Review of the new Peugeot 207 HDi 112

Every major car manufacturer has its men and women in white coats. Locked away in laboratories doing ingenious things with cylinders, fuel injectors and valves, these are the people behind the continual improvement in our vehicles over the years. Peugeot's gang seem to be more on the ball than most, particularly those who look after its HDi diesel engines. Any detailed explanation of what they're actually up to would baffle most motorists but we can all appreciate a few extra bhp and mpg, while any cut in g/km never goes amiss. On this basis, Peugeot's 207 supermini with the HDi 112 engine seems certain to go down well. Just don't ask how it works.

Having to follow the phenomenal supermini success story that was the 206 never looked like an easy task for the 207. Peugeot came out fighting though, bringing us a model that's bigger and better in most of the ways that matter. Pivotal to the success of the 207 have been the diesel models and the French company didn't take the task of developing top-notch small capacity oil-burning engines lightly. The 207's entire 207 HDi range uses advanced technology to get its performance and efficiency jobs done and no unit is cleverer than the 1.6-litre HDi 112 we feature here.

The secret to achieving the dual goals of efficiency and performance is to get the maximum from each droplet of fuel. This goal has given rise to a whole range of technologies designed to maximise the efficiency of the combustion process inside the four cylinders of this HDi diesel engine. Its common-rail fuel injection system delivers fuel to the cylinders at an immense pressure of 1,650 bars through piezo-electric injectors with seven apertures that atomise the fuel. These injectors are controlled by an engine management computer that can deliver up to five precisely-timed injections of tiny fuel droplets per cycle to mix with air supplied via a variable geometry turbocharger. By altering the fuel injections, the turbo geometry and other parameters, the engine can respond to throttle inputs, taking it easy when you do and getting a shift on when called upon.

"Peugeot's reputation for producing highly competitive diesel models should be safe in the hands of its 207 with HDi 112 power"

The technology within the HDi 112 engine gives rise to a fine set of figures. The peak power of 112bhp is generated at 3,600rpm but the best bit is the torque. A maximum of 270Nm is available at 1,750rpm but there's an overboost function that raises this to 285Nm for a limited period under hard acceleration. It's designed to give the 207 a strong feel through majority of the rev range and gives rise to a lively 0-60mph performance of 11.1s. Mated to the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the unit can take the 207 to a 120mph top speed.

The 207 is an undeniably handsome piece of styling, the big front grille now starting to rest easier on the eye than when it was first introduced and the elegantly tapered rear profile gives the car a squat, dynamic stance on the road. On the latest cars, the fog lamps are relocated to vents at each side of the main grille and LED lights are incorporated at the rear.

The materials in the cabin look and feel sturdy with no obvious flaws in terms of the way they all fit together. The lower specification models lack some of the fancy detailing you get as you ascend the range but the interior of a 207 is generally pleasant if missing some of the wow-factor found on the top supermini offerings. The latest cars benefit from revised instrument panels designed to give a more modern feel and some upgraded trim materials. Rear legroom is not as good as in some rivals, although there's compensation in the shape of a 310-litre boot capacity.

All 207 models get a healthy package of equipment with air-conditioning, remote central locking, a trip computer and a CD stereo. The HDi 112 engine is offered in Sport trim which emphasises the 207's lively side with a chrome exhaust, sports seats and tinted rear windows. Also included are 15" alloys, front fog lights, electric windows and a leather steering wheel. Buyers can choose between three and five-door hatchback bodystyles or go for the SW estate model which is also available in Outdoor guise with styling modifications designed to make it look a bit like a 4x4.

Just as important as the performance in this day and age is the fuel economy and emissions owners can expect. The figures make happy reading with all models bar the SW Outdoor managing 61.4mpg and 119g/km emissions. This has been achieved through the efficiency of the engine's combustion cycle but also by reducing friction losses. The 207 HDi 112 also comes with an FAP diesel particulate filter to clean soot particles from the exhaust gasses, a unit that, appropriately enough, only requires servicing every 112,000 miles.

Even small cars get advanced engine technology these days and Peugeot's reputation for producing highly competitive diesel models should be safe in the hands of its 207 with HDi 112 power. Not the most efficient or the fastest diesel supermini out there, this 207 is a polished all-rounder with combined economy over 60mpg and abundant torque for decent flexibility out on the road.

The distinctive looks of the 207 ensure it won't be mistaken for any other supermini and the package has few major weak points. Rear leg room is better in some rivals and the driving position could be improved but there's a substantial boot and the cabin feels well put together. The HDi 112 engine is certainly a highlight of the range.

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