Peugeot 207

Peugeot and superminis go together like Bonnie and Clyde. The chic and fun 1980s 205 was a defining moment for the supermini breed. And its successor, the British-built 206, struck such a chord with buyers that for two years it was the UK’s bestselling privately bought car.

But neither was perfect. The flimsy 205 would fold up on itself in the smallest collision, while the 206 was about as reliable as the last remaining holiday hire-car left in the car park. The French company needed to inject some maturity into its supermini, so it came up with the 207. Bigger, safer, more refined and better equipped than any predecessor, it was a huge success, and in 2007, its first full year of sales, it toppled the VW Golf as Europe’s bestselling car.

With its broad range of engines and trims, there should be a 207 to suit most used-car buyers. Prices start at about £5,000 for a 2006-registered three-door model with a 1.4 litre petrol engine. Buyers can expect electric windows, remote central locking, a CD player and front and side airbags. Better still, for just a couple of hundred pounds more, they can pick up a 1.4 litre S model with air-conditioning.

There is also a more powerful 16-valve 90bhp 1.4 litre, and a 110bhp (120bhp from March 2007) 1.6 litre, plus a brace of 1.6 turbo petrol units producing 150bhp and 175bhp respectively. Badged as the 1.6 GT THP (turbo high pressure), the latter was developed jointly with BMW for use in the Mini. In daily use this engine is a real gem — torquey, smooth and powerful, but with good fuel economy.

For those who prefer diesel power, the 207 range offers a 68bhp 1.4 litre and a 90 or 110bhp 1.6 litre engine. Generally, more power means more fun, but for me, the pick of the bunch is the 90bhp, which matches the 1.4 litre for economy and closely chases the 110bhp for performance.

Externally, the 207 is an improvement on the 206 but resists the temptation to be radical. The conservatism continues inside; the seats, dashboard and switches having had a “grown-up” makeover. However, the optional satellite navigation system is a little off the pace — slow to calculate, and without a touchscreen.

Peugeot invested much time and money in making the 207 a reliable machine, and consequently, owners don’t report any major issues. The 207 feels bigger and more refined than its predecessor, and even the stiffly sprung GT models retain a relatively supple ride. You can have fun behind the wheel, but you can also cruise the length of the land without feeling you’ve been subjected to a spin-dry. All of which makes this Peugeot’s most complete supermini to date.

VITAL STATISTICS

MODEL Peugeot 207 1.6 GT THP

ENGINE 1598cc, four cylinders

POWER 150bhp

TRANSMISSION Five-speed manual

FUEL 40.3mpg (combined)

CO2 166g/km

ACCELERATION 0-62mph: 8.7sec

TOP SPEED 131mph

COST NEW (2007) £13,625

TAX BAND E (£170 a year)

NEED TO KNOW

AIR FRESHENER

With a refillable scent bottle that can be inserted in the dashboard vents

BOOT SPACE

Up from 237 litres in the 206 models, to 270 litres

DRIVING POSITION

Steering column is adjustable for reach and rake, while both front seats are height-adjustable

GEARBOX

Standard five-speed manual on high-performance GT may seem one gear short, but is well suited to the torquey nature of the turbo engine

REAR SEATS

60:40-split folding rear seat standard

SAFETY

The 207 achieved the highest supermini Euro NCAP score with five stars for adult occupant safety, four for child occupant safety and three for pedestrian safety