This week, Peugeot announces the arrival of the new Peugeot 207, billed to succeed but not replace
the 206, the best selling Pug of all time. The new Peugeot 207 is due to be on sale mid 2006 and the first to be fitted with a range of engines developed in association with BMW, as previewed in the
Peugeot 20Cup concept shown at the
2005 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The French carmaker continues its love affair with the B-segment. The Peugeot 207 is the latest in the '2-series' dynasty, which stretches back more than 75 years and has seen classics such as the 205 GTi. With 5.4 million 206s sold and still selling well, Peugeot couldn't force itself to cut production of the award-winning car just yet. So the 207 sits alongside its predecessor for the moment, in the same way the new Fiat Grande Punto is to be sold alongside the old Punto.
So, where does the Peugeot 207 fit in this line up? Well it looks almost the same as the
face lifted 307 and is only slightly bigger than the 206. But, customers will be pleased with the specification and more airbags than you can shake a stick at will ensure good sales. Quirky features range from static directional headlamps to a perfume dispenser in the dash. An auto-park button is still in development!
It's safety first and fun last with the 207's range of engines; there are six on offer with the 1.6-litre HDi with 110bhp looking the best of the bunch. New body styles and engines aren't far behind (
click here for spy shots of the forthcoming 207CC and 207SW) ensuring customers will be spoilt for choice in the showrooms. Hopefully the BMW partnership will lead to a decent engine to power the 207 GTi in the future. Watch out for our review of the new 207 on the
Peugeot road tests page.
Paul Wilkinson - 20 Jan 2006