five-speed manual.At $39,990, it is a more affordable convertible. It's less expensive than other hard-top convertibles such as the Holden Astra and Volkswagen Eos. But these do offer more cabin space and bigger engines. Its main competitor is likely to be the Mini Cooper S Cabrio, although this only comes with a soft top and still has a higher price, whereas the 207 CC has a sophisticated hard top.But for a small car pitched at females, it's got a surprisingly big bite to it. A female doesn't want to sacrifice performance for style. And with the 207 CC turbo, you don't have to.The 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbo was developed in collaboration between Peugeot and BMW and has the engine used in the 207 GT Hatchback.The engine generates 110kW of power and a strong 240Nm of torque from as early as 1400rpm.The delivery feels smooth and constant through the rev range, with reasonably tall gearing. It feels quick around town and on the motorways and is fun to drive. Acceleration is responsive even when in a higher gear at lower revs.But one thing you notice during urban driving is the harsh ride. It seems to find the many potholes and bumps on the road when travelling at a lower speed and it digs its heels into them.But hit the faster motorways and it's more gentle, sweeping over the blemishes instead.Road noise is noticeable from the front tyres, whereas the engine isn't quite loud enough. It drives nicely but, while you know that behind the wheel, you want others to know it too. Just because it's a girly car doesn't mean we don't like a bit more of a growl to our engines.The steering feels a bit light, with noticeable torque steer kicking in under hard acceleration. It can also give you a bit of a surprise when turning a corner as the wheel flings back if you don't have a strong enough grasp on it.The convertible comes with some good safety features, such as Electronic Stability Program standard on the turbo model, ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, four air bags and an active roll-over protection system.The electronic hard-top roof is very impressive when retracting, all done in 25 seconds.Boot space is adequate, until you want to show off the car's flexibility by removing the roof. This practically cuts boot space in half but you've got extra storage room on the two back seats.The 207 CC officially has two rear seats but even a five-year-old would struggle to fit in. An adult can forget it, our attempt showed it was virtually impossible to get both legs inside the car.Going topless also doesn't sacrifice the driving dynamics. Apart from the wind and the cooler look, there's little difference driving with or without roof. But the car takes on a new persona when dropping the roof and revealing the cabin.The long doors make it difficult in tight car parks but this is the case in most convertibles. If the price tag is still too high, the normal 1.6-litre engine is $5000 cheaper at $34,990. We have yet to test this powertrain but, after a week in the turbo model, there would be no need to beat yourself up for spending the extra cash. It's a justifiable investment.The 207 CC isn't perfect, but if you're after a young-looking, fun car with that bit of pizzazz and burst of fun, it's definitely worth feeling the breeze in this Peugeot. Snapshot Peugeot 207 CCPrice: $39,990Engine: 1.6-L/4-cyl turbo, 110kW, 240NmTransmission: 5-speed manualEconomy: 7.2L/100km 

Not so long ago, there was rarely a car worthy of the term 'hot hatch.' Now there's a score of them, so many and of such varying size and abilities that new nomenclature could be coined.I mean, can Ford's $25K Fiesta XR4 (a car that makes droning old men feel young again), Volkswagen's $40K Golf GTI and BMW's near $70K 130i be said to belong to the same genre? All are routinely referred to as hot hatches but their disparity only begins at the price tag.Peugeot's 207 GT is a quick and nimble three door that slots nicely into what the Poms call the super mini class, a space in which the XR4, VW's Polo GTI and Mini might be parked.Indeed, the Pug shares the BMW/PSA 1.6-litre direct injection turbo engine that provides the newer Mini with a welcome bottom-end kick over its super-charged predecessor.Unlike most of these, the GT's $31,490 price tag doesn't buy you the full go. That will come shortly in the form of the 207 GTi A (the lower-case letter signifying a further performance lift).Still, the penultimate 207 has ample charms of its own. Like all such cars, it has grown in dimensions and displacement in recent generations to the point where it now tips the scales at 1376kg, 160kg more than the base 207.The extra pounds bring with them a five-star crash safety rating, something no big Australian car can achieve.The blown 1.6 reaches a maximum 110kW high in the rev range, but taps all its 240Nm from a low 1400rpm. Electronic recalibration will see the GTi extract more of both from the same near-lagless engine (as per Mini's Cooper S), but the GT's 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.1 seconds isn't tardy.In fact, it's rather handy, feeling quicker in the process than indicated by the official stopwatch. The claimed consumption of 95 RON figure of 7.0 litres per 100km is achievable.A reviewer from another publication felt the GT unworthy of the premium over the base petrol model 207. Yes, they might look the same and share much of the same stuff, but you'd need to be clinically comatose not to derive some satisfaction from the warmer gadget. Immediate torque access is married to agility and assuredness through corners that reminds you why grown men continue to gravitate to a class of car once considered the preserve of racing boys.Into your first sweeper, the electrically power-assisted steering necessitates several re-adjustments. The more you play with it, though, the more you'll appreciate the manner in which the weighting changes with cornering force while remaining fingertip friendly in the urban crawl.What defies familiarity is the shift action of the five-speed manual. It's awful: a rubbery, long-throw stick and ill-defined gates.Whether you can live with the Pug is largely a question of how you find it on the nation's worst roads. A typical Sydney goat track makes the GT's ride feel plenty busy, a mid-corner pothole on one of our wonderful B-roads can quicken the pulse.But that's the compromise inherent in such a car. Elsewhere, especially within, the GT's a comfortably appointed Euro whose general ambience and finish is an appreciable improvement on Pugs of yore.Our six-year-old back-seat tester was comfortable in her booster seat behind a long legged adult. And — object lesson to makers of bigger hatches — that 270-litre boot contains a full-size 17-inch spare tyre.As to the glass roof, well they're a popular fixture, though on the only sunny day during our acquaintance, one felt what it is to be cooking in a coq au vin. As with the 207's singular shape, this item is cute rather than convincing.Capable rather than outstanding, the GT occupies middle ground. You'll always be conscious that there's stuff just as good for less money — or better for marginally more. 

