By ENGINES – Peugeot, along with its French rivals, might be famous for raising the stakes in the diesel market, but there’s a lot to be said about the petrol engines that power the firm’s 207 supermini. Unless you cover mega miles in a year, petrol usually wins the cost argument. Boasting excellent refinement plus the ability to hold their own on the motorway, even the small output petrol units are hard to ignore.
EXTERIOR – A sizeable evolutionary step over the all-conquering 206, the 207 is larger and more sophisticated-looking than its predecessor. It has managed to retain all the familiar Peugeot design cues though, which makes this compact hatchback instantly recognisable out on the road.
INTERIOR – There’s more good news inside the 207, as Peugeot has made good use of high quality plastics and upholstery to give the car the necessary uplift in cabin ambience over the 206 and many of this car’s rivals. There’s a reasonable amount of space fore and aft, although the 207 remains predominately a car focused on serving the needs of front seat passengers over those in the rear.
DRIVING – Having grown up and moved on from the super-agile and nimble 206, the 207 is noticeably biased more towards comfort and overall refinement than outright driving pleasure. It remains an enjoyable car to steer though, and combined with the various petrol and diesel engines it can be hustled along at an entertaining pace. The car’s ride is, predictably, supple and composed like so many French cars before it.
OWNERSHIP – With a sensible price tag in the used market plus the prospect of wallet-friendly fuel economy – even from the petrol motors – and a low tax footprint, the 207 isn’t going to break the bank. It’s also good news on the driving front, as the car’s compact dimensions make it an easy to handle proposition around town. Opt for a higher value trim level and you won’t be disappointed with the kit on offer either.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR – For a car that’s likely to spend a lot of time in the city it’s important to check carefully for parking dents, kerbed wheels and suspension issues that can be a product of poorly surfaced roads and a diet of speed humps. Chipped paint and signs of rust should have you walking away, as should an incomplete service history. The same is true of the test drive; if it doesn’t feel or sound right then it probably isn’t.
MODEL HISTORY
2006: Peugeot launches the 207, the replacement for its hugely popular 206 supermini. Larger in size and boasting greater levels of refinement and space, engine choice is split between petrol and diesel units. Good levels of standard kit are present, along with a generous choice of ‘big car’ options.
REASONS TO BUY – brand image, car history, looks, engine performance, refinement, a lot of choice
REASONS TO BEWARE – no substitute for a proper family car, build quality, used and abused city-based cars, patchy service history
PICK OF THE RANGE – 207 1.4 VTi S 3dr
WHAT TO PAY
2007 07 4,270
2007 57 4,460
2008 08 4,905
2008 58 5,090
2009 09 5,655
2009 59 5,870
Figures relate to showroom prices for cars in A1 condition.
