By EWAN KENNEDY in Paris
2 October 2006

Peugeot is to introduce a new small car to Australia early in 2007. Called the Peugeot 207 it is a pretty little machine with fascinating styling using the latest interpretation of the striking Peugeot theme.

The 207 has a long, sleek nose dominated by a huge grille that makes a real styling statement in its own right. Large headlights wend their way sinuously back into the bonnet and guards. Shoulder angles are almost diamond-facet in their shapes and move to the rear of the car where they meet lights with an interesting new styling theme.

Inside the cabin, there are wonderful swooping curves with a very Gallic look. The new Peugeot 207 is all very French both inside and out and the new shapes work exceptionally well.

We have recently attended technical presentations and test drives of the new Peugeot 207 in France at the invitation of Automobiles Peugeot, the Australian importer.

Peugeot designers are past masters at making interiors appear even more spacious than they are. First impressions were that the 207 feels as though it’s a full size up from the class in which it sits.

It goes without saying that the suspension and steering of the new small Peugeot follow the company’s long tradition of giving a smooth, comfortable ride and a sense of driving pleasure. We managed to find some rough, Aussie-type backroads and the car dismissed them with aplomb.

Power comes from a variety of engines, not all of which will be exported to us. Exact details haven’t been set for Australia, but expect 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol units, the latter offered in turbo and naturally-aspirated formats. There is also a 1.6 turbo-diesel as Peugeot is one of the strongest marques in this fuel-saving field in Australia and is making a strong push on its new-generation diesels.

Unfortunately, our initial test drives were all in 207’s with the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine as this had only just been introduced in Europe as we arrived. ‘Unfortunately’ is perhaps not the correct word to use here; as revheads we enjoyed its strong torque output and, relative, lack of turbo lag. However, it would have been nice to sample some of the more everyday engines as well. We will, of course, do so when the Peugeot 207 is launched in Australia.

In the 1.6 turbo-petrol engine, torque peaks at 240 Newton metres, which begins at an impressively low 1400 rpm, then continues to 3500 rpm. Maximum power of 110 kW arrives when the engine gets to 5800 rpm. Though the engine is happy to rev to that figure you soon get accustomed to changing up at lower revs, letting the torque do all the work. Thus minimising fuel consumption and exhaust emissions while still enjoying plenty of performance.

The 1.4 litre engine has 54 kW or 65 kW and it’s likely only the latter will be seen in Australia. The non-turbo 1.6 achieves a useful 80 kW and we anticipate it will prove to be the mainstay of the Australia range. The turbo-diesel’s power curve also peaks at 80 kW.

Almost all European drivers prefer manual transmissions in this class, so only a limited number of engines have an automatic option. The Australian importers are fighting to reverse this fact, we will bring news on the success, or otherwise, of their efforts when the 207 arrives in Australia. Probably in February or March next year.

Peugeot 207 body types that will come to Australia initially will be three- and five-door hatchbacks. There is a station wagon in France, and both it and a coupe-cabriolet variant, the 207CC, are expected here later in 2007.

Interestingly, the Peugeot 207 won’t replace the Peugeot 206 but will sell alongside it for quite some time. There are two reasons for the somewhat unexpected decision. Firstly, the 207 is about half a size larger than the 206. Indeed, it’s almost as large as the old Peugeot 306 that was on sale here until late 2001 when it was replaced by the larger 307.

Secondly, the Peugeot 206, despite its having been on our market since 1999, is still selling remarkably well, chiefly due to its still-fresh shape. So the 206 will remain as an entry-level model at a price yet to be set. The lowest cost 206 variant is currently the three-door 206 XR 1.4-litre at just $17,990.

We anticipate the new 207’s price will begin just under $20,000 but final specifications and technical details are still to be calculated.