Clever interior packaging and improved dynamics make the 207 SW a capable family car

What is it?

The station wagon evolution of the 207 hatchback. Other than the obvious addition of an estate-style rear end and bigger load bay, you also get a panoramic roof as standard and plenty more space for front and rear passengers.

There are four engines available from launch, including a 90bhp or 110bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine, plus two petrol engines in 1.4 or 1.6-litre capacity.

What's it like?

It may seem unlikely that the 207 SW should be an improvement over the hatchback, but Peugeot has made some significant changes since the launch of the 207.

The most noticeable of these is the steering which, according to Peugeot, has had a "slight software revision". The vague, over-light electronic steering of the standard hatchback has been given better weighting, offering more control at high speed without losing the ease of use for parking and city driving.

We drove the 1.6 VTi Sport, which offers enough power from its 120bhp to make the car enjoyable to drive although the 1227kg kerb weight has the engine struggling for any real pace. In truth, the ponderous gear change hinders the 207 far more than any power-to-weight deficit.

Rear passenger space is also much improved over that in the hatchback. The rear bench is raised 20mm and moved back 15mm, and the panoramic glass roof – standard on the 207 SW – gives more headroom.

Access to the load bay is good, with a respectable 325 litres of space with all the seats up, and 1410 with the split rear bench folded, an action which is made easier by the seat base automatically sliding forwards, allowing the whole seat to fold flat at the press of a button.

Other convenient aspects include a rear windscreen that opens independently of the bootlid and a parcel shelf that folds in three places, allowing access to the boot space from the tailgate glass or the rear seats.

Should I buy one?

Yes, if you want a cheap and cheerful small estate, that offers a spacious interior and compact size. There may be plenty of cheap materials in evidence, but the various clever details give a sense of quality, and as a well-priced, well-equipped small estate, the 207 SW will make sense to a lot of families for a number of very good reasons.

 

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