Peugeot South Africa has announced a revised and realigned 207 hatchback range for the local market. The new line-up will focus on affordability, value and contemporary style, and will mark the return of the highly popular Pop Art nameplate.
The five-strong line-up will include two sub-R150 000 207 Pop Art models, while the new, aspirational Sportium derivatives will be introduced as the flagships of the 207 family. The 207 Active remains as a midrange offering between these two nameplates.
“There is no doubt that the buying down trend is gathering momentum in the SA vehicle market,” says Jean-Francois Bacos, managing director of Peugeot SA. “For that reason, the B-segment hatchback category is arguably one of the most closely contested sectors in an already highly competitive market.”
Bacos adds that the 207 has already earned an enviable reputation for quality, reliability and value. “However, it’s clear that the significant new model activity in the segment has overshadowed our contender. Revising and realigning the model offering in the 207 should address this.”
Perhaps the most important aspect of the new 207 range is the reintroduction of the Pop Art nameplate. The Pop Art badge was last featured on the previous-generation 206, and made an instant impression, thanks to its combination of keen pricing and high value.
The 207 Pop Art is expected to emulate that success with a package that will be on offer from as little as R142 900. The new entry-level model features a 1.4-litre 16-valve engine credited with 54kW of maximum power, and a torque peak of 118Nm.
The advanced unit combines ample urge with excellent fuel economy and proven reliability, making it an ideal companion for the entry-level 207.
Exterior features include front fog lights, colour-coded door handles and side strips, chrome-finished top side strips, and Pop Art badges on each side.
Standard equipment is anything but entry level, and includes niceties such as electric front windows, air-conditioning, a CD receiver with MP3 capability, and central locking. Dual front airbags, as well as ABS brakes with EBD and EBA, are also included.
The 207 Pop Art can be ordered with or without a service plan.
For those seeking an even smarter and more powerful 207 derivative, the new 207 Active offers a satisfying mix of performance, style and value. Its uprated 1.4-litre power unit is credited with 70kW and 136Nm, still delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.
The boost in performance is accompanied by an extended array of standard features. These include rear electric windows, cruise control and a trip computer. The Active also features a different front bumper, chromed top side strips, and 15-inch alloy wheels.
However, the new pinnacle of the 207 range is the Sportium – and as the nametag suggests, it places particular emphasis on dynamic appeal, in both visual and performance terms.
The Sportium is offered with a choice of 1.6-litre petrol and 16 HDi turbodiesel engines. The former produces 88kW of maximum power and 160 Nm of torque, while the HDi has 82kW and a crunching 270Nm on tap.
In line with its top-end status, the equipment levels are full house, both inside and out, and include 16-inch alloy wheels, an aluminium pedal set, aluminium door sill protectors and the Sportium nomenclature.
Pricing
The new 207 range goes on sale in June. Pricing is as follows:
207 Pop Art (R142 900 - without Service Plan)
207 Pop Art (R148 900)
207 Active (R169 000)
207 Sportium (R193 900)
207 Sportium HDi (R213 900)
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