Peugeot's small car grows up

Peugeot has unveiled the successor to its long-running 206 small car with the covers coming off the hatch versions of the 207 that will replace the French maker's hatch here late this year.

Like its bigger 307 and 407 brethren, the 207 is immediately recognised by its new corporate family front end that ties in a huge open grille and extra long headlights.

The new three and five-door models are significantly bigger than the current 206 with an overall length of just over 4.0m or 200mm longer than the present 206. The 207 sits on a new platform shared with the Citroen C3 with a wheelbase that is longer and track wider than the 206.

Underneath, the front end retains a revised MacPherson strut arrangement while the rear suspension is a new design to improve interior space and handling.

In Europe, the initial engine choice is limited to 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol and turbodiesel powerplants with the base 54kW/118Nm 1.4 petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. A higher output 65kW/133Nm 1.4 petrol engine is offered with either five-speed manual or five-speed clutchless manual transmissions while the 1.6-litre petrol engine develops outputs of 80kW and 147Nm. 

The three diesel HDi engines all feature second generation common-rail injection technology and comprise a 50kW/160Nm 1.4-litre, 66kW/215Nm 1.6-litre and top of the range particulate filter-equipped 80kW/240Nm 1.6.

Before the end of the year, two new petrol engines developed in conjunction with BMW will also be added in the form of an 85kW/160Nm variable valve timing-equipped 1.6-litre and 110kW/240Nm low-pressure turbo version of the same 1.6.

Exactly what engines will come to Australia has yet to be determined but expect 1.4 and 1.6 petrol. That said, with Peugeot's and Australia's increasing focus on diesel, don’t be surprised to see a 207 HDi as well.

Inside, the car is more spacious than the 206 with a greater level of creature comforts including steering that is adjustable for rake and reach -- which should help alleviate criticisms of the 206's driving position. Also on the list of available features are dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive and automatic headlights, automatic windscreen wipers, power windows, remote locking and an MP3 compatible CD audio system.

On the safety front, the 207 features six airbags and anti-lock brakes standard across the range with ESP traction control on some models. The bonnet and front structure has also been designed with pedestrian impacts in mind to help reduce injuries.

Although Peugeot has only released details of the three and five-door hatch versions of the 207, there will be others to follow including a coupe convertible CC and SW wagon (currently not sold here) although they are unlikely to arrive in Australia before 2007.