Auto Trader Ten Point Test: Peugeot 207

Attention-seeking Big Brother housemates seem positively shy in comparison to the Peugeot 207.

Lookswise it matches the TV ad campaign encouraging potential buyers to “Give them something to watch” – but will it turn your head for all the right reasons? Read on for the full picture or simply choose the sections you want to know about.

Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor | Rivals

1. Looks
OK, so ours came in loud Lacerta Yellow but regardless of that, this is one eye-catching car.  Peugeot have remained true to the appearance of the 206 but expanded it a little, smartened it with softer lines and unified its look with the manufacturer’s other models, featuring a single “grinning” airtake framed by the headlights. It’s a little bigger than its predecessor and features a panoramic roof. We drove the GT model which benefits from 17 inch alloys.
9/10

2. Looks inside
The 207’s good looks continue inside the car. You can brighten up the whole driving experience by simply retracting the panoramic glass roof. The seats are comfortable and supportive while the dash design is elegant and a little sporty – we drove our GT model which incorporates white instrument dials, chrome surrounds and red needles. This top of the range model also includes leather upholstery. 
8/10

3. Practicality
The 207 can comfortably carry four passengers while the boot swallows up to 310 litres of luggage and there are plenty of cubby holes for all the things you want to keep within reach. The glovebox can be air conditioned and there’s a storage area above, cup holders and plenty of places to stow keys, sunglasses and even a 1.5 litre bottle or two for those long thirsty drives.
8/10

4. Ride and Handling
You’d expect the 207 to score well here – and it doesn’t disappoint. The 207 handles neatly in town and gives a comfortable ride on faster and longer journeys too. Peugeot have come up with a very versatile model which driver’s will enjoy – while remaining comfortable. 
9/10

5. Performance
There are three diesel and three petrol engines to choose from ranging from 1.4-litres to 1.6-litres producing 70bhp to 110bhp respectively. We drove the 1.6-litre 110bhp diesel version and found it equally able to cope with a single-figure mph cross-capital commute as with stretching its legs on the motorway. Less demanding circumstances would open the path to a smaller engine.
8/10

6. Running Costs
Go for the same model as us – the 1.6-litre diesel - and you’ll be looking at average fuel consumption of 58.8mph. This increases to 62.7 for the smaller–engined version and plummets to 40.3mpg for the 1.6-litre petrol model. Warranties last two years, three if the recommended servicing – after 12,000 to 20,000 models dependant on model – is adhered to. The insurance category is 8E and tax on the 1.6-litre diesel model we drove will set you back £110 a year. 
9/10

7. Reliability
The Peugeot 207 is an all-new car so we are in uncharted territory regarding reliability. French cars have a reputation for niggly electrical problems and according to our manufacturers’ Reliability Index, electrics were the main cause of the 206 finding its way to the garage. However according to the same data Peugeot finish comfortably within the top ten manufacturers and ahead of their rival French manufacturers.
7/10

8. Safety
Peugeot picked up five stars in the Euro NCAP tests for adults in the car and four for junior passengers. It was also awarded three stars for pedestrian protection. Six airbags protect the driver and front seat passenger – though this drops to four for those going for the entry-level Urban model which does not feature curtain airbags. The doors and boot lock automatically as soon as the car hits 6mph. ABS comes as standard but go for the GT model to get ESP. 
9/10

9. Equipment
The trim choices are: Urban, S, SE, Sport and GT. Go beyond the entry-level model and you will get a trip computer, white instrument dials and heated door mirrors. Go for the SE and above and you get one of the car’s best features – the full length glass roof with sunblind, which really brightens the interior. If that isn’t enough you get a fragrance diffuser too. We drove the GT model which also featured dual zone air conditioning , aluminium pedals and 17” alloy wheels.
8/10

10. X-Factor
Looks. We had this car on loan at the same time as the Cadillac BLS and fellow reviewer Stuart Milne seemed quite miffed that the Pug got most of the attention. Headturning in a good way, this is a definite contender for sexiest hatch on the streets.
9/10

Rivals:

You might want to consider:
Renault Clio
Ford Fiesta
Seat Ibiza

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