Peugeot 207 SW

Peugeot has shown itself to be a strong advocate of the estate car concept and the 207 SW continues the line. Steve Walker reports

A little more practical than a 207 hatch, a little less practical than the top supermini-based MPVs, Peugeots 207 SW combines elements from both kinds of vehicle. A full length glass roof brings light to the spacious cabin and 325 litres of boot space will help with family duties. An advanced engine range is another benefit but youve got to like the styling.

The assorted baggage that comes with family life can play havoc with your choice of car. One minute youre young, free, single and thumbing through the classified ads in search of something small, red and sporty, the next youve got a couple of kids and a Labrador to take into consideration. The automotive embodiment of the shackles that parents have attached to their sense of motoring style in the maternity ward always used to be the estate, a normal car with extra capacity courtesy of the ugly great box that someone has welded onto the back. Today, things have changed a little and we have the choice of numerous MPVs and SUVs to bear the burdens of family life.

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All of which leaves the estate looking a little redundant - or does it? Peugeot certainly retains faith in the estate concept, offering SW versions across its line-up including the 207 we feature here. Theres no question that the estate car has evolved following the growth in popularity of MPVs and 4x4s. The MPV tends of have more space inside and a clever seating system that makes better use of it, while the 4x4 tempts families with its rugged image, perceived safety and commanding driving position. Its no longer enough for an estate to tout itself as a family car with a bigger boot.

As a result, weve seen larger estate models morph into sportswagons and sports tourers. They are marketed to emphasise their racy styling and driving dynamics that arent hampered by bulky MPV bodywork or offroad mechanicals, while tacking on that little bit of extra practicality. At the smaller end of the spectrum, estates based on family hatch or supermini underpinnings have largely taken a back seat to the upsurge of MPVs. Peugeots 207 SW, however, is ready to fight the estates corner.

"Peugeots 207 SW combines elements from both superminis and MPVs."

The engine range for the 207 SW is a slimmed down version of the line-up offered with the 207 hatch. The diesel options will be particularly popular and here buyers have the choice of 90bhp or 110bhp versions of the 1.6-litre HDi unit. In both its forms, the engine produces hefty torque ratings of 215Nm and 240Nm respectively at 1,750rpm which equates to plenty of muscle to get the family from A to B without too much drama.

If you dont much care for diesel, there are two petrol options. The 95bhp 1.4-litre VTi and the pokey 120bhp 1.6-litre VTi.

These powerplants have been produced a result of PSA Peugeot Citroens alliance with BMW and the German marque isnt in the habit of putting its name to duffers. The VTi branding on these petrol units refers to their implementation of variable valve timing. This is an advanced version of the technology which allows the engine management computer to automatically adjust not only the timing of the exhaust and inlet valves but also the lift of the inlet valves. Basically, it can configure the combustion process according to the demands being placed on the engine by the driver with the aim of minimising fuel consumption and emissions without causing a tail off in performance when you give the throttle a good prodding.

All 207 models get a five speed manual gearbox. The 207 SW is based on the standard 207 five-door hatchback but its 119mm longer and 38mm taller. Inside, the larger body gives you extra luggage space to the tune of 55 litres. That means theres a total of 325 litres available which can be increased to 1,410 litres if you fold the rear seats down.

The seating drops down very simply to create a flat load floor which helps when sliding items inside. Theres additional headroom in the rear as well and the impression of a whole lot more thanks to the full length Cielo panoramic sun roof. For just under £400 more, buyers can opt for a faux 4x4 Outdoor version. This offers an increased ride height of 16mm at the front and 21mm at the rear, fitment of 16-inch Outdoor alloy wheels and Narbonnais grey wheel arch extensions and sill mouldings.

If youre familiar with the way the 407 SW and the old 307 SW look, you could almost give your retinas a rest and avoid eye contact with the 207 SW completely. Peugeots designers have taken a Russian doll approach with their estate range with each model simply a slightly shrunken version of the last. Not that this is a bad thing, if you like the marques current frontal styling treatment which is apparently based on the cheesy grin of an adolescent with serious orthodontic issues. At the rear, the estate bit is neatly integrated with the standard 207 shape with the roofline sloping down at the back and a diagonal swage line that meets side window line to create a notch effect.

The thick pillars around the rear flanks at the rear of the car dont help rear visibility. The 207 SW is one of only a few supermini-based estates that are still available on the UK market. Most mainstream manufacturers have put their faith in supermini-based MPVs to cater for the needs of family buyers wanting a small practical car and the 207 SW will need to convince these people that its sleeker shape and sharper driving experience are preferable to the greater flexibility of these rivals. The 207 SW is available in two trim levels, S and Sport.

Prices start at £11,340 or £13,650 for the Outdoor model. Buyers can expect some pleasantly thrifty fuel economy figures from the 207 SWs range of modern engines. Predictably, the best combined cycle figures come from the diesels which both pepper the 60mpg mark. Go for the petrol options and the 1.

4 VTi should manage in the region of 45mpg with the more powerful 1.6 only fractionally thirstier. Emissions are similarly eco-friendly with the more powerful diesel utilising Peugeots FAP particulate filter to meet the latest European regulations. If your family commitments necessitate a small car with extra space and practicality but you also like a car thats reasonably good to drive, the 207 SW makes sense.

The estate shape is definitely easier on the eye than the amorphous blobs that most small people carriers resemble and if Peugeots distinctive styling does it for you, why not? The engine range is perfect for the job and you should get some enjoyment from your time at the wheel. Many manufacturers have abandoned the small estate over recent years in favour of the extra versatility afforded by supermini MPVs. Peugeot remains convinced of the concepts merits, although at least part of this faith probably stems from the firms own lack of a convincing small MPV platform. The 207 SW takes the five-door 207 supermini and produces extra load space through an extended hindquarters as well as increased headroom for rear seat passengers and a greater feeling of airiness in the cabin thanks to a full length glass roof.

The design is well integrated and the SW definitely gives something extra over the hatch but is it enough to make this vehicle preferable to an MPV in the eyes of families?

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Peugeot 207 SW range
PRICES: £11,340-£14,740 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 3-7
CO2 EMISSIONS: 123-160g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.6 VTi] 0-60mph 10.7s / Max Speed 125mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.6HDi 90] (combined) 60.1mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin and side airbags, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4149/1748/1694