Peugeot 207: First Look

Motoring Channel Staff - 23/Jan/2006

Competing with new models such as the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio, Volkswagen Polo, Opel Corsa and Citroën C3, Peugeot's new 207 has quite a job to do.

As demand rises, and increasingly fierce competition in the small car segment drives up qaulity and value for the consumer, Peugeot hopes to quell flagging sales with its new 207, set for a European launch any day now.

Succeeding the 206 (which will continue production for sale into emerging/budget markets), the 207 keeps to Peugeot's formal design DNA, with the front end offering glimpses of both the 307 and 407 models.

The sleek headlights (307) and large lower air dam (407) combine with the hatchback's curved silhouette to provide a logical continuation of the 206's image.

Peugeot says that its new car has a power of attraction that will leave no one indifferent, and that the 207 has been designed to offer clear and appealing advantages, such as six airbags across the range, efficient engines and dynamic interiors.

In addition to the two different front end styles that will be offered - one sporty with chromed foglights, the other 'classic' and more restrained in its styling - the 207 will be powered by a range of brand new 4-cylinder engines developed by the PSA Peugeot Citroën/BMW Group alliance.

Initially, Peugeot will offer European customers six engine choices: three petrol and three diesel engines. They are as follows:

Petrol:
1.4-litre 54kW (75hp)
1.4-litre 65kW (90hp)
1.6-litre 80kW (110hp)

Diesel:
1.4-litre 50kW (70hp)
1.6-litre 66kW (90hp)
1.6-litre 80kW (110hp)

Peugeot has revealed that the 80kW 1.6-litre diesel engine generates a strong 240Nm of torque (or 260Nm with overboost activated), giving the small engine a level of performance that will please optimistic drivers.

The 207 GTi will also make its return later in 2006, powered by the same engine that will give the next generation Mini Cooper S its drive. Likewise a product of the Peugeot Citroën/BMW Group engine joint venture, the 207 GTi will be powered by a 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine that makes use of a twin scroll turbocharger, taking peak power to 134kW (180hp).

The new GTi model will be capable of hitting speeds of almost 225km/h (140mph) and will compete with the various sports models in the Renault Clio and VW Polo range. The 0-100kmh/h is expected to take about 7.0 seconds for the GTi, which will also benefit from a sports gearbox and tuned suspension.

Dimensionally, the new 207 measures 4.03m in length, 1.72m wide and has a height of 1.47m, which the French company says helps to create a balance, a sense of dynamism and security, reinforced by wide tracks and large wheels.

Furthermore, the handling aspect of the 207 package will be improved when compared with the 207. As technological improvements and breakthroughs are made in suspension geometry, ride and handling will improve; the 207 gets a new suspension system that company says will provide precise control and durability.

Peugeot promises that the 207's interiors will also be class-leading, beginning with a much sportier instrument panel, a 12.2 litre glove box with air conditioning for refrigeration, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, fragrance diffuser, static directional lighting and finishing with a JBL hi-fi system.

Safety systems have been boosted as well, with the 207 benefiting from a rigid body structure with dual impact absorption structures, six air bags and five seat belts with force limiters to protect its passengers.

Since 1998 Peugeot's 206 has sold more than 5 million units, making it the marque's most successful car ever. Naturally, the French car maker has high hopes for its successor, but will keep producing the 206. The model is due to launch in the UK in mid 2006, while an early 2007 release date is expected for Australia.

In related Peugeot news, the Australian distributor will be offering a new line of 206 models, which incorporate increased specification and lower prices across the range, and the stunning new 206 C - which features a full length athermic glass roof.

Based on the top selling 206 XT, the company says that the 206 C's full length glass roof creates a new found feeling of lightness and openness in the cabin, with both front and rear passengers benefiting from the additional glass area (which can be covered by a fully lined electric shutter).

Offered in the XT specification, the 206 C is available with a 1.6-litre engine and will undoubtedly be a popular choice for those keen to let the sunshine in. The 206 C is priced at $22,990 for the manual version, and is also available in automatic for $24,990.

Other changes to the 206 range include a price reduction for the XR model, down $1,000 to only $17,990. The 206 XT gets a significant increase in standard spec (sports front seats, sports front bumper, chrome exhaust, aluminium fuel cap, drilled aluminium pedals, chrome gear knob) and is now priced at $21,990.

While the iconic 206 GTi has been discontinued (until the new 207 GTi arrives), the GTi 180 carries on the Peugeot tradition of hot hatches, now even more accessible with a price saving of $2,000. At only $32,990, the GTi 180 features a powerful 130kW engine.

Finally, there is good news for convertible lovers too: the 206CC is the most affordable convertible on the market, and has also been one of the most popular since it's launch in 2002. The 1.6-litre model starts at only $32,990, and now with a cost saving of $2,000 the 2.0-litre model with a responsive 100kW of power is priced from only $37,990.