Peugeot 207 Oxygo+
Ultra-efficient, tax-exempt model gives the Peugeot 207 a final flourish
For a car emitting less than 100g/km of CO2, the Oxygo demands few compromises. The engine is strong yet refined, while light steering and a slick gearbox make the 207 easy to drive. The styling still looks fresh, although the cramped interior is showing its age – something Peugeot needs to address when the new 208 arrives this summer.
It’s never too late to clean up your act – as the Peugeot 207 Oxygo proves. The supermini will be replaced by an all-new 208 this summer, but that hasn’t stopped Peugeot introducing the most efficient version yet – with road-tax-dodging CO2 emissions of only 98g/km and 65.6mpg fuel economy.
The Oxygo is available as either a three or five-door hatch, with no impact on efficiency if you go for the extra doors. Power is from a 92bhp 1.6 HDi diesel with a five-speed manual box.
The fuel-saving tweaks, which cut 12g/km from the standard 1.6 HDi’s emissions, include low-rolling-resistance tyres and a more aerodynamic bodykit, but not a stop-start system. We tested the Oxygo+, which gets more kit, such as air-con and Bluetooth.
Even though the 207 is quite old, it still looks sharp on the outside. Sadly, the same can’t be said of the interior switchgear and materials, which are starting to show their age. Rear legroom and boot space (at only 270 litres) are below par, too – the new 208 will need to address both.
Start up the engine and there’s some familiar diesel clatter, but that fades into the background once you’re on the move. Even better, a sharp throttle response helps the engine feel quicker than its claimed 92bhp suggests.
Although nimble and light on its feet, the 207 lacks the grip and poise of a Ford Fiesta in corners. But this car has always been about ease of use. The light steering, pedals and gearshift make it simple to drive around town – where it’s likely to spend most of its time.
If you can wait until the summer, the 208 should be a big step forward, with all five diesel models emitting less than 100g/km of CO2. If you can’t wait, the Oxygo is still an excellent supermini that will cost pennies to run. Just make sure you get a big discount from your dealer, as this car is now so close to being replaced.
