STYLISH, nippy hatchbacks are Peugeot’s bread and butter (or is that pain et beurre?).
The 207 has undergone some styling revisions and a bump-up in power, thanks to the addition of a new variable valve timing (VVT) system, but does it make a stronger case for itself as a distinctive entry-level offering?
Judging by just how subtle a facelift the 207 has undergone, it seems as though Peugeot was reluctant to mess too much with what was already an eye-catching design.
The overall profile retains its ovoid shape and such character features as the “Manta ray mouth” that constitutes the grille, headlamps that sweep into the wings and the central nose section of the bonnet, remain largely untouched.
A keen eye will spot a slight dip at the apex of the grille, which is flanked by two faux air intakes, but it’s only when you get to the rear of the car that the most prominent change comes to light.
Peugeot has dispensed with the old brake lamp clusters and their fussy perforated indicator inserts in favour of a much cleaner set-up featuring LEDs.
The interior updates are also very subtle – perhaps the most noticeable being the replacement of the previously cheap-looking heating and ventilation controls with more upmarket knurled dials that one tester likened to those on a safe. The architecture of the facia remains untouched, though.
You’re still confronted by a curvaceous upper section with sportily hooded dials (unfortunately, with European speed markings such as 130 km/h highlighted, but not 120 km/h), finished in a soft-touch material.
The aforementioned ovoid shape of the car ensures that there’s plenty of room up front, the seats being well-sculpted if somewhat spongy and unsupportive.
There’s plenty of adjustment though, and the reach/rake adjustment for the steering column makes it easy to find a comfy perch behind the wheel.
Those in the rear, however, may feel somewhat short-changed by their accommodation’s cramped legroom and lack of electricallyoperated windows.
Otherwise the specification is reasonable, with such features as power steering, cruise control, airconditioning, CD player with auxiliary socket, electric front windows and dual front airbags thrown into the mix.
With experience of a long-term 207 1,4 XR+, we’re aware that the 65 kW Peugeot motor feels a little underpowered at times and the need to stir the gearbox and mutter a small prayer when attempting to overtake any trucks in our path.
As such, we were eagerly anticipating the additional 5 kW served up by the variable valvetiming system bolted to this model’s engine. But even though 70 kW and 136 N.m of torque are now on tap, performance is still a trifle underwhelming.
There’s enough torque to prevent embarrassing round-town stalling, but the 1,4 still feels a bit flat in the mid range and often demands a fair bit of tugging at the longthrow gearlever to keep the revs up – thankfully the shifts are positive and the clutch action is light and easy.
Driving the 1,4 VVT on the motorway was not a chore, however, as once the car gets going it sits comfortably between 120 and 140 km/h.
It’s just a bit of a shame that there’s not more urge on the way there – granted, this could partly be due to the fact that our test unit only had about 50 km on the odo when it arrived at the CAR offices, but it seems that the 207 simply can’t shake off the persistent perception that it is a heavy car that could use a more powerful engine.
The handling is predictable and composed with nicelyweighted, precise steering and a ride that soaks up big bumps with aplomb. The brakes feel reasonably strong, but the pedal feel is rather soft.
In terms of refi nement, the 207 continues to give the impression of a car that is much more substantial than its size suggests. Whether it’s being piloted on sweeping back roads or motorways, the 207 feels well planted and exterior noise is well isolated from the cabin.
Body roll is also kept nicely in check and the general impression is that the 207 is a comfortable companion for most purposes.
TEST SUMMARY
So it seems that in the case of the 207, the more things change, the more they stay the same. There’s nothing fundamentally wrong with the subtle styling revisions that have taken place, but they’ve not really moved the car on in any way.
Similarly, the additional power served up by the new engine is welcome at motorway speeds, but you still get the feeling that its not quite enough.
These things are unlikely to faze those considering a 207 as their means of daily transport, though. It’s still a distinctive-looking car with just the right amount of practicality and comfort to suit a wide audience.
But what really will grab the potential buyer’s attention is the addition of a 4 years/60 000 km service plan and roadside assistance – perhaps the most eye-catching revision to Peugeot’s latest offering. This means that the 207 now offers much better value.
