8 February 2011
Camaraderie is a beautiful thing; without it Peugeot's latest 207GTi and 207CC models wouldn't have received the 1.6 litre turbocharged engine that currently resides under their bonnet. Thanks to Peugeot/BMW technology partnership however, Pug's little 'un does indeed boast the cracking power unit - which itself, is also a beautiful thing.
Sharing the July launch limelight were the two new models that replace the aging 206 GTi and 206 CC versions.
Three different takes on the new 1.6 litre engine fill the space between the 207 GTi and CC models. The tamest is the $41,990 base model convertible with a four speed automatic transmission, the core engine is based on the more powerful GTi, but sans turbo and producing a humble 88kW @ 6000 rpm. Opt for the five-speed manual CC - though it's expected few buyers will (about 20% take up for the manual is likely) and you'll pick up the turbocharged engine, de-tuned slightly from GTi spec but still developing 110kW @ 5800 rpm. It'll also set you back an extra $2,000.
The third is the fully blown 128kW @ 5800rpm GTi, available with a five-speed manual only. Previous GTi models have been powered by 1.9 or 2.0 litre engines but the 207's high tech 1.6 litre unit offers ample grunt with direct injection, variable valve timing and variable valve lift - a hand me down from BMW's clever Valvetronic technology.
The turbo is a twin scroll device that divides the exhaust manifold into two ducts optimising the pulse of the turbine, particularly at low revs. Boost pressure is produced from 1000 rpm and 240Nm of torque is on tap from 1600 rpm. An over boost function allows the turbo pressure to climb to 1 bar during some full throttle situations, taking torque to 260Nm.
Our launch drive included track time at Taupo's Motorsport Park where we could safely sample all this superb engine had to offer
The potent little power unit proved tractable and smooth, getting power to the wheels quickly, even in the taller ratios. No wonder it was a winner at the 2007 international engine of the year awards. The GTi's five-speeder was well matched to the engine, so the lack of a six-speed manual seemed of no major concern, however the rubbery shift caused the selector to balk intermittently on hurried downshifts.
BMW use the engine in the latest Mini, one of the 207's competitors and the handling benchmark for the category. Still using a torsion bar rear-end, the 207 lacks the dynamics of its engine-sharing rival. Suspension is firmer than the conventional 207, though in our opinion handling hasn't been sharpened exceedingly. Perhaps though, that says more about the competency of the base 207, rather than any serious shortcomings of the GTi.
The GTi is also the best equipped of the 207 line up. For the reasonable $37,990 price tag buyers can expect a speed limiter and cruise control, auto headlamps and wipers, tyre pressure monitor, dual zone climate air, five-star EuroNCAP safety with six airbags, steering and stability control programs, rear parking aids and directional headlights as standard kit. The GTi also makes use of a new steering technology that helps direct the car to maximise braking efficiency on a combination of surfaces.
More aggressive styling differentiates the GTi from the rest of the range with shadow chrome headlamp reflectors, hip hugging sports seats; 17-inch "Pitlane" alloys and carbon look gauges
The CC picks up similar levels of kit, although strangely the automatic version offers ESP as an option only. It also misses out on the five-star EuroNCAP crash safety the rest of the 207 range is awarded, this is attributed to the lack of curtain airbags to contribute toward the CC's overall points tally in the testing. Much structural stiffening has been added to the 207CC to retain cabin integrity during an impact however, and European NCAP reports the vehicle still performs well in side impact and pole testing. For rollover protection the Windscreen's 'A' pillars have been strengthened and two pyrotechnic rollover bars deploy within 200 milliseconds of a rollover situation being detected.
Peugeot New Zealand is confident a 207CC with a five-star NCAP rating will be available to the New Zealand market next year. This vehicle will pick up a knee airbag to improve its scorecard and is in our opinion worth waiting for, especially if Peugeot decide to absorb the cost of the additional feature.
Handling also benefits from Peugeot's effort to strengthen the convertible variant. A lattice of bracing underneath the vehicle has tightened the chassis considerably over the 206CC predecessor, reducing scuttle shake and improving driveability. The result is slightly less responsive to driver's inputs as the GTi, but still quite capable on a winding road.
As folding hardtops go the 207CC's is excellent. Unlike some brands that outsource the roof's design and construction, the 207CC lid was a completely in-house affair and the car is better for it. Quick, quiet no fuss operation with no manual locks or latches, it's fully up or down within 25 seconds.
Without the practicality of four doors and generous luggage capacity don't expect the 207 GTi and CC model to be anything more than niche players, but bang for buck, they do make for an attractive option to the norm.