Peugeot 207

   The Peugeot 207 is produced since 2006. It replaced the Peugeot 206.

   Engine sizes and power outputs are par for the small-car course, but choose carefully, because the 207 is on the hefty side. The sweet 90 hp 1.4 really suits the car, but if you need something stronger, try one of the diesels.

   Ride and handling used to be Peugeot's forte, and the 207 shows it's back on track. The electric power steering is light at low speed but weights up as you increase pace, and the car changes direction eagerly. The ride is supple and controlled in all models, but best with 15-inch wheels.

   Refinement is another strong point of the 207. Noise from most sources is almost non-existent unless you're really working the car, though the 1.6 petrol can become raucous. However, there's some transmission whine, with the 1.6 again the main culprit, and the wipers are noisy.

   The 206 made a mockery of the numbers sold by consistently holding its value better than most small cars, mainly because it's so much in demand with private buyers. The 207 should do the same, even though it will cost quite a bit more. Initial running costs appear to be a little heavier than those of its arch-rival, the Renault Clio.

   If you want just one yardstick of the change of attitude at Peugeot, this is where to start looking. The shiny elephant-hide plastics and patchy finish of early 206s has been replaced by a Germanic depth of quality, with soft-touch surfaces, smooth controls and no sharp edges or cheap-looking solutions. Let's hope long-term reliability turns out to match.

   Curtain airbags are only an option on some models, and stability control is a part of the standard specification with the GT. Still, Peugeot is heading in the right direction. Tyre pressure sensors, lamps that illuminate bends and doors that lock automatically once you're moving (to thwart opportunist thieves when you're stuck in city traffic) are also available.

   Tall drivers found it nigh-on impossible to make themselves comfortable in the Peugeot 206, but they'll have few problems in the 207. It takes a bit of juggling with seat and steering to get the perfect posture, but it is possible, and the instruments and switches are a big improvement. Broad front screen pillars hamper visibility.

   The 207 is bigger than its predecessor, and provides a decent amount of space for the class. Rear headroom is excellent and knee space is good for all but tall adults, though Urban and S models don't have the hollowed-out front seat backs of the rest of the range. The boot is big and flexible.

   The basics are all in place, but you need to step up a grade to get curtain airbags and the option of air-conditioning. The SE is available only with five doors and has a full-length sunroof; the GT has stability control, dual-zone air-conditioning and 17-inch wheels. Urban, S and SE models look subtly different to Sport and GT versions.

   There is also expected a Peugeot 207 CC version with retractable hardtop. It should be added to the Peugeot lineup in 2007.

   Advantages: The 207 retains the character of the 206 while delivering more space, refinement, safety and quality. It's good to drive and comfortable to ride in.

   Disadvantages: Improved safety and refinement mean its weight is increased - and it hurts performance. The vast dash steals space, too.

   Also consider: Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio.