Mirage77

By Christopher Tan - May 19, 2007
The Straits Times


THE correlation between brains and blondes (or the lack of) is probably best explored in sports bars – venues where brains and brawn meld. But let’s make an exception here and discuss the topic openly in this respectable mainstream newspaper.

Only, let’s relate the whole form and substance discourse to cars. Peugeot, as you might have noticed, has been making knock-out cars in recent years. Its 206 hatch was especially well conceived.

But it was somewhat insipid on the go. Slow and hollow come to mind when you get behind the wheel of one that has seen as little as 20,000km of use. Another word might be unrefined. To use an automotive analogy, it was seldom the brightest sparkplug in the box.

So what would you expect of its successor, the 207 which, as it turns out, is another pretty face?

Actually, the new car is better than you think. It is reasonably well put together and quite good to drive.

The rev-loving car has a 1.6-litre high-compression engine which is also used in the new Mini. Mated to a four-speed autobox, it gives the car the characteristics of a coiled spring.

It performs best at 3,500rpm and above, where throttle response becomes almost synaptic, and the car is able to hold its own against bigger machines. The compactness of the 207 as well as its structural rigidity exploit the drivetrain’s sporty nature to the hilt. Driven around twistier stretches, the Pug displays admirable conciseness and verve.

But low-range performance lacks lustre sometimes. Also, it is a bit reluctant to kick down, making take-offs from standstill somewhat unpredictable. And it sometimes appears to be stuck in fourth gear when cruising – wait a minute, it has only four gears.

Despite its diminutive stature, the 207 will accommodate four adults comfortably. Storage space is not sufficient for long trips, but is acceptable for a hatchback its size.

The cockpit is a showcase of synthetic materials and just about escapes being cheap and mundane. Switchgears click with unmitigated hardness, reminiscent of controls in a Porsche.

The steering fits snugly in your hands and directs the car with unflappable if unfeeling authority.

Last but not least, the 207 is possibly the prettiest car in its class, although the verdict is open to further debate.

Its Mercedes SLK-inspired bonnet lip, its brassy lion emblem and its overall chicness set it apart from traffic. The only blemishes are its awkwardly angled wing mirrors.

Compared with its predecessor, the car is definitely more refined. Compared with something like the Volkswagen Polo, whose dimensions it matches closely, the 207 has more things going for it than against.

It drives better, it is quicker and it is subjectively more of a beauty than the 1.4-litre German model. It also has a higher safety score than the tough Polo, according to the European New Car Assessment Programme.

But it costs $6,000 more. Is the premium justified? It depends on your take on brains, brawn and beauty.

Price: $72,900 with COE
Engine: 1,598cc 16-valve inline-4
Transmission: Four-speed automatic with quick shift
Power: 120hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 160Nm at 4,250rpm
0-100kmh: 12.7 seconds
Top speed: 195kmh
Fuel consumption: 9.8litres/100km (city)
Agent: Auto France