It was a typical road trip: coffee at Coolum, pancakes at Gin Gin, crab sandwiches at Miriamvale, a steak at Gladstone, roast beef at Rockhampton.So the little European hatchback was stopping frequently to refuel driver and co-driver. No need to fill the car up, however. This was a diesel, seemingly happy to go forever — well, count on about 1000km on a 50-litre tank of fuel.It's compact, but doesn't seem cramped. Light, but doesn't feel flimsy. Reasonably priced (for a chic Euro design, anyway), but is well equipped and extremely comfortable.Peugeot reckons the 207 is not the replacement for its 206 model, which has been here since 1999, and continues on sale. Rather, they say, the 207 is “an alternative” aimed at “new generation of customers”.The 207 is longer, wider, taller, sits on a longer wheelbase, has a larger turning circle and weighs almost 10 per cent more, but is still no heavyweight.Baby Peugeots have always been agile little jiggers. The 207 carries on that excellent tradition, while feeling a whole lot more solid than several of its predecessors.As well as looking sharp, it can boast great seats, a supple ride and roadholding which makes it a pleasure to steer.And its diesel engine may be small, but this one feels like a robust, healthy heart pumping away. It accelerates strongly enough, cruises in a refined fashion and happily pulls up long hills.As in most of the latest well-bred diesels from Europe, the average person would be hard-pressed telling it's not a petrol engine. All yesteryear's clattering and chugging, the not-so-good vibes and the feeble acceleration, have been eliminated.And it's thrifty. The fuel consumption (after a mix of highway cruising plus lots of in-town to-ing and fro-ing) averaged a thrifty 4.8 litres a 100km, the same as the official rating worked out by a complicated formula in a laboratory.The diesel HDi version comes in XT trim, middle of the several levels of 207 which Peugeot imports, and is $3000 dearer than its similarly equipped, petrol-engined sibling (which has more power, much less torque, slightly faster 0-100km/h acceleration, and a greater thirst).Critics of diesel cars will pounce on that $3000 gap to argue it would take years to save enough from the fuel bill to account for the higher purchase price. But diesel owners can expect to get back the initial premium when they sell.The 207's HDi powerplant is quite a high achiever, even among its well-regarded peers. Consider that VW's 1.9 litre diesel, as fitted to the Golf, has 77kW of power and 250Nm of torque. Yet the Peugeot diesel, with only 1.6 litres capacity, manages to out-gun it in power (80kW) and nearly match it in torque (240Nm).Peugeot's stopwatch says the HDi diesel takes 10.1 seconds to go from 0-100km/h (compared with 9.6 seconds for a 1.6 litre petrol-engined 207). Anything near 10 seconds is good going for a small car, especially since the diesel version weighs almost 100kg more.Of course it weighs even more if you stop for pancakes and crab sandwiches on the Brisbane-Rocky run. But you must find some reason to pull up and stretch your legs, since there's no need to refuel.

Peugeot 207