Peugeot 207, originally uploaded by Zerstorer.
One look at the new Peugeot 207 and you cannot help but to be reminded of a grinning Cheshire cat. Slanted feline eye-like headlamps and a huge gaping frontal grille mouth all serve to conjure up that impression of the proverbial Alice-in-wonderland cat. The styling is still in line with the elegance of its 206 predecessor, being cut much from the same cloth. However, the new car shows off its proud lineage by looking bolder, brasher and louder with stronger more muscular curves and a more distinctive front visage. The angular side mirrors are spiced up with signal indicators near the base while the rear lights are jazzed up with a multi-faceted combination light that gives it a distinctive look.
On the inside, the same bold styling again dominates, with dashes of chrome on the instrument panels and prominent projected curves all round that ooze sensuality. Interior plastics and trimmings look and feel good as expected from a car of its class with excellent semi-bucket leather seats that seem to fit perfectly, offering good side support that encourages spirited driving. The wide sloped windscreen gives an clear view of the road and an illusion of expansiveness, but one is soon reminded that this is still a hatch when you take stock of the above average of legroom both front and rear. Storage compartments are notably sparse in this car and even the glove-box barely stores anything larger than a spectacle case;The French might have something to learn from the Japs in this respect. The rear-seats come with Iso-fix mountings and when folded down, the rear opens up to reveal an pleasantly sized boot. Even with the rear seats up, the boot seems capable of carrying 2 medium golfbags or a few cartons of beer which can come in pretty useful at times. The overall build quality is robust and inspires confidence with doors that open and close with a solid thud, no doubt due to its 1229kg kerb weight. Cabin noise insulation is surprisingly good for a car of this class, keeping in mind that its a hatchback. Potential owners may also be pleased to know that the 207 comes with safety features such as EBD(Electric Brake-force Distribution), EBA(Emergency Brake Assist), 2 frontal airbags and has also been awarded a 5-Star EuroNCAP crash safety rating.
The Peugeot is well equipped when it comes to things relating to the drive. Auto-headlamps and wipers add a fine ergonomic touch, with the dual-climate control air-con and component speaker stereo setup helping to keep you cool and jazzy on the road. The steering is well-weighted and precise, offering a good feel of the road unlike the numb, detached feeling of other electric setups. The 207 has a slightly perky character, aided by its torquey 160Nm, 120hp, 1.6l 11:1 compression powerplant which delivers good low-end pull that makes it appear faster than what its rated 12.7s 0-100km/h timing would suggest. The 4-speed tiptronic gear-box will no doubt be popular with control freaks, while lazier drivers would be pleased to know that there is a sports mode option for a more responsive ride when needed. Putting the car through its paces revealed its fine handling characteristics and capable suspension. There is minimal bodyroll and hardly any perceptible flex even in tight corners, with traction breaking in a linear predictable manner if you really push it. The suspension tends towards sportiness and allows you a feel of the road even on the 195/55/r16 stock CPC2s. However, it still manages to give a relatively comfortable and civilized ride when called for.
For $71900, the Peugeot 207 costs a bit more than faster hatches such as the Mitsubishi ColtPlus Ralliart or the Suzuki Swift Sport. However, it makes up for it with its sexy distinctive styling, solid build quality and reassuring safety rating. If one is out for a sporty-looking hatch with a touch of class, the Peugeot 207 would have to be a prime contender. Buyers with deeper pockets who desire even more style or substance out of the 207 would be delighted to know that Peugeot has also the 207CC convertible and 207GTi hot-hatch to satisfy all your desires. It appears that Peugeot might have a winning line-up with the new 207 family and we look forward to bringing you an update on it in future.
Specifications
- · Engine: VVT 1598cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 16valve 4 cylinder
- · Compression Ratio: 11:1
- · Max Power: 120hp@6000rpm
- · Max Torque: 160Nm@4250rpm
- · Transmission: 4-speed tiptronic autmatic w/ Sports mode and manual override
- · Max Speed: 195km/h
- · Acceleration(0-100km/h): 12.7s
- · Fuel Economy: 14.2km/l (Mixed Rural/Urban)
For:
Strong distinctive styling, Build quality, Responsive and nimble handling
Against:
Meager internal storage compartments
