Tuesday 5 July 2011

2011 Peugeot 207 SW FULL ROAD TEST




Words and Photos by Rob McSorley

What is it?


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Over the past week I have been driving the Peugeot 207SW. The 207 was launched in July 2007 and is the 6th best selling car in the UK, it is also the successor to the popular 206. The 207 sits in the Peugeot range above the 107 city car and below the 308 compact hatchback and is also available as a 3 & 5 door hatchback and 2 door CC (coupe-cabriolet). At launch along with most of its competitors the 207 received the maximum 5 star Euro NCAP frontal crash rating and impressive 4 star child occupant rating. Here we have the SW (Sports Wagon) which is a small estate in plush Allure trim featuring the 1.6 16v HDi 92bhp FAP diesel engine. 

 
Rivals: Seat Ibiza ST, Skoda Fabia Estate & Renault Clio Estate

Technical Data


Price as tested: £16,695
Engine: 1.6 16v 92bhp FAP - 0-62mph: 13.3 secs - Maximum Speed: 113mph -
Economy: 54.3 (urban) - 80.6mpg (extra-urban), 67.2mpg (combined) - Emissions: 110g/km (Band C) - VED (12 months): £20
Dimensions: Length: 4156mm - Width: 1920mm - Height: 1555mm - Wheelbase: 2540mm

*data from Peugeot UK

Equipment

  • Dark Tinted rear windows
  • 16” Canberra alloy wheels
  • Rear Parking Sensors
  • Curtain Airbags
  • Cielo glass roof
  • Leather Steering Wheel
  • Sports interior pack
  • Electrically operated (folding)/heated door mirrors
  • Aluminium roof bars
  • Air conditioning
  • Peugeot connect with Bluetooth (including sat nav)
  • Stereo radio/single disc CD player with aux input
  • ESP & ABS with EBFD & EBA
  • 4 Airbags

The Design


Although the 207 has been on sale for 4 years it’s lines still turn heads today in the same way the 206 did, especially in the appealing Bianca White of our test car. The 207’s eye-catching looks kick off with Peugeot’s prominent “gaping mouth” grill at the front. Large, swept back headlights sit cleanly above the aggressively styled bumper which on this model features a sporty slotted aluminium effect grill and silver ringed fog lights. Towards the rear large light clusters stretch right back towards the rear doors and integrate neatly into the wraparound tinted rear windows. The stylish design is finished off with an attractive intersecting, reverse angle c-pillar, neat aluminium effect roof bars and 16 inch alloys wheels.
Moving inside, the 207 has a stylish dashboard characterised by sweeping lines punctuated with sections of dark metallic effect trim to give a very smart appearance. Quality overall is very good; all trim within easy reach of the driver feels incredibly well screwed together and is constructed using quality, often soft touch plastics. The centre console is neatly laid out with easy to read switches, the highlight of this model has to be the high quality multimedia unit which features a large TFT screen that intuitively integrates stereo, satellite navigation, mobile phone (via Bluetooth), parking sensors and fuel economy functions. All SWs feature a massive Cielo tinted glass roof that floods the cabin with light operated by a simple switch next to the handbrake.  Well shaped half leather seats offer excellent support whilst not being too firm and the level of adjustment helps any driver get comfortable helped by the reach and rake adjustable leather rimmed steering wheel. Passengers will be equally comfortable, rear headroom is generous and a low waistline provides an excellent outside view. Legroom is acceptable in the rear easily accommodating two adults or three children with ease across the bench. Boot space is good for this class of car at 482 litres (112 litres over the hatchback), usefully the load bay has a wide opening and low sill for easy loading, and in addition the split folding rear seats lay flat in one simple action. 


The Drive

The moment you turn the key in the 207SW you are not instantly aware that you are driving a diesel car; engine noise and vibration are almost non existent at all times, even when the engine is cold. On the move refinement is first class with minimal wind and road noise at all speeds. With 92bhp and 215Nm of torque on tap from the 1.6 16v HDi engine acceleration is punchy and power delivery is always smooth with a competitive 0-62 mph sprint taking only 13.3 seconds.  The 207s ride is incredibly supple and well judged but does have a reassuringly firm edge most likely due to the wide 16” alloy wheels fitted to this model.  Despite this overall body control is good; roll in corners is kept in check and never excessive although the steering could do with more feel. A taut chassis, good acceleration and strong brakes mean that twisty country roads can be tackled with tenacity. Equally at home around town the 207 is easy to park aided by good all-round visibility, standard-fit parking sensors and light steering. Its compact dimensions mean that nipping around town is hassle free and enjoyable

The Verdic
The 207SW is a stylish and accomplished small car and in Allure trim buyers will have every gadget they could ever want along with an equally impressive safety record. Spirited handling and performance along with low running costs mean that the SW could well be the sweet-spot in the 207 range. However for buyers on a tighter budget the lower powered HDi diesel engines will be equally satisfying and lower trim models are still very well equipped. Overall the 207SW is everything you could ever want from a small estate. 

Special Thanks to; Peugeot Motor Company PLC, Pinley House, 2 Sunbeam Way, Coventry CV3 1ND

Picture Gallery


FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE 207 SW OR ANY OTHER PEUGEOT MODEL 



Southam Road
Banbury
OX16 2RS
08445 56 85 62






All photographs and text are the exclusive property of Rob McSorley (except where stated otherwise). They are made available for your personal viewing enjoyment only. No images are within the Public Domain. The photographs may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, manipulated, projected, used or altered in any way without the prior permission of Rob Mcsorley (mrrobertmcsorley@gmail.com).

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