Peugeot 207 Road Test

Peugeot 207 GT

The 1.9 HDi unit, propels the 3-door 207 to a top speed of 120 mph after a 0-62 mph dash of 10.1 seconds. The car feels very lightweight when driving - the electronic power steering and easy 5-speed gearbox, which for the moment is non-optional, makes for a free-running ride. The gearing is nicely spaced and flexible in both town and country environments and there’s plenty left in the pots for motorway overtakes in fifth gear.

However, the suspension is very firm and has a tendency to skip a little on uneven surfaces and I would have preferred a little more feeling from the brake pedal. A couple of test emergency stops had me crossing my fingers that I wouldn’t have to do it for real. On paper, the car has all the right credentials: ventilated front disks, ABS with EBD and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), which includes the automatic activation of the hazard warning lights. ESP with traction control is standard on the GT.

Interior safety features include two adaptive front airbags, two side airbags and, except for the Urban version, two curtain airbags. In the Euro NCAP tests the 207 scored five stars for adult occupant safety, four stars for child occupant protection and three stars for pedestrian protection.

Although, good looking and reasonably priced, I’m still uncertain as to why Peugeot would want to introduce another hatchback into their range. Will it be another best-seller to compare with the 205 and 206? I don’t think so but I’m happy to be proved wrong.

Peugeot 207