Peugeot 207 hatchback (2006 – ) expert review

OK, so ours came in loud Lacerta Yellow but regardless of that, this is one eye-catching car. Peugeot has 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’ air intake 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.

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 range-topping model also includes leather upholstery.

The 207 can comfortably carry four passengers while the boot swallows up to 310 litres of luggage while 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. There are also cup holders and plenty of places to stow keys, sunglasses and even a 1.5-litre bottle or two for those long drives.

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 has come up with a very versatile model which drivers will enjoy – while remaining comfortable.

There are three diesel and three petrol engines to choose from, ranging from 1.4-litres to 1.6-litres, producing 70bhp and 110bhp respectively. We drove the 1.6-litre 110bhp diesel version and found it just as capable of coping with a slow cross-capital commute as with stretching its legs on the motorway. Less demanding circumstances would open the path to a smaller engine.

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 dependent 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.

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 finishes comfortably within the top ten manufacturers and ahead of its French rivals. In fact, research by Warrranty Direct in 2011 concluded that the 207 is the most reliable used car, with just one in every 17 breaking down in an average year.

Peugeot picked up five stars in the EuroNCAP tests for adults 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.

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-inch alloy wheels.

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.