Peugeot has upgraded its 207 hatchback offering and added two new entry-level models that fall below the R150 000 mark. These models mark the return of the Pop Art nameplate and with this, the company plans to “focus on affordability, value and contemporary style”.
Peugeot believes that the new-model activity in the B-segment means that its 207 has been somewhat overshadowed and this has spurred the company to into looking at what it can do to refresh and re-align its 207 hatchback.
“There is no doubt that the buying down trend is gathering momentum in the SA vehicle market,” says Jean-Francois Bacos, managing director of Peugeot SA. “For that reason, the B-segment hatchback category is arguably one of the most closely contested sectors in an already highly competitive market.”
Under the bonnet of the 207 Pop Art lies a 1,4-litre 16-valve engine that delivers 54 kW and 118 N.m of torque. The 207 Pop Art features front fog lights, colour-coded door handles and side strips, chrome-finished top side strips, and Pop Art badges on each side. Inside you will find electric front windows, air-conditioning, a radio CD player with MP3 capability, and central locking. Safety features include dual front airbags, as well as ABS with EBD and EBA.
Further up the ladder is the 207 Active. Aimed at customers seeking a bit more power, it features an uprated 1,4-litre power that has maximum outputs of 70 kW and 136 N.m of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.
The standard features list mirrors that of the Pop Art model, but adds rear electric windows, cruise control, a trip computer and 15-inch alloys.
There is also the option of the 207 Sportium, which is offered with a choice of a 1,6-litre petrol or a 1,6 HDi turbodiesel engine. The diesel had 82 kW and 270 N.m, while the petrol offers 88 kW and 160 N.m. The Sportium package adds 16-inch alloy wheels, an aluminium pedal set, aluminium door sill protectors and the Sportium nomenclature to the standard specification list.
Prices:
207 Pop Art R142 900 (without service plan)
207 Pop Art R148 900
207 Active R169 000
207 Sportium R193 900
207 Sportium HDi R213 900
The service plan spans four years/60 000 km and the full range is covered by a three-year/100 000 km warranty.