1. Five of the Best Hot Hatches at the Paris Show
2. Honda Civic Type R
3. Peugeot 207 GT Turbo
4. Suzuki Swift Sport
5. Audi S3

The Peugeot name was, once upon a time, synonymous with the best hot hatches on the market, but the French company is widely reported to have lost its way since the heydays of the 106, 205 and 309 GTi. The new 207 GT Turbo is tasked with redressing the balance.

Peugeot's new gaping mouth front grille may divide opinion, but the side profile and rear three quarter views of the three-door 207 are appealing, especially in GT trim fitted with sporty 'Hockenheim' alloys. Inside, the new 207 knocks on the door of the VW Golf in terms of tactility and ambience, particularly when fitted with the full-length glass roof.

That's all well and good, but this version of the GT doesn't compete in terms of raw power. Peugeot shares the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine developed for the new MINI Cooper S, but it is fitted in a detuned, 150bhp guise. Look deeper into the tech specs though and you will notice 244Nm of torque too, which should at least make the 207 feel quick. The jury's out on this one for the moment.

• More news and reviews from Peugeot
• Buying Guide : All models Peugeot
• New & Used Car : all offers Peugeot
• Picture Gallery Peugeot
• More motoring news
• Message Boards - Talk about it

More pictures

Yahoo! Cars Video