Three is the magic number – at least, that’s what Peugeot is hoping. Its new 4007 is the third and final product of a collaboration which has already given us the Citroen C-Crosser and Mitsubishi Outlander.
As with Citroen, this is the Lion’s first attempt at an SUV, and the firm is hoping to cash in on a booming ‘soft-roader’ market when the model goes on sale later this month.

But the newcomer is set to plunge into an extremely competitive sector. Even if you ignore its two sister cars, the 4007 is facing up to contenders such as the Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda CR-V and the latest Land Rover Freelander, not to mention the Vauxhall Antara.

Similarities with the Outlander and C-Crosser are immediately obvious. From the base of the windscreen back, the bodywork is identical, although Peugeot has added all-red rear light lenses. As with its cousins, however, the 4007 does get its own distinctive nose treatment – yet it’s the least attractive of the trio.

The gaping grille, heavy-handed badge and long overhang provide it with an ungainly appearance. Unlike the Citroen and Mitsubishi, the Peugeot’s front end looks as though it’s been tacked on as an afterthought.

There are no nasty surprises waiting once you climb into the cabin, as the layout is exactly the same as in the other models. That means a commanding driving position, good build and decent materials.

Specify the optional sat-nav unit and you’ll also be treated to a powerful Rockford Fosgate sound system – although the large bass speaker is mounted in the boot, and takes up valuable luggage space.

On the whole, practicality is a real strength. Unlike most offerings in the sector, the 4007 features a five-plus-two seating layout. The third row is only really suitable for occasional use, and the folding mechanism for these rearmost chairs is fiddly. Helpfully, though, once you have mastered the set-up, the seats drop flush into the floor when they’re not needed.

Out on the road, the strong similarities between the Peugeot and its cousins continue. Under the skin, the car features identical chassis settings, and that translates into a polished performance. Precise steering, strong grip and a surprisingly supple ride all add up to a driving experience which is very saloon-like.

Its agility is aided by a complex four-wheel-drive system. The set-up is electronically controlled, so drivers can switch between front and all-wheel-drive modes simply by twirling a knob between the front seats.

You’ll find it’s best to direct power to all four corners. The 156bhp 2.2-litre HDi engine delivers a healthy 380Nm of torque at only 2,000rpm, and so torque steer is an issue when accelerating hard in two-wheel-drive mode. Otherwise, the turbodiesel com-bines decent pace with impressive smoothness and refinement.

It’s reasonably green as well. With CO2 emissions of only 191g/km and fuel consumption of 39.2mpg on the combined cycle, the 4007 is one of the most environmentally friendly off-roaders you can buy.

In the UK, buyers get a choice of only two trim levels: SE and GT, costing £22,790 and £25,490 respectively. The Citroen carries an identical price, but the Mitsubishi undercuts both, and also offers a wider range.

So if you want an easy-to-drive SUV with seven-seat practicality and a refined, frugal diesel powerplant, this could be the car for you. All you have to decide is which badge you want on the bootlid.

To: AutoExpress

From VXR to Type R, no family car builder would be without a performance badge to tempt enthusiasts. Even so, few can match Peugeot’s GTi brand when it comes to pedigree. 

With an incredible back catalogue of hot hatches, the firm has yet to match the brilliance of the original 205 GTi, so its latest addition, the 207 GTi, carries a hefty weight of expectation.

Talented new rivals in the form of the Vauxhall Corsa VXR and Renault-sport Clio 197 add to the building sense of anticipation, so how does the hot 207 rate on British roads?

Unlike the competition, the Peugeot doesn’t simply rely on extreme body-kits and pumped-up looks. Instead, there are discreet side skirts, twin tailpipes, a subtle rear spoiler and dished 17-inch alloys to set it apart from lesser models. Silver-finished door mirrors are another clue to the performance on offer, but only afficionados will be able to tell the GTi apart, which could leave some hot hatch fans feeling a bit short-changed.

It’s the same story inside, where there’s an absence of garish trim and GTi logos. In fact, you have to look hard to find the famous trio of letters – the only ones we could find were on the bootlid. What you do get are chrome-rimmed instruments, aluminium pedals and stylish sports seats front and rear. The cabin is spacious, but the side bolsters of the front chairs provide little support during hard cornering.

Peugeot hasn’t been so reserved under the bonnet, though, and the GTi’s 175bhp 1.6-litre turbo engine is shared with the MINI Cooper S. It doesn’t have the power or rev-hungry nature of its rivals, but with lots of low-down torque (an impressive 244Nm at only 1,600rpm), its power delivery is much more relaxed. The benchmark 0-62mph sprint takes 7.1 seconds, so performance is certainly competitive.

On the road, the 207′s uprated suspension delivers more grip and fluid handling. However, there is still noticeable body roll in tight bends and the low-speed ride highlights small surface imperfections.

Heavily revised front suspension also improves the excellent power-steering, which is one of the finest set-ups currently available. However, the nicely weighted steering is at odds with the large diameter wheel and five-speed gearbox.

The 207 has price on its side, though, even if at £14,995 it does without climate control, cruise control and adaptive headlights – they come with the optional Pack Plus for an extra £1,000, putting it close to its rivals.

However, the GTi isn’t a typical thrill-a-minute hot hatch in the mould of its predecessors and lacks the raw driving experience and sporty design cues that make the Corsa VXR or Renaultsport Clio so exciting.

It’s sure to appeal to enthusiasts, with its talented chassis, relaxed power delivery and superior refinement. However, real hardcore fans could be better off waiting for the even more powerful 210bhp variant to get their performance kicks.

The system’s huge 30GB hard drive has more maps, including 29 European countries, and gives faster calculation of dir­ections.

Routes are now displayed on a colour screen with a 3D ‘perspective view’. The kit is standard on the GT-spec saloon and Coupé, and a £995 option on other cars.

SOURCE [Auto Express]

To some days the Citroen launched a esportiva version of its C1 model. Now it is the time of the Peugeot to make the same with the 107, and calling 107 Peugeot Sport XS. But if it does not liven up. Under of the hood still it has the same motor 1,0 of three cylinders and 68 horses of power.

Only that the appearance well is caprichado. It has stripes that they contrast with the appearance of the car. Spoilers, esportivo escape, etc.