Peugeot 207 Allure 1.6 HDi 112 FAP 5dr Car Review - February 2012

The steering for the 207 has been wonderfully designed, making the car light and nimble around town and at slow speed, while becoming heavier and more stable at faster speeds. The ride is normally quite comfortable, but the firm suspension does mean that hitting any unexpected bumps or potholes will really be felt by everyone in the cabin. The driving position is well tailored and there is plenty of adjustability to ensure that the driver can find a comfortable sitting position, and visibility is good in all directions.

The 1.6 litre diesel engine is quite powerful for a car of this size, but as it is quite a heavy car this does affect the overall performance figures for the 207. The 207 accelerates from 0-62mph in 11.2 seconds, and the top speed of 120mph means that cruising on the motorway will be well within the reach of this version of the car.

One of the most noticeable aspects of the styling of the 207 is that the front end looks like it is a face with a big grin, with the air intake being absolutely huge, and taking up much of the front bumper. The lights also lean in to add to this image of the face, which is quite attractive, and the rear end is also tidy and efficiently designed. Inside the cabin the dials are well presented and give all necessary information, and the contrast between the white dials and black plastic means that it stands out too.

This version of the 207 has the benefit of 17 inch alloy wheels, which makes a big difference to the overall image. There is also air conditioning to help keep the cabin comfortable, and a panoramic sunroof which really comes into its own on a relaxed summer drive.

Although there is plenty of room for adults in the front seats, those who are going to be travelling in the back may find that the legroom is quite limited, depending on the size of the driver and front seat passenger. The boot space is quite good, but with the door curving in around the large light clusters access means it isn’t as practical as some other vehicles.

The Peugeot 207 has been awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests, and the inclusion of curtain airbags to complement those in place for the driver and front seat passenger is a big factor. The car does have ABS, but ESP is an optional extra.

One of the biggest gripes that will stop many people from buying this version of the 207, is that the list price of £16,145 puts it firmly in the range of some larger and more practical vehicles. Starting models for the VW Golf and Nissan Qashqai are very close to this price, and the extra space will often mean that people will go for something larger for very nearly the same amount of money.

However, one area where the 1.6 litre HDi engine in the 207 does do quite well is in the fuel efficiency. The 207 is able to deliver an average 61.4 mpg, and with a low insurance group the premiums should be quite reasonable too. The market for small practical cars means that depreciation will not be too bad. The 207 is delivered with a three year warranty, and also comes with one year’s membership of the AA in case a breakdown should occur.