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Peugeot's 207 Is Out In The Open

The mag's ventured into the Lion's den again! Following the sensational scoop pictures of Peugeot's next-generation 307 in issue 838, Auto Express magazine can now reveal the French firm's all-new 207 making its first open-air outing.

By Chris Thorp

26th January 2005

Test drivers will be regretting their half-hearted efforts at a disguise, as the loose strips of black plastic leave little to the imagination. The mag's photos - coupled with information from our sources - reveal all about the car that will take on, among others, Vauxhall's eagerly awaited new Corsa.

Examine the nose, and the influence of Peugeot's 1007 supermini-MPV, due later this year, is obvious. Designers have opted for a steeply raked short bonnet with trademark large lens head-lamps. The gaping grille which debuted on the 407 also features. And there's something borrowed from partner company Citroen as well - the door mirrors have been seen before on the C4.

The low window line will help to give the cabin an airy feel and allow the 207 to retain the squat stance of its predecessor, the 206. At the rear, the car retains a more conventional look, but new teardrop tail-lights give a sleeker, more attractive finish.

In the cabin, buyers can expect an all-new interior. Where the 206 feels dated - thanks to its uncomfortable driving position and poor quality plastic - its successor will offer a modern dashboard. Insiders have hinted the 207 will be a conventional five-seater, but it's not yet known whether it will offer a sliding rear bench, as some rivals do, to maximise luggage space.

Under the skin, the supermini will benefit from Peugeot's latest chassis and suspension technology. This makes sure it retains the key selling point of the most popular French hatchbacks of the past decade - a sharp driving experience. Sharing much of its mechanicals with the smaller 1007, it should provide the perfect base for a range-topping GTi variant that will eventually become the flagship model.

Other versions are likely to use engines taken directly from the current 206 range, with entry-level petrol cars powered by 1.1-litre petrol units. Frugal range-toppers will get the powerful 2.0-litre diesel. And Peugeot's two new 1.6-litre unleaded engines - developed in conjunction with BMW - are sure to make an appearance as well.

Along with the five-door hatchback version seen here, the 207 range will include a three-door from launch. An SW estate and a folding hard-top CC model will come later. Official arrival dates are still under wraps, but sources say the car won't be here until early 2006, with the first deliveries soon after.

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