Peugeot's 207 range features a 1.4-litre 16-valve petrol engine that, although generally competent, would not raise too much interest. Not too powerful, not too expensive, not too thirsty and not too environmentally unfriendly, It pleads guilty to all of these but it also has the ability to make the 207 come alive as an engaging and fun car to drive.

The 1.4-litre 16-valve 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 inherent to the car's character. Peugeot is building the 207 at three sites in France, Spain and Slovakia, ensuring as sales start to ramp up, they'll have sufficient capacity to meet the demand.

The 1.4-litre 16-valve petrol-powered models reach 62mph in 15.6 seconds and have a top speed of 104mph. In the economy and environmental arenas, the combined cycle performance of the 1.4-litre 16-valve petrol averages 44.8mpg, with the CO2 emissions figure coming out at a commendable 152g/km.

On the road is where the 207 1.4-litre 16-valve really shows its mettle. It revs easily and really sings when driven hard. The steering, ride and handling are superb on both 3-door and 5-door models and they are great fun to drive especially on twisty, hilly roads, with the 1.4-litre engine showing its full flexibility. The gearbox has a crisp feel with the changes being smooth yet positive.

Peugeot have taken care that the 207 is priced closely to key competitors like Renault's latest Clio and Fiat's Grande Punto. And that's despite the fact that they claim the 207 sets fresh class standards in terms of trim quality and equipment levels throughout the entire range.

"The gearbox has a crisp feel with the changes being smooth yet positive. "

The design of the 207 follows the corporate image seen 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. The neat styling has shades of 206 about it, yet the car is completely different, based on the company's 'Platform 1' floor pan which it shares with the 1007. The striking and rather sporty look, which was designed in-house by Peugeot's own stylists, should maintain the strong customer following.

Sitting inside the 207 1.4-litre 16-valve, you can immediately sense that this car is far removed from the 206 in terms of its quality and elegance. Plus the 207, even in the S level model, is head and shoulders above its equivalent 206 in terms of refinement. The elegant centre panel houses all the usual heating, ventilation and audio switches while 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 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. Two trim levels are available with the 1.4-litre 16-valve - S and Sport. The 1.4-litre 16-valve model does come surprisingly well kitted out even in S level trim 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 controlled manner. The Sport, in addition, features15-inch Monaco alloy wheels, sports front seats, front fog lamps, on-board computer as well as a leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob.

Safety has been designed into the 207 from its conception so it was no surprise that it earned a five star rating from the EuroNCAP tests. The 207's front end contains two impact absorption structures borrowed from the 407 that distribute impact energy more efficiently in the event of a collision. Sill reinforcements and tubular bars in the doors aid structural rigidity. Numerous airbags are installed in the 207 and the front two 'adaptive' airbags have a dual-generator function that can vary their pressures according to the severity of the impact. Side airbags also feature as standard on all 1.4-litre 16-valve models. All 207s are fitted with two 3-point Isofix mountings in the rear outer seats, each of which can accommodate a child's Isofix car safety seat.

These days when the diesel versions of a new model range are usually touted as the ones to go for, it makes a refreshing change to buck the trend and declare that a humble 1.4-litre 16-valve petrol is possibly the best all-round engine available in the 207 range. This easy-revving unit is the jewel in the 207's crown but could easily be over-looked.

TOP 3 207 DEALS

The results below show the top 207 deals on buyacar

	Peugeot 207 1.4 S 3dr [AC] Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly	Saving £1,608	Price £8,982
	Peugeot 207 1.4 Sport 5dr Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £181	Saving £1,890	Price £10,030
	Peugeot 207 1.4 Sport 3dr Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £169	Saving £1,762	Price £9,558

typical 12.85% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000