Peugeot 207 Economique 1.6 HDi 90 3-door

Following the trend for sub-100g/km CO2 emitting vehicles in the compact B-segment, Peugeot has introduced the 99g/km CO2 emitting Economique model. Like its rivals it uses a diesel engine combined with chassis and aerodynamic alterations to achieve high mpg.

Peugeot's 207 hatchback is a now familiar model and has long boasted a choice of efficient diesel engines, but the Economique is the first in the range to be able to boast CO2 emissions below 100g/km. At 99g/km, the Economique qualifies for tax free status at the same time returning extremely high fuel economy from its 90bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine.

Remapped engine software and the addition of an exhaust gas recirculation heat exchanger to cool the re-injected exhaust gases helps the 207 Economique in its quest for low fuel consumption, but the alterations do not end there. The ride height has been lowered 5mm while a body kit with optimised air flow, under body covers, low rolling resistance tyres and a longer final drive ratio all contribute.

There are in fact two trim levels available; Economique and Economique+. Standard equipment for the former includes passenger seat height adjustment, fully adjustable steering column, a split folding rear seat and electric front windows with the Economique+ adding air-conditioning, electric heated door mirrors and a trip computer. Both trim levels are available in three and five-door format.

Based on the familiar 207 model the Economique is able to take advantage of the existing qualities while adding its own eco-angle. Well balanced performance and a relatively spacious, comfortable interior are traits present in the 207.

Our verdict on the Peugeot 207 Economique 1.6 HDi 90 3-door

Thanks to a well-considered core design, the Peugeot 207 is a car that's as pleasant in base specification as at the top of the range. The Economique therefore doesn't suffer because of its basic level of equipment; rather it focuses the attention on the choice equipment present, the impressive driving experience and the excellent fuel economy. With cross generation appeal, reasonable practicality and excellent efficiency, it's among the best models in the Peugeot range.

Costs

Road tax free and with impressive real world fuel consumption, the Peugeot 207 Economique should prove a highly cost effective car to own and run. There's a slight premium to be paid over a similarly equipped model in purchase price but the Economique does not feel Spartan. Insurance ratings are also likely to be favourable.

Space and practicality

The 207's interior is surprisingly spacious for a compact three-door hatchback. Headroom is generous front and rear. Three full belts are present in the rear but only two adults will realistically fit. Legroom in the rear is adequate for a car of the 207's size. Decent door pockets and separate oddment bins in the front make up in part for the tiny glovebox and the boot is of a useable if not overly generous size. Folding rear seats offer more space.

Controls and display

The Peugeot 207 Economique scores highly for its usability. One-touch lane-change indicator stalks are a new addition and the black face dials (the Economique+ gets white dials) are easily read. Steering is neatly weighted and the gear change precise. Manual stalks are present for the door mirror adjustment. The only criticism: small and fiddly controls for the stereo system.

Comfort

Offering a cosy and comfortable feel inside, the Economique's equipment level may be relatively basic but still manages to cover the necessary bases. Air-con and electric door mirrors are the most noticeable absentees, but the comfortable seats, electric windows and fully adjustable steering column means the driver in particular feels at ease behind the wheel.

Car security

Remote control central locking with deadlocks and an engine immobiliser are standard equipment but an alarm is not present. Door locks can be push-button activated from inside the car for additional security.

Car safety

Driver and passenger front and side airbags are standard along with five three-point seatbelts. Electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency braking assistance also boost safety on the move. Competent and responsive handling is also a safety bonus.

Driver appeal

The Peugeot 207 Economique makes excellent use of its 90bhp diesel unit to offer on-road performance that belies its low emitting status. Long gearing means it is a capable motorway cruiser although there is some road and wind noise at speed. The higher final drive ratio does make the jump between lower gears slightly more awkward around town. Ride quality is very good and the lower ride height firms up the suspension a little complimenting the direct steering. The model feels agile and secure away from the motorway contributing to its all-round appeal. Obtrusive A-pillars limit visibility into corners, though.

Family car appeal

There's certainly potential for the 207 Economique to make a useable family car for those with small children. It will not stretch the family budget too far and is just practical and versatile enough to pass muster as a sole family vehicle. Those with very young children may find the three-door format a little restrictive for using child seats in the rear.

First car appeal

Young drivers and first-time car buyers would do well to consider the Peugeot 207 Economique. Its combination of driveability and low running costs make it perfect for an inexperienced driver on a budget and it is practical and stylish, too.

Quality and image

Contemporary styling is improved further with the LED rear light additions meaning the 207 Economique retains plenty of street chic despite boasting a now familiar shape. Build quality is sound, with the interior and exterior both featuring an impressive level of fit and finish and no discernible squeaks or rattles over rough surfaces.

Accessibility

The Economique model sits 5mm lower than the standard 207 range but this has little effect on the model's accessibility. The three-door form means access to the rear requires a front seat to be moved forward but the portal is sufficient for most frames to slip easily into the back seats. The longer doors of the three-door model require a little more space to be opened fully and the positioning of the handle at the leading edge of the door is not the greatest piece of ergonomics.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

Standard equipment is a single slot CD player and radio, a basic but competent system that does a decent job. An upgraded system features a USB connection with a vehicle control interface for a music device. The Bluetooth enabled upgrade also allows streaming of music from a Bluetooth device as well as phone paring. The Economique+ model can also be specified with sat-nav.

Colours and trim

Colour choices for the Peugeot 207 Economique are simple but attractive. Bianca white, Thorium grey or Inari blue are the options available and all suit the model's compact frame well. Alloy wheels are not available on the lowest emitting 207 model; 15-inch steel wheels with neatly styled aero hubcaps are standard fit instead. Trim is basic but attractive. Silver bezels for the dials liven up the dark interior and a patterned effect for the upper portion of the dashboard plastics is a welcome touch. A subtle aero pack is present on the exterior along with black mouldings for the Economique model.

Parking

Rear shoulder visibility is a little restricted by sizable C-pillars but the compact form of the 207 combined with a tight turning circle makes light work of parking manoeuvres. Parking sensors are not part of the specification but should not be missed.

Spare wheel

Emergency tyre sealant and compressor kit fitted as standard.

Range information

Petrol engine options - 1.4-litre (75bhp); 1.4-litre (95bhp); 1.6-litre (120bhp); 1.6-litre (175bhp). Diesel engine options - 1.4-litre (68bhp); 1.6-litre (90bhp); 1.6-litre (110bhp). Transmission options: five-speed manual gearbox, four-speed automatic gearbox, five-speed 2-Tronic automated manual gearbox. Trim levels: Urban, S, Economique, Economique+, Verve, Sport, GTi.

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