Peugeot 207

The 207 GTi is an anticlimax that delivers few thrills. It simply doesn’t look or feel special.

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Rating:
On the road price: £15,495
For : Impressive engine, well-priced, roomy cabin
Against : Doesn’t look or feel special, substandard gearbox, dull handling

Driving
The 207 GTi shares its excellent 1.6-litre engine with the MIN Cooper S. Thanks to a twin-scroll turbocharger, there is no noticeable lag, and with maximum torque of 244Nm available from only 1,600rpm, it has great overtaking punch. The powerplant is responsive and free-revving, plus the 207 has the benefit of a raspy exhaust note. So it’s a real shame that it’s mated to a poor five-speed gearbox. This hampered it at the test track; it managed the 0-60mph dash in seven seconds flat, but was off the pace from 30-70mph, taking 6.6 seconds – a second longer than a Corsa VXR. Yet perhaps the 207’s biggest let-down is the handling. Although it features uprated suspension, the chassis is still softer than any of its rivals, so grip levels aren’t up to scratch and it doesn’t feel particularly agile or composed. However, the steering is better weighted than the standard car’s. But what’s most noticeable is that the 207 doesn’t particularly relish corners. It’s capable, but there’s no zest or excitement in the driving experience. A latter-day 205 GTi? Most definitely not.

Marketplace
Peugeot is rightly proud of its sporting heritage in the small performance car market. It’s produced some wonderful hot hatches down the years – including, of course, the 205 GTi. The pressure to recreate the magic which made it so great is immense. So how does the 207 GTi stack up? First impressions aren’t entirely favourable. It’s taken a late-to-market bodykit to improve upon the model's otherwise understated lines; only the twin exhausts and silver-capped doormirrors otherwise differentiate it from lesser cars. Rivals such as the Vauxhall Corsa VXR and Clio RenaultSport 197 show how it should be done – both trounce the 207 GTi.

Owning
The 207 GTi’s subtle exterior approach is reflected inside. It’s drab and lifeless. Buyers used to that special aura that comes with most hot hatches will feel very short-changed; even the dials are bland. At least the 207’s strengths remain in place, which means a spacious cabin, decent storage and a comfortable driving position. Rear passengers are reasonably well catered for too, although an unusually high central seat means it’s really only idea for two in the back. But in terms of load-carrying capacity, the 207 excels. It has nearly double the space available in a MINI, for example. However, ironically, given the 207’s unimpressive handling, the ride isn’t that cosseting. It feels busy over rough surfaces and can become crashy around town. But one area where it does trump is costs. It’s one of the cheapest in its sector to buy, and comes with a decent amount of standard equipment. If you add the £1,000 Octane Pack (climate control, parking sensors and cruise control), it’s even better value. Official economy is impressive too – nearly 40mpg – though in our tests it achieved only 32.5mpg, mainly due to the lack of an overdrive sixth gear. An insurance rating of 15 is par for the sector.