Review of the new Peugeot 207 Urban Range

It would be quite normal to feel that you've drawn the short straw when you climb behind the wheel of an entry level model in a new car. Normal, but in the case at least of Peugeot's 207 Urban, completely wrong. Far from being the variant to avoid in the French company's latest supermini line-up, the pleasant surprise is that in entry-level Urban guise, the 207 offers an appealing package as well as giving a lot for your money.

Peugeot are taking care that the 207 is priced closely to key competitors like Renault's Clio, the Ford Fiesta and Fiat's Grande Punto. That's despite the fact that the latest model benefits from a facelift with revised styling and interior trim.

First, the design of the 207. It originally followed the corporate image that debuted on other models in the range like the 307 and 407, with the large 'smiling' grille and sharky front light cluster which extends almost back to the 'A' pillar on the 207. The neat styling has shades of 206 about it, yet the car is completely different, based on the company's 'Platform 1' floor pan.

The current models have slight revisions to the front end, the most obvious being the relocation of the fog lights, on models which have them, to independent slots cut into the bumper. Around the back, things are less extrovert but the overall look has real purpose about it. The LED rear light clusters could be the highlight and from any angle, it's immediately obvious you're looking at a Peugeot 207. Inside there are revised instrument panels designed to give a more modern feel and some upgraded trim materials.

"On the road is where the 207 really shows its mettle, especially in the petrol form"

The Urban is offered in both 3-door and 5-door hatchback forms, the clever design ensuring that the 5-door loses none of the sporting style that is built into the car. There's a choice of either a 1.4-litre petrol engine or a 1.4-litre HDi diesel unit. The petrol model is an 8-valve engine producing 75bhp whereas the diesel offering is a second generation common rail high-pressure direct injection powerplant producing 70bhp. The diesel model completes the 0-62mph sprint in 14.8 seconds and goes on to a maximum speed of 104mph. The 1.4-litre petrol-powered model reaches 62mph in 15.7 seconds and has a similar top speed of 106mph. It's in the economy and environmental arenas that the diesel model has the beating of its petrol sibling. On the combined cycle, the 1.4-litre petrol averages 44.1mpg, against the diesel's impressive 64.2 and there is a similar difference with the CO2 emissions figures of 147g/km for the petrol model and 117g/km for the diesel.

On the road is where the 207 really shows its mettle, especially in petrol form. Surprisingly, the 1.4 petrol is probably the best unit in the range. It revs easily and really sings when driven hard. The steering, ride and handling are superb on both cars and they are great fun to drive especially on twisty, hilly roads, the petrol model just shading the diesel on agility through the bends.

Sitting inside the 207 Urban, you can immediately sense that this car is far removed from the 206 in terms of its quality and elegance. The elegant centre panel houses all the usual heating, ventilating and audio switches and the binnacle behind the steering wheel features three circular dials, mirroring those usually seen on a motorcycle. The overall effect is very pleasing and gives the impression of a very up-market product. The front seats are very comfortable and appear to give good support. In the rear, as with most vehicles in this sector, the available space is rather limited to the size of the passenger and driver seated in the front. With the front seats fully extended backwards, the space in the back can be a bit restricted.

And the equipment levels - are they really class-leading? It depends how you look at it. The Urban model does come surprisingly well kitted out with features that include power steering, remote control central locking with deadlocks, electric front windows with one touch operation for the driver, stereo radio and CD player, driver and passenger seat height adjustment as well as 60/40 split folding rear seats. A sophisticated braking system is also standard on this car featuring ABS with EBFD (electronic brakeforce distribution) and EBA (electronic braking assistance) ensuring the 207 stops quickly and in a control manner. Other rivals can match this tally at affordable prices but arguably, the quality of the Peugeot's trim is better.

The Peugeot 206 was a tough act to follow yet the 207 proved up to the job. It is beautifully styled and extremely well put together. The doors shut with a reassuring "clunk" just like a Mercedes-Benz or BMW. Even with this entry level model you feel cosseted in a classy car. The Peugeot 207 Urban could prove to be the surprise package of the range.

TOP 5 207 DEALS

The results below show the top 207 deals on buyacar

Peugeot 207 1.4 Access 3dr Hatchback
Price £7,909 Read 207 Reviews	Save £2,081
Peugeot 207 1.4 M play 3dr Hatchback Special Editions
Price £6,040 Read 207 Reviews	Save
Peugeot 207 1.6 VTi Allure 2dr Coupe Cabriolet
Price £15,386 Read 207 Reviews	Save £2,759
Peugeot 207 1.6 VTi Active 2dr Coupe Cabriolet
Price £14,253 Read 207 Reviews	Save £2,392
Peugeot 207 1.6 HDi 92 Oxygo 3dr Diesel Hatchback
Price £9,882 Read 207 Reviews	Save £2,763
VIEW MORE DISCOUNT 207 DEALS