Model tested: Peugeot 207 HDi Touring
Recommended Retail Price: $29,790
Options fitted: CD stacker ($590); alloy wheels ($900); cruise control and speed limiter ($250).
Handling; brakes; fuel economy; easy to drive; looks brilliant; panoramic glass roof.
Underpowered when loaded; air conditioner on hot days
CarAdvice rating: 
(3.50)
- Review and photos by Paul Maric & Alborz Fallah
Read the full road test here: http://www.caradvice.com.au/12378/2008-peugeot-207-hdi-touring-review/
Paul:
I’ve sampled quite a few different diesel Peugeot variants and up until this point, I was convinced they had it right. They hit the perfect mix between economy and power – that was until I drove the new 207 HDi Touring.
In theory, the car works very well. It’s spacious enough to fit a small family and its belongings, and on paper it’s frugal enough to keep the finance manager happy at the end of the month. But one area it lacks – and quite noticeably – is when the car is loaded full of people and expected to perform. At certain times, it felt as though Peugeot had focused on getting the best fuel efficiency out of this engine, opposed to building it for drivability.
After loading five people into the car with some luggage, the 40-degree day required the added assistance of air conditioning. Coming onto the freeway onramp, I progressively increased the throttle from a standing start and received next to nothing in return. The lack of power was daunting at times. Plenty of forethought was required before even attempting any overtaking manoeuvres or pulling out in busy traffic.
In a way, the engine shouldn’t be the sole determinant of a car’s abilities. But, in this case – seeing as it’s built as a family car – the engine is the car’s Achilles heel. Read more »
