Peugeot 207 SW Outdoor HDi 110

As the winter chill sets in, versatile 4x4s start to become more attractive to many drivers. Aiming to cash in on our desire to drive a car that can take the rough with the smooth, Peugeot has brought its chunky 207 SW Outdoor to the UK.

We have already driven the newcomer on Europe’s sun-soaked roads – but does its raised ride height make more sense when faced by the harsh highways of Britain?

With plastic wheelarch extensions and chunkier side sills, the little Peu­geot offers a taste of 4x4 styling in a compact package. Complete with roof rails and unique 16-inch alloy wheels, the Outdoor model is far more striking than the standard SW.

Much of the visual impact comes from its increased suspension height. The Outdoor is 16mm higher at the front and raised by 21mm at the rear to give improved ground clearance and add to its SUV stance.

Unfortunately, that’s as far as the off-road extras go. Peugeot hasn’t fitted a four-wheel-drive system or upgraded the transmission to help the 207 tackle the rough stuff.

So you won’t be straying far from the beaten track. Thankfully, raising the ride height has done little to detract from the Peugeot’s driving experience.

Only when pushed hard does the Outdoor suffer any more body roll than the standard SW. In everyday conditions, the Peugeot’s accurate steering and tidy handling make it just as easy to live with as a conventional 207 hatchback.

What’s more, the extra millimetres in the suspension have improved the ride quality. Other plus points include the vast luggage area with completely flat floor, which allows the Peugeot to swallow big loads with ease.

The Outdoor also benefits from a standard panoramic glass roof, which adds to the spacious and airy feel of the cabin. However, adults might find space in the rear a bit tight.

Buyers have a choice of three engines. The cheapest models come with a 1.6-litre petrol unit, while both 90bhp and 110bhp 1.6-litre diesel models are also available.

Prices start at £13,650, but you will have to shell out £14,740 for the range-topping diesel. What’s more, with the options fitted to our test car, that figure rises to £17,195.

Steer clear of the accessories list, though, and the 207 SW Outdoor is sure to stand out from the crowd without breaking the bank.

Rival: Suzuki Jimny
If you want a small car with big off-road ability, the Jimny is for you. It’s nowhere near as refined on the road as the Outdoor, but is surprisingly capable in the mud